Honey Brook Criminal Defense & DUI Lawyer

Our Promise to Every Client

Even if you have been accused of a crime, that does not automatically mean you are a criminal. Our Chester County criminal defense attorneys promise to protect everything you have earned and built over the years, including your reputation and your future.

Let a Honey Brook criminal attorney help you fight for the justice you deserve. We can review your case, examine your options, and work to ensure that your life is not ruined by one mistake or legal misunderstanding.

A Honey Brook Criminal Defense Attorney for You

Michael J. Skinner is a former Assistant District Attorney in Chester County. He started his law firm to fight for people like you, and has earned a reputation as an accomplished criminal defense attorney. Attorney Skinner’s experience and former career grant him unique insight into how the prosecutor’s office approaches cases like yours, making him a huge resource for people facing criminal charges in the Honey Brook area.

Our Criminal Defense Services in Honey Brook, PA

At Skinner Law Firm, we offer comprehensive legal services for anyone facing criminal charges around Honey Brook. Our attorneys’ knowledge of Pennsylvania’s justice system and the criminal process is invaluable to our clients.

We defend cases involving:

Driving Under the Influence

A charge involving driving while impaired can carry significant penalties like jail time, license suspensions, and hefty fines. An experienced DUI attorney can help you defend yourself by finding flaws in the prosecution’s case and crafting a defense to potentially prevent a conviction.

Drug Crimes

Drug charges, like trafficking, manufacturing, or using drugs, might lead to prison sentences and other lasting consequences. A drug defense lawyer can help you move your case towards dismissal, a reduction in charges, or enrollment in a diversion program to aid recovery.

Weapons & Firearms Charges

Pennsylvania law protects your right to own firearms and weapons, but the regulations are strict. Being convicted for a weapons-related charge could mean time in jail and the loss of your firearm rights. It’s critical to have knowledgeable legal assistance from a gun charge defense lawyer.

Violent Crimes

Violent crimes, like assault, domestic disputes, or more serious offenses, can have significant consequences. A violent crimes defense lawyer in Honey Brook can work on fighting your charges to get them lessened, dropped, or dismissed.

Property Crimes

Property crimes, such as arson, burglary, or trespass, can carry significant penalties. Minor infractions could lead to serious consequences, and a property crime defense lawyer in Honey Brook can help protect your future by fighting for your freedom.

Theft Charges

Being accused of theft can damage your reputation and could lead to jail time. Allegations could range from shoplifting to extreme theft, like fraud. A Honey Brook, PA theft crime lawyer can seek to have charges dismissed, reduced, or explore alternatives like diversion programs.

Federal Charges

Federal charges usually involve crimes that cross state lines or involve federal property, like drug and financial crimes. If convicted, there are strict sentencing requirements. 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 help guide you through the criminal process, from your arraignment to the final sentencing. We are here to serve the Honey Brook area.

The Pennsylvania Criminal Justice Process

• Preliminary Arraignment: After your arrest, you’ll appear before a judge. They will explain your rights, read the complaint, set bail, and schedule a preliminary hearing. If you receive a summons by mail, the arraignment and hearing occur together.
• Preliminary Hearing: In district court, the prosecutor presents evidence to the court suggesting a crime occurred and you were involved. The burden of proof is lower here than at trial. If they cannot meet that burden, some or all charges may be dismissed.
• Formal Arraignment: Charges are formally presented in a document called the “Information.” You’ll enter a plea of “guilty” or “not guilty.” If you plead guilty, your case ends and you move to sentencing.
• Pre-Trial Motions: During discovery, your defense reviews evidence from the prosecutor, including reports and statements. Pre-trial motions may 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 meet to discuss case readiness, possible settlements, or plea options. If your case remains unresolved, the 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 a Honey Brook criminal defense attorney.

Magisterial Court — District Court 15-3-06

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 J. Timothy Arndt III
4824 Horseshoe Pike
Honey Brook, PA 19344

Phone: 610-455-1110

This court serves the boroughs of Elverson and Honey Brook, the townships of West Brandywine, Honey Brook, Sadsbury, West Caln, Wallace, and West Nantmeal.

The criminal proceedings are held on Monday.

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 Honey Brook 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 facing criminal accusations, your whole future is on the line. Remember, you are innocent until proven guilty, and you can fight for your freedom by getting your charges reduced or dismissed outright. The right Honey Brook criminal defense attorney will benefit your case, and that means coming to the Skinner Law Firm.

Experience and knowledge of Pennsylvania criminal laws matter, and it takes an experienced Chester County attorney who believes in you and is ready to fight for your future to really create your case. You need to find a Honey Brook criminal defense attorney who makes you his priority.

That attorney is Mike Skinner. His offices knows how challenging criminal charges can be to face alone. Hiring a Chester County criminal attorney is an investment, one that protects your life and your freedom. We will listen to your story and guide you to a solution that secures your future.