Case Results

The cases we take involve real people with real concerns. Clients put their faith in us because we focus on them, and no matter the allegation, every case gets our highest dedication and advocacy. Here is a small sampling of some results we’ve achieved.

The outcome of an individual case depends on a variety of factors unique to that case. Case results do not guarantee or predict a similar result in any similar or future case.

  • Not Guilty Verdict in Murder Trial

    Result: Not Guilty

    Client acquitted of murder after a week-long jury trial in Chester County Court of Common Pleas.  

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  • Marijuana Trafficking Charges Dismissed

    Result: Charges Dismissed

    A client was arrested for delivering a pound of marijuana to an undercover criminal informant (CI), but the DA did not charge the Chester County man for a year.

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    Attorney Michael Skinner questioned the lack of a speedy trial and the fact that the CI was not available at the preliminary hearing. The client, who was already on probation for a similar case, was offered a reduced charge to simple possession and a year’s probation. Attorney Skinner then successfully moved to have the charges dismissed.

  • ARD For Felony Sex Offense

    Result: ARD

    A Delaware County man in his mid-60s was charged with open lewdness and corruption of minors. This felony sex offense could have meant jail and sex offender registration.

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    Attorney Michael Skinner learned that the client, who suffered from excruciating back pain, often slept in his reclining chair in the living room. The client, who lives alone, was in the living room when he stripped naked, apparently unaware that he was in front of a lighted window. The incident occurred late at night but was unfortunately witnessed by the 13-year-old neighbor across the street who was hosting a sleepover for her friends.

    When the girl told her parents, the client was arrested. Attorney Skinner negotiated for the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program, which meant no conviction, no jail, and that the charges would be expunged. The client also agreed to undergo psychosexual screening and education to determine that he was not a danger.

  • Strangulation Charges Withdrawn

    Result: Charges Withdrawn

    Felony strangulation charges were dropped against a Chester County man, thanks to a proactive client and strong negotiation by attorney Michael Skinner

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    The client was facing at least one year in jail and a felony mark on his record. His girlfriend, the victim, wanted to reconcile the relationship and offered support. The client actively sought treatment and medication for his mental health issues and showed remorse. All charges were withdrawn.

  • Not Guilty Boosts Client’s Fresh Start

    Result: Not Guilty

    A young Chester County man who wanted to make a fresh start asked attorney Michael Skinner for help with an active warrant for retail theft. The client was accused of shoplifting at a Marshall’s department store but evaded police.

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    The man was homeless at the time but had since secured housing and showed a genuine desire to turn his life around. Although the DA was willing to reduce the charges, both the client and attorney Skinner believed they could win their bench trial. The judge issued a not guilty verdict.

  • DUI Dismissed Due to Lack of Evidence

    Result: Charges Dismissed

    A Chester County driver was pulled over on a suspected DUI by an officer who claimed she was weaving and crossing the centerline. She called attorney Skinner to defend her against a potential fine, jail time, and loss of license.

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    During discovery, attorney Skinner obtained a copy of the dash cam video, which contradicted the officer’s story. The DA agreed that there was a lack of evidence, and the charges were dismissed before trial.

  • Second DUI Dismissed, Probation on Third

    Result: Charges Dismissed

    A client with two back-to-back DUIs in Chester County faced a minimum of one year in jail and a lengthy license suspension. Attorney Skinner successfully had the second DUI dismissed because the DA did not file within the year deadline.

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    From there, Skinner had the third DUI reduced to a low-tier offense because his client did not realize that refusing a chemical test resulted in a harsher sentence. Attorney Skinner argued that the client’s former ARD status did not qualify as a prior. In the end, the client had three DUI charges reduced to a single offense and received probation.

  • Strangulation Charges Dismissed Against Veteran

    Result: Charges Dismissed

    A veteran who has PTSD was accused of strangling his girlfriend. The client had memory issues and could not recall the details of the encounter, which occurred during the Covid lockdown in Chester County. Attorney Skinner successfully negotiated during the…

  • DUI, Possession & Resisting Arrest Charges Dismissed

    Result: Charges Dismissed

    A young male Coatesville resident was pulled over for a broken taillight. The police officer asked the client to get out of the car. The officer’s body cam video showed the police officer pulling the client out of his vehicle…

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    An empty plastic bag with cocaine residue was found by the client’s shoe while being processed. The young man was facing up to two months in jail and a year’s license suspension. Attorney Skinner argued to have the evidence suppressed, and all charges were dropped.

  • Firearm Charges Reduced to Disorderly Conduct

    Result: Charges Reduced

    When a new Chester County resident was pulled over in a traffic stop, she rightfully told the police officer that she had a legally purchased firearm in the glove box. A former resident of Virginia, the client was unfamiliar with…

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    She was charged with carrying a concealed weapon without a permit and could have permanently lost her right to gun ownership. Attorney Michael Skinner negotiated a deal to reduce the charges to summary disorderly conduct.