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610-436-1410West Chester
Parents often want their children to face the consequences of making a mistake. Still, some situations call for an aggressive defense. A juvenile criminal offense can have harsh and long-lasting effects. If criminal allegations are involved, it is always in your child’s best interest to have an experienced juvenile lawyer on their side.
West Chester criminal defense lawyer Michael J. Skinner is ready to help your son or daughter who was arrested on a juvenile offense in areas around Chester County, including:
At Skinner Law Firm, we know the importance of defending your children and keeping them with you. Let us fight for the best possible outcome. We pursue options to spare them from the harsh penalties of being labeled juvenile offenders.
Get a free consultation today to learn how West Chester juvenile defense attorney Skinner can protect your child. Call 610-436-1410 or use our quick contact form.
Here are the answers to some of the most common questions parents like you have about juvenile crime in West Chester. If you have further questions, contact our office to talk to a professional about the details of your child’s arrest and charges. Your first consultation is free and always confidential.
Your child’s conviction for a juvenile crime could be expunged. An expungement is not automatic, and your child must be at least 18 years old to qualify. There are other qualifications. Juveniles convicted of adult crimes are not eligible for expungement in West Chester.
Juvenile detention is certainly a possibility if your child is found guilty of a crime. However, the state of Pennsylvania focuses on rehabilitation for juveniles. An experienced juvenile defense lawyer may help your child avoid detention and remain at home.
Under Pennsylvania law, expulsion is removal from public school for more than ten days. Your child could face expulsion as a result of a juvenile conviction, particularly a violent crime conviction. Schools are obligated to protect students from harm.
However, your child also has the right to an education. The school district must offer alternatives to in-person instruction.
As an accomplished defense attorney and former Chester County prosecutor, Michael J. Skinner is highly experienced and knowledgeable for many juvenile offenses in Pennsylvania.
Technically, there are no juvenile offenses. However, penalties for juveniles are typically less harsh than those indicated for adults who commit the same crime.
Here are some of the more common juvenile crimes in West Chester.
It is illegal to consume, buy, or sell alcohol for people under 21. Still, teens find a way to obtain alcohol, either with a fake ID or through an older friend. Juveniles arrested for drunk driving face DUI charges despite being underage.
Many people wrongly assume that an order of adjudication is not very serious. All criminal charges are serious, particularly those that threaten your child’s future.
In today’s climate, being under 18 does not necessarily protect you from being charged as an adult for a sexual offense. These cases require immediate and experienced attention from a capable attorney.
Not every prank is innocent. Defacing or destroying someone else’s property can result in severe penalties, ranging from a summary offense to a felony charge.
Regardless of age, the possession, sale, and manufacture of controlled substances is illegal in Pennsylvania. Penalties for a juvenile vary but might include possible time in custody, probation, substance abuse treatment, and a mark on your criminal record.
A professional non-profit dedicated to the improvement of the criminal defense bar, and to providing valuable information to the public about drunk driving laws. Members of the NCDD are considered the most experienced DUI defense attorneys in the United States and Canada.
The preeminent organization in the United States. NACDL serves as a leader in identifying and reforming flaws in the criminal justice system, and addressing systemic racism, and ensuring that the criminal defense bar is fully equipped to serve all accused persons at the highest level.
PACDL is the premier network of the best defense attorneys in PA with a mission to educate, advocate, and inspire by providing support for criminal defense lawyers, promoting effective competence, leveling the playing field, and protecting freedoms.
The Pennsylvania Bar Association promotes and protects the legal profession, the rights of Pennsylvania citizens and access to justice for all. Membership is open to any lawyer in good standing who is licensed by the Bar of Pennsylvania.
The American Bar Association is one of the world’s largest voluntary professional organizations, with over 400,000 members and more than 3,500 entities. Their mission is to serve its members, the legal profession, and the public by defending liberty and delivering justice as the national representative of the legal profession.
The CCBA promotes professionalism, inclusion, and collegiality within the Chester County legal profession, and enhances the quality of life of its members and the practice of law within the community.
The NORML Legal Committee (NLC) is composed of attorneys committed to the overall goals of NORML. NLC attorneys meet each year to discuss emerging legal issues related to defense of marijuana consumers and to support each other in the pursuit of justice.
The American Institute’s Criminal Law Division is an impartial third-party rating service recognizing the excellence of fellow practitioners. To help clients across the United States make educated decisions, we compile an exclusive list of the “10 Best” Attorneys for each State. Our “10 Best” is a prestigious honor extended only to those who have reached the top of their profession while doing so with the client’s satisfaction being of paramount importance.
The American Institute’s DUI/DWI Division recognizes the excellence of practitioners in the field of DUI/DWI defense. We compile an exclusive list of the “10 Best” Attorneys for each State for potential clients to utilize. We look for Attorneys that have achieved unparalleled success but most importantly have done so for the benefit of their client. Very few Attorneys can do so and our organization recognizes this significant achievement.
Attorney Michael Skinner has been consistently recognized as among the best lawyers in Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery counties. Attorneys are nominated via peer balloting, then vetted through our editorial process in various fields of practice.
The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100 is an invitation-only organization composed of the premier trial lawyers from each state. Membership is extended only to the most qualified attorneys who demonstrate superior qualifications of leadership, reputation, influence, stature and public profile. Each of our distinguished members possesses the knowledge, skill, experience, and success held by only the best and finest lawyers in America.
The Super Lawyers list recognizes no more than 5 percent of attorneys in each state. The Rising Stars further distinguishes no more than 2.5 percent of attorneys, and to be eligible, a Rising Stars candidate must be either 40 years old or younger, or in practice for 10 years or less who have attained a high-degree of peer recognition and professional achievement.
If convicted of a criminal offense in West Chester, your child could potentially face severe repercussions to their future educational and career opportunities. There are also penalties for children who violate a juvenile diversion program’s requirements, such as:
Pennsylvania has separate systems for juveniles charged with crimes. Suppose a child under 18 commits an offense. In this instance, their case will likely be adjudicated or decided by a judge within the juvenile court system.
In most cases, a delinquent child in Pennsylvania is ten years or older whom the court has adjudicated guilty of a delinquent act and needs treatment, supervision, or rehabilitation. However, in some criminal cases, a juvenile can be transferred to an adult court.
Typical juvenile proceedings in Pennsylvania follow this process:
A juvenile can appeal the court’s decision after the final disposition by filing with the Superior Court of Pennsylvania within 30 days of the final disposition hearing. It is important to remember that a juvenile still has the right to an attorney throughout the juvenile court process.
Michael Skinner and his staff made me completely comfortable and confident
5
07-11-2019
Jason
I was nervous regarding my situation, but after a brief conversation describing my charges and the delicacy of my situation, Michael assured me he could easily handle this case.
5
11-23-2019
Dan
Michael was able to give me clear guidance on my legal options and explained each step of the process.
5
11-15-2019
Moh Nica
His diligence and professionalism are unmatched making it a pleasure to have been a client.
5
12-19-2018
Dalton
Going above and beyond for their clients is an understatement.
5
12-20-2018
James
He was very negotiable and understanding of my circumstances.
5
11-14-2018
Sahmere
He was extremely helpful and knowledgeable.
5
06-14-2018
Kelly
I am thankful I found and chose Michael Skinner.
5
05-17-2019
B.H.
He is very nice and will work with to help get you the best possible outcome.
5
07-08-2018
Katie
Michael Skinner EXPERTLY handled a very sensitive case.
5
12-10-2018
Matt
Michael and Nichole made me feel comfortable as you truly feel that you are discussing your problem with friends.
5
11-15-2018
John
I went to Skinner after researching all the law firms in the area and without a doubt would go to him for everything.
5
05-15-2019
Jordan
Mr Skinner always kept us updated about the case and was prompt with his responses.
5
12-13-2018
Robert
His calm presence is also very reassuring for his clients. Highly recommend choosing him.
5
05-21-2019
Kevin
If you work with him, he will get you what you want/deserve.
5
06-13-2018
John K.
He is very professional and understanding of each person’s needs.
5
05-19-2019
Gary
He is very informative and knowledgeable. I had no trouble contacting him to answer questions or give me advice.
5
11-29-2019
Miles
Michael Skinner is an excellent lawyer that knows your rights, and he will indeed fight for you.
5
12-04-2018
Jamal
Extensive experience with defending DUI’s and I saw this confidence in the courtroom.
5
12-17-2018
Anne
Mike’s attention to detail and professionalism put my mind at ease.
5
09-10-2019
Mike
I would highly recommend him to anyone facing charges or violations in Chester County.
5
08-16-2019
Dylan
He took me through everything step by step and charged me a fair price for his service.
5
11-26-2019
Mckenzie
I was a little nervous about everything and just 5 minutes of talking with Mike, I felt at ease.
5
12-18-2018
Garry W.
A top-notch attorney in West Chester.
5
10-10-2019
Emily
I don’t think it is possible for a better outcome than what was achieved by Michael J Skinner.
5
12-14-2017
Keith
Anyone faced with a DUI charge needs Mike Skinner.
5
12-17-2018
T McGov
He was able to get me a lesser sentence and always treated me with respect throughout.
5
12-08-2019
Ricky
From day one I felt comfortable with him and confident that he would help me get the best outcome available.
5
12-19-2018
Chesco
He was able to reduce my son’s sentence from a potentially harsh fine, loss of driving privileges or even jail time, down to a few community service hours.
5
10-11-2018
T.F.
Mike Skinner resolved this case in the best way possible, and I am eternally grateful for his advice and counsel.
4
11-30-2019
Judy
Working with Mr. Skinner has been a pleasure.
5
12-19-2018
Jessel
Instead of having a criminal trial, the district attorney can offer deferred adjudication. The juvenile will have to agree to specific requirements and deadlines. If the child complies with the requirements, there will be no trial, criminal charges are withdrawn, and there will be no criminal record.
If both sides agree, a juvenile lawyer may file a consent decree. In the consent decree, the child will be kept under supervision in his home and meet requirements as set forth by the probation officer. A conviction may be expunged once all requirements are met within the required time.
Has your child been charged with a crime? These West Chester juvenile crime resources may be helpful for you and your family.
601 Commonwealth Ave., #9100
Harrisburg, PA 17106
717-787-6910
The JCJC was established in Pennsylvania to advise juvenile courts about proper care and maintenance, establish standards governing the juvenile courts, and compile statistics about delinquent juveniles in Pennsylvania.
1800 John F Kennedy Blvd.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
215-625-0551
The Pennsylvania branch of this national nonprofit seeks to advance and protect the rights and well-being of children who have committed juvenile offenses in Pennsylvania.
313 West Market St.
West Chester, PA 19380
610-344-6000
Chester County Juvenile Probation Department develops balanced and restorative plans that involve juveniles’ families, victims, and community to ensure accountability and develop valued skills.
50 N. Duke St.
Lancaster, PA 17602
717-299-8161
Provides balanced attention to protect the community and develop competencies so that children can become responsible and productive members of the community.
530 Port Indian Rd.
Eagleville, PA 19403
610-630-2252
The Montgomery County Juvenile Justice System is dedicated to ensuring that juvenile offenders are held accountable and develop the competencies to become positive members of society.
201 West Front St.
Media, PA 19063
610-891-4000
Addresses juvenile crime, promotes victim restoration, and strives for the positive development of the youth, families, and communities served and protected by the court.
Don’t let a youthful mistake or lapse in judgment negatively impact your child for the rest of their life. Entering the criminal justice system at a young age is a slippery slope. The trappings of being labeled a juvenile delinquent are challenging to overcome. The Skinner Law Firm should be your first call if your child runs into legal trouble.
Let us find possible defenses or mitigating factors to help your child avoid a permanent criminal record. Contact us at 610-436-1410 today for a free, initial consultation. Or fill out our quick contact form, and we’ll contact you to find out more about your child’s juvenile charges.