Areas Served

We Proudly Represent Southeast Pennsylvania

As a former Chester County Assistant District Attorney, Michael J. Skinner, knows what you are dealing with and provides genuine legal solutions for people across Southeast Pennsylvania.

Chester County Defense Attorney

• West Chester
• West Goshen
• East Bradford
• New Garden
• Coatesville
• Honey Brook
• Oxford
• Kennett Square
• Exton
• Downingtown
• Phoenixville
• Coatesville
• Parkesburg
• Elk
• Coventry
• West Fallowfield
• Marlborough
• Modena
• Uwchlan
• London Grove
• Avondale
• West Grove
• Malvern 

 While based in Chester County, attorney Skinner also assists people charged in:

Delaware County

• Media
• Springfield
• Chadds Ford

Lancaster County

• Lancaster City
• Ephrata
• Gap

Montgomery County

• Norristown
• Pottstown
• Lansdale

The Cases We Take

Skinner Law Firm handles a variety of criminal cases for clients from all walks of life. If you are facing misdemeanor or felony charges like those below, you should consider legal advice from a qualified attorney.

• DUI
• Drug Crimes
• Marijuana Charges
• Sexual Offenses
• Weapons and Firearm Charges
• Property Offenses
• Assault
• Domestic Violence
• Violent Crimes
• Theft
• Shoplifting
• Federal Crimes
• Juvenile Matters
• White Collar Crimes
• Traffic Violations
• Expungements
• Probation Violations
• Preliminary Hearings

Penalties for Felony and Misdemeanors in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania courts punish convicted offenders according to the severity of the charges, the details involved, your past record, and other relevant information. Penalties might include:

• Fines. Expect to pay a fine if you are convicted of a crime with amounts increasing based on the seriousness of the offense.
• Community Service. Judges might sentence you to several hours of community service in lieu of jail time, especially if your criminal history is clean.
• Probation. If a judge orders probation, you cannot commit any crimes during the specified period, and you may face out of state travel restrictions.
• Prison/Jail Time. Imprisonment might range from days to life in custody, with the most severe felonies resulting in decades or more of prison time. Lesser crimes may result in shorter sentences. Keep in mind that even short stints in county jail might result in life-changing consequences like family issues, a damaged reputation, and struggles finding employment.
• Death. Pennsylvania imposes the death penalty in the most egregious cases; fortunately, the state has only executed three prisoners since 1976.

If you are like the people charged with these crimes, you might feel helpless and unsure about your next steps. Guilty or not guilty of the crime, the Constitution and Pennsylvania law affords you certain rights during the judicial process. Protect your rights by hiring a skilled criminal defense attorney who will fight to get the best possible outcome for your situation.

Resources for Those Facing Charges in PA

Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Visit the PACDL website to learn more about this non-profit organization of private attorneys and public defenders who defend those charge with a felony or misdemeanor offense in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. As an affiliate of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL), judges and prosecutors are not eligible to join the organization. Members receive access to digital publications and the listserv, a certificate of membership, discounts on seminar fees, the PACDL handbook, and networking opportunities with many of the top criminal defense attorneys in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Find more information on PACDL.

Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
115 State Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101

The Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania

As the highest court in the Commonwealth and the oldest appellate court in the nation, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court makes final interpretations of state law. Over 2,500 criminal cases are received by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court each year. While not all are heard in court, the court has the discretion to take up other cases that they deem important to the public.

Commonwealth Court Chief Clerk’s Office
Pennsylvania Judicial Center
601 Commonwealth Avenue, Suite 2100
P.O. Box 69185
Harrisburg, PA 17106-9185

Pennsylvania State Police

The Pennsylvania State Police was created in 1905 and is the oldest uniformed police organization of its kind in the United States. This law enforcement agency is responsible for criminal investigation and support services, as well as traffic enforcement and other safety services.

Pennsylvania State Police Department Headquarters (non-emergency)
1800 Elmerton Ave.
Harrisburg, PA 17110
(717) 783-5599

Pennsylvania Code

This online database contains reference material for Pennsylvania’s state statutes. The website contains changes effective through 41 Pa.B. 322 January 8, 2011.

Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Traffic Laws

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has compiled various administrative and criminal codes relating to state traffic laws. This includes DUI law, motor carrier safety improvement regulations, and general vehicle law.

Pennsylvania Court of Common Pleas

In Pennsylvania, the Courts of Common Pleas are organized into 60 judicial districts and act as the primary trial courts. Major civil and criminal cases are heard in these courts.

Court of Common Pleas of Chester County

Located in West Chester, Pennsylvania, the Court of Common Pleas of Chester County hears a wide spectrum of cases, including adult and juvenile criminal prosecutions, lawsuits involving money, property, divorce, custody disputes, child support issues, adoptions, and estates. The court also supervises adult and juvenile probation, domestic relations, and bail.

Court of Common Pleas of Chester County

313 West Market Street
West Chester, PA 19380
610-344-6000

Pennsylvania District Courts

District Court is a lower-tiered Court.  Magisterial district court judges handle limited matters, including summary trials for summary offenses, traffic trials and preliminary hearings for misdemeanor and felony cases. In most criminal cases, this is where you will appear for your first hearing called a preliminary hearing. From there, cases that are held for trial will move to the Court of Common Pleas of Chester County, located in West Chester.

Chester County District Courts:

District Justice Administration
Vicky Bartholomew, Minor Judiciary Administrator
Justice Center
201 West Market Street, Suite 4100
West Chester, PA 19380
Phone: 610-344-6173

Contact Attorney Skinner for a Free Consultation

If you are dealing with a criminal matter in any of these courts, or anywhere in Pennsylvania, reach out to the Skinner Law Firm today. Attorney Michael Skinner is an experienced trial veteran, and as a member of the Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (PACDL), his perspective on both prosecution and defense techniques may prove a great asset in your case. He makes it a priority to inform clients about the charges they face and the benefits of each legal option.

To begin discussing your case, call (610) 436-1410 for a free consultation with an experienced, local criminal defense attorney.