Criminal & DUI Defense Lawyer

Our Promise to Every Client

In the United States, everyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty. That means you are not a criminal until you are convicted. You have a right to defend yourself, your family, and your future against criminal charges. Our Chester County criminal defense attorneys promise to protect everything you have built and worked tirelessly to earn.

Let us help you fight to get the justice you deserve. A Kennett Square criminal attorney can review your case, discuss your options, and fight to ensure that your future is not defined by one legal mistake or misunderstanding.

A Kennett Square Criminal Defense Attorney for You

Michael J. Skinner is a former Assistant District Attorney in Chester County. He brings that experience and his skills to the courtroom as a criminal defense attorney, using his insight into the prosecution’s tactics to help you build a defense that gives you the chance to achieve the best outcome possible. He is an invaluable asset for anyone accused of a crime in the Kennett Square area.

Our Criminal Defense Services in Kennett Square, PA

At Skinner Law Firm, we offer broad legal services for anyone facing criminal charges around Kennett Square. Our attorneys’ knowledge of Pennsylvania’s justice system and the criminal process is a massive asset to our clients.

We defend cases involving:

Driving Under the Influence

Driving under the influence charges can bring down serious penalties, like jail time, losing your driver’s license, and steep fines. An experienced DUI attorney, however, may find a way to prevent a conviction, like ARD or getting your charges reduced or dropped.

Drug Crimes

Drug-related charges, like possession or trafficking, can lead to prison sentences and other consequences. A drug defense lawyer can help work toward dismissing your case, reducing charges, or enrolling in a diversion program to aid recovery.

Weapons & Firearms Charges

You might have the right to own firearms under Pennsylvania law, but laws regulating weapons must be followed carefully. Otherwise, you could lose that right. Facing weapon-related charges can also mean jail, making it critical to have knowledgeable legal assistance like a gun charge defense lawyer.

Violent Crimes

Violent crime charges, like assault, domestic disputes, or more serious offenses, can have significant consequences. A violent crimes defense lawyer in Kennett Square can work on lessening, dropping, or dismissing exaggerated or unfounded charges.

Property Crimes

Property crimes, like burglary,  arson, or trespassing, carry steep penalties if convicted. Even minor infractions could have serious effects, and a property crime defense lawyer in Kennett Square can protect your future by fighting for reduced or dismissed charges.

Theft Charges

Allegations of theft, ranging from the minor, like shoplifting, to the extreme, like fraud, can damage your reputation and lead to time behind bars. A Kennett Square, PA theft crime lawyer can seek to have charges dismissed, reduced, or explore alternatives like diversion programs.

Federal Charges

Federal charges usually mean offenses that cross state lines or happen on federal property. Their convictions carry 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 Kennett Square area.

The Pennsylvania Criminal Justice Process

• Preliminary Arraignment: After arrest, you’ll appear before a judge, who will explain your rights, read the complaint, set bail, and schedule a preliminary hearing. If you receive a summons by mail, arraignment and hearing occur together.
• Preliminary Hearing: In district court, the prosecutor presents evidence suggesting a crime occurred and you were involved. The 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.” You’ll enter a plea of “guilty” or “not guilty.”
• 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 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 Kennett Square criminal defense attorney.

Magisterial Court — District Court 15-3-04

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 Albert Iacocca
916 West Cypress Street
Kennett Square, PA 19348

Phone: 610-455-1170

This court serves the Kennett Square borough, the townships of Kennett, East Marlborough, Newlin, Pocopson, Birmingham, and Pennsbury. The criminal proceedings are held on Wednesday.

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 Kennett Square 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’re facing criminal allegations, you might feel like your whole world has been turned upside down. But remember, you are innocent until proven guilty, and with the help of the right Kennett Square criminal defense attorney, you can fight for a better outcome.

Finding a lawyer with experience and knowledge of the Pennsylvania criminal justice system is important, and a Chester County attorney who believes in you is crucial. You need to find a lawyer who makes you their priority. Someone like Mike Skinner can make all the difference in your criminal case.

His team understands how disruptive criminal charges can be to your everyday life. Hiring a Chester County criminal attorney is an investment to protect your life and everything you can still accomplish. We will listen to your story and guide you to a solution that secures your future.