NOTICE TO THE BAR

FROM THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY COURT OF COMMON PLEAS

RE:    DETENTION/GAGNON HEARING OFFICER PROGRAM

Effective July 5, 2023, the Court will commence a new Detention/Gagnon Hearing Officer Program.  The purpose of this Program is to provide an expedited detention hearing for individuals detained by the Court post-sentence, and to provide an expedited Gagnon hearing process.  The Hearing Officer will conduct record detention hearings, Gagnon I hearings and uncontested Gagnon II hearings.  Hearings will be conducted daily at the Montgomery County Correctional Facility courtroom.  The Hearing Officer will make recommendations to the Court for disposition of said matters.  Contested Gagnon II hearings will continue to be heard by a Judge.  

The Court has appointed two former Magisterial District Judges as Hearing Officers – the Hon. Walt Gadzicki and the Hon. Frank Bernhardt.  

Thank you.      

Michael R. Kehs, Esq.
District Court Administrator