Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Pennsylvania

I do not understand your question. Are you talking about civil law or a criminal offense? For civil cases, you have 20 days to answer after you receive a summons. You need not file an answer or even show up (it depends on what is being asked for), but if you do not answer a judgment may be entered against you. If you are the complainant and the other party does not show up, then you can ask for a default judgment against the defendant, depending on if it is warranted by the facts of the case.

For a criminal case, unless you get the matter continued, you have to show up. If you don't, a bench warrant will be entered for you and you will be arrested. Charges are not just dismissed if you fail to appear. Or are you a victim?

I cannot give a more specific answer without more facts.