Criminal & DUI Defense Lawyer

Our Promise to Every Client

After you have been charged with criminal conduct, you may feel like your life is over. However, you are still innocent until proven guilty in the law’s eyes. Our Chester County criminal defense attorneys promise to protect everything you have built and worked tirelessly to earn.

Get help fighting for the justice you deserve. Let a Wayne criminal attorney check out your case, help find you options, and fight to ensure that you are not defined by one mistake or misunderstanding.

A Wayne Criminal Defense Attorney for You

Michael J. Skinner used to work as an Assistant District Attorney in Chester County before founding his own firm. As an accomplished criminal defense lawyer, his experience and knowledge of the prosecution’s typical tactics mean his clients benefit from his knowledge and skill. Mike has helped clients from the Wayne area fight for their rights and future. Let him help you.

Our Criminal Defense Services in Wayne, PA

At Skinner Law Firm, we offer comprehensive legal services for anyone facing criminal charges around Wayne. 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

Driving under the influence charges are serious accusations. Convictions often mean jail time, license suspensions or revocations, and hefty fines. An experienced DUI attorney, however, may identify flaws in the prosecution’s case and build a defense to potentially prevent a conviction.

Drug Crimes

Possession, trafficking, or other drug charges can have devastating sentences, like significant time in prison and large fines. 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 crimes involving weapons could mean losing that right to own guns or time in jail. That makes 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 Wayne can work on lessening, dropping, or dismissing exaggerated or unfounded charges.

Property Crimes

Property crimes, like arson, burglary, or trespass, can carry steep penalties. Even minor infractions may have serious effects, and a property crime defense lawyer in Wayne 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 Wayne, 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 Wayne 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 Wayne criminal defense attorney.

Magisterial Court — District Court 15-4-01

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 Lauren Holt
950 West Valley Road
Wayne, PA 19087

Phone: 610-455-1130

This court serves the East Whiteland Township Wards 3, 4, 5, 6 and Township of Tredyffrin: Precincts of E-3, E-4, W-1, W-2, W-3, W-5, M-2, M-3, M-4, and M-7.

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 Wayne 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

Criminal charges can feel overwhelming and complicated. It is not easy to get started on your defense, but hiring the right Wayne criminal defense attorney is a good start. You deserve to work with someone who believes in your innocence and your right to fight for your future.

Attorney Mike Skinner is that ally. He knows that criminal law is confusing, and that the prosecution may use legal but underhanded methods to get a conviction or confession from you. He cares about you, and will not let them take advantage of you like that. Mike and his team know how devastating criminal charges feel. They are ready to protect your rights, your future, and your family.