Criminal & DUI Defense Lawyer

Our Promise to Every Client

When you’ve been charged with a crime, you still have the right to defend yourself. You do not have to accept that a conviction is inevitable. Our Chester County criminal defense attorneys promise to protect everything you have built and worked tirelessly to earn.

Criminal charges are built on evidence. An Exton criminal attorney can review your case, check what evidence the prosecutor has, inform you of your options, and guide you through the criminal process to help you get justice. We will not let one mistake or misunderstanding define your life forever, not without a fight.

An Exton Criminal Defense Attorney for You

Michael J. Skinner was an Assistant District Attorney in Chester County. His work as a prosecutor gives him a unique perspective into how that office will pursue your criminal charges. Attorney Skinner’s experience allows him to build a robust and comprehensive defense for any Exton residents.

Our Criminal Defense Services in Exton, PA

At Skinner Law Firm, we offer thorough legal services for anyone accused of crimes in the Exton area. Our attorneys’ knowledge of Pennsylvania’s justice system and their experience in dealing with the  criminal process is invaluable to our clients.

We defend cases involving:

Driving Under the Influence

A DUI conviction can bring about serious penalties, like time behind bars, lost licenses, and steep fines. An experienced DUI attorney may identify flaws in the prosecution’s case, build a defense to potentially prevent a conviction, or help you plea your charges down to avoid the worst of the consequences.

Drug Crimes

Drug-related charges, like possession, manufacturing, or distribution, can lead to prison sentences and other lasting consequences. A drug defense lawyer can help you work toward dismissing your case, reducing your charges, or enrolling in a diversion program in an effort to become rehabilitated.

Weapons & Firearms Charges

Although Pennsylvania law supports the right to own firearms, laws regulating weapons must be obeyed. These regulations and laws are very strict, which means facing weapon-related charges can mean jail and the loss of firearm rights. You need to work with a a gun charge defense lawyer to protect your freedom and future.

Violent Crimes

Violent crime charges, like domestic disputes, assault, or even murder, can have significant consequences if you are convicted. A violent crimes defense lawyer in Exton can work on reducing, dropping, or dismissing exaggerated or baseless charges.

Property Crimes

Property crimes in Exton can carry steep penalties. Convictions for acts like arson, burglary, trespassing, or vandalism could put you behind bars, cost you fines, or ruin your reputation. Minor incidents can be treated just as seriously as heftier acts of destruction. A property crime defense lawyer in Exton can help protect your future.

Theft Charges

Being accused of theft can damage your reputation or end with you going to jail. Charges range from shoplifting to larger issues, like fraud. An Exton, PA theft crime lawyer can seek to have charges dismissed or reduced. Some situations may be fixed with diversion programs.

Federal Charges

Most federal criminal cases involve offenses crossing state lines or criminal acts on federal property. These charges, like drug crimes or financial schemes, often carry strict sentences if you are convicted. A Pennsylvania federal defense attorney may challenge the case, minimize penalties, and potentially avoid trial.

Have You Been Accused of a Crime?

No matter the allegations you face, we can guide you through the criminal process, from your arraignment to the final sentencing. We are here to serve Chester County residents, including those in the  Exton area.

The Pennsylvania Criminal Justice Process

• Preliminary Arraignment: After you are arrested, you’ll appear before a judge. They will explain your rights, read the criminal complaint, set your bail, and schedule a preliminary hearing. If you receive a summons by mail, your arraignment and hearing will likely occur at the same time.
• Preliminary Hearing: In district court, the prosecutor will present evidence suggesting you committed a crime. Their burden of proof is lower here than at trial, so if not met, some or all charges may be dismissed.
• Formal Arraignment: Charges are formally presented in a document called the “Information.” This is when you will make a plea of either “guilty” or “not guilty.” If you decide to pursue a trial, you need to plead not guilty.
• Pre-Trial Motions: During the discovery phase, your defense attorney will review evidence from the prosecutor. They will look at  reports and statements from witnesses, law enforcement, and your own testimony. You lawyer may file pre-trial motions to challenge evidence, identify errors, or resolve legal issues, potentially affecting what evidence is allowed at trial or leading to a case dismissal.
• Status Conference: Your attorney, the judge, and prosecutor will meet to discuss case readiness and discuss possible settlements or plea options. If there are no agreements made at this conference, your case proceeds to trial.
• Trial: The Commonwealth must prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt. You may choose a jury trial or judge-only trial, where each side presents evidence, witnesses, and arguments.
• Entering a Guilty Plea: Plea bargaining may allow you to plead to a lesser charge, with more serious charges dropped, potentially leading to a more lenient sentence, like probation instead of jail.
• Sentencing: After a “Guilty” verdict or plea, sentencing follows Pennsylvania’s guidelines, considering factors like weapon use or lack of prior offenses.

Court Resources & Information

Knowing where you can find more information about the Chester County justice system is crucial. You will be able to do some research on your own or be better informed once you hire an Exton criminal defense attorney.

Magisterial Court — District Court 15-4-03

The magisterial court will be where your criminal proceedings begin after your arrest. You can check your summons for information about your preliminary arraignment and hearings, or coordinate with your defense attorney.

Judge Erin Bruno
748 Springdale Drive, Suite 110
Exton, PA 19341

Phone: 610-455-1140

This court serves East Whiteland Wards 1 & 2, West Whitland and the Exton borough. Criminal proceedings are held on Fridays.

Chester County Common Pleas Court

This is the general jurisdiction trial court in Chester County, located in West Chester. This court hears a wide range of legal cases, including adult and juvenile criminal prosecutions. This is where you will appear with your criminal defense attorney for your pre-trial motions, trial, and sentencing.

Ann Marie Wheatcraft, President Judge
201 West Market Street
West Chester, PA 19380

Phone: 610-344-6000

Assorted Court Resources

Chester County’s court page also offers more links to better connect you with the services within the Chester County justice system.

You can find more information about the courts, court staff, where to pay court fees, the legal library, and more.

Your Exton defense attorney can help you answer your questions, but these links can provide you with better insight into the criminal defense process.

Mike Skinner is On Your Side

When you are charged with a crime, you might feel like your future is at risk. But remember, you are innocent until proven guilty. You can work to get your charges dismissed or reduced with the help of the right Exton criminal defense attorney.

Experience and knowledge of Pennsylvania criminal laws are critical. It also takes an experienced Chester County attorney who believes in your story and is ready to fight for you. You need to find an Exton criminal defense attorney who makes you his priority.

That attorney is Mike Skinner. His team understands how much criminal charges can change your life. Hiring a Chester County criminal attorney is an investment, one that protects your life and everything you have built so far. Our team will listen to your story and guide you to a solution that secures your future.