Being a district judge is about more than punishing people. It’s about helping people, Magisterial District Judge Roxanne Eichler told members of the Allegheny East Business Network recently.
Judge Eichler is the district judge for North Versailles, East McKeesport, Wilmerding, Wall, and the Allegheny County portion of Trafford.
During her talk, she described a number of programs designed to rehabilitate, hold defendants accountable and prevent repeat arrests. She told several stories of people who successfully completed counseling and community services programs.
The district court in North Versailles is busy. In 2024, the court handed 2,171 traffic cases; 796 non-traffic cases such as criminal cases, truancy, municipal code violations; 548 misdemeanor and felony criminal preliminary hearings; and 355 landlord-tenant disputes.
But Judge Eichler talked most enthusiastically about the restorative programs at her disposal to help defendants. She regularly has an Allegheny County social worker in her courtroom. She can place people into drug, alcohol and mental health programs and programs for veterans. She can even refer people to job training programs and community service opportunities.
Finally, Judge Eichler reminded the group about a new Pennsylvania law that prohibits holding a cell phone while driving. Here’s a fact sheet about the new law, which took effect June 5, 2025.
The Allegheny East Business Network will hold its next meeting Sept. 10.