Criminal & DUI Defense Lawyer

Our Promise to Every Client

Just because you were charged with a crime does not mean that you are a criminal. Our Chester County criminal defense attorneys promise to protect everything you have built and worked tirelessly to earn.

Get the justice you deserve. Let a Pottstown criminal attorney review your case, discuss your options, and fight to ensure that you are not defined by one mistake or misunderstanding.

A Pottstown Criminal Defense Attorney for You

Michael J. Skinner is a former Assistant District Attorney in Chester County. He is now an accomplished criminal defense lawyer. His level of experience and unique insight into the prosecutor’s tactics make him an invaluable resource for anyone accused of a crime in the Pottstown area.

Our Criminal Defense Services in Pottstown, PA

At Skinner Law Firm, we offer comprehensive legal services for anyone facing criminal charges around Pottstown. 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 DUI arrest can bring about serious penalties, including jail time, losing your driver’s license, and paying steep fines. An experienced DUI attorney, however, may identify flaws in the prosecution’s case and build a defense to potentially prevent a conviction.

Illegal Sexual Activity

Being charged with a sexual offense can result in heavy penalties, from prison sentences to the social stigma of sex offender registration. Early involvement by a committed sex crimes lawyer enables a thorough investigation, allowing for evidence collection and assistance in presenting your side.

Drug Crimes

Drug-related charges, whether for possession or trafficking, can lead to prison sentences and other lasting effects. A drug defense lawyer can help work toward case dismissal, a reduction in charges, or enrollment in a diversion program to aid recovery.

Weapons & Firearms Charges

Pennsylvania law supports the right to own firearms, but laws regulating weapons must be followed. Facing weapon-related charges can mean jail and the loss of firearm rights, making it critical to have knowledgeable legal assistance like a gun charge defense lawyer.

Violent Crimes

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

Property Crimes

Property crimes, such as arson, burglary, or trespass, can carry steep penalties. Even minor infractions may have serious effects, and a property crime defense lawyer in Pottstown can help protect your future by reducing or dismissing charges.

Theft Charges

Theft allegations, ranging from shoplifting to fraud, can damage one’s reputation and lead to jail. A Pottstown, PA theft crime lawyer can seek to have charges dismissed, reduced, or explore alternatives like diversion programs.

Federal Charges

Federal charges typically involve offenses across state lines or on federal property, such as drug and financial crimes, with 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 Pottstown 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 Pottstown criminal defense attorney.

Magisterial Court — District Court 15-3-01

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 John Hipple
1101 Ridge Road, Suite B
Pottstown, PA 19465

Phone: 610-455-1120

This court serves the borough of Spring City, the townships of North Coventry, South Coventry, East Pikeland, East Coventry, Warwick, East Nantmeal, East Vincent, and West Vincent.

The criminal proceedings are held on Thursday.

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 Pottstown 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 whole life and future is on the line. But you are innocent until proven guilty, and  you can work to get your charges dismissed or reduced with the help of the right Pottstown criminal defense attorney.

Experience and knowledge of Pennsylvania criminal laws are critical, but it also takes an experienced Chester County attorney who believes in you and is ready to fight for your future. You need to find a Pottstown criminal defense attorney who makes you, his priority.

That attorney is Mike Skinner. His team understands how disruptive criminal charges can be. 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.