Sharpsburg district judge to host workshops to help people in several situations

Sharpsburg District Judge Matthew Rudzki will host a few workshops designed to help people with their license plates and other legal issues.

The activities will take place at 1205 Main St.

A free license plate replacement event with constable Jason Knapp is set for 8 a.m to 4 p.m. April 14, and 3-7 p.m. April 27.

It is designed to help motorists with license plates that are blistering, peeling or illegible. PennDOT will replace the plates for free after they process the required paperwork.

“The license plate replacement events are useful for people who have illegible plates, which could lead to a traffic stop,” Rudzki said via email. “The state recognizes there are issues with a large batch of newer plates peeling and blistering, and as a result are offering free replacement plates to anyone who applies and has a law enforcement officer verify the plate is illegible.”

Knapp said he is looking forward to helping folks take advantage of the PennDOT opportunity.

“The license plate workshop is a convenient way for drivers to replace defective, standard Pennsylvania plates for free,” he said. “Drivers can swap their lemons with new plates and avoid a glaring reason to be stopped by police.

“The event also promotes a simple process. The MV-44 is a one-page form that any driver can complete, have verified by law enforcement, and mailed in to PennDOT.”

Landlord/tenant matters

Pennsylvanians for Modern Courts and Just Mediation Pittsburgh will host a presentation on landlord/tenant matters 5:30 p.m. May 1 at Rudzki’s court office.

The presentation, with Just Mediation engagement and intake specialist Amethy Weikel-Sandstrom, will outline the various duties and obligations of both landlords and tenants and how to seek recourse when their obligations are not met.

It will cover how a case gets to court, courtroom etiquette, documentation needed to support a legal position and more.

“Landlord-tenant cases comprise a sizable portion of my docket and are often the most contentious matters that come before a district judge because the loss of stable housing can result in a myriad of problems for a tenant,” Rudzki said. “Generally, both parties in a landlord-tenant matter are unrepresented by legal counsel. As a result, we are offering the workshop to educate landlords, tenants, and the public about the process and procedure of coming to court.”

More information about the landlord-tenant presentation is available at pmconline.org/events.

Fine and fee workshops

The judge also offers fine and fee workshops by appointment.

“The fine and fee workshops are for folks with outstanding court debt out of the district court,” Rudzki said. “Prior to March, state law only permitted district judges to reduce or waive fines and fees in exchange for community service or jail time.

“Now, pursuant to Act 163 of 2022, district judges can waive fines and fees if, after a payment determination hearing, a defendant is found to be unable to pay.

“This is important for a lot of reasons, but primarily because outstanding court costs can lead to driver’s license suspension or a warrant being issued, which can lead to a loss of employment or worse.”

Those scheduling a fine and fee workshop must bring proof of income such as tax returns or pay stubs, or proof of benefits such as Housing Choice Voucher Program or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

Call 412-784-8555 or email 05-2-04@alleghenycourts.us for more information.