Summary Trials in Bucks County: Appeal Rights

A notice of appeal must be filed within 30 days of sentencing of a summary offense.  

A person who pled guilty for their Summary Case may file an appeal for a trial de novo following the entry of the guilty plea.  Essentially, in a trial de novo trial de novo, the Bucks County Judge in the Court of Common Pleas will hear the case without a jury.  The officer who observed the charges must appear and testify at the trial de novo, unless the defendant waives their presences.  Sometimes, however, the Bucks County trial judge can determine that good cause exists for the officer's absence and the matter may be continued.  

If a judge finds the defendant guilty, the judge must impose sentence in open court.