Areas Served
Mountain Top Criminal Defense Lawyer
Being accused of a crime can leave you with more questions than answers. You may be wondering whether you should speak with the police, what penalties you face, or whether your case can be dismissed. The choices you make immediately after an arrest can significantly affect the outcome of your case.
If you have been arrested or are under investigation in Mountain Top, Pennsylvania, you should speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney before making any statements or decisions.
For more than forty years, Sklarosky Law has been fighting for clients throughout Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania. We represent individuals facing both misdemeanor and felony charges and are committed to protecting our clients' constitutional rights at every stage of the criminal justice process.
Criminal Defense Services in Mountain Top
Our office handles a broad range of criminal matters in Luzerne County, including:
- DUI
- Drug possession
- Possession with intent to deliver
- Assault
- Aggravated assault
- Domestic violence charges
- Theft and retail theft
- Burglary
- Robbery
- Firearms offenses
- Terroristic threats
- Disorderly conduct
- Criminal mischief
- Juvenile offenses
- Probation and parole violations
- Expungements
Whether you are facing a summary offense, misdemeanor, or serious felony, we work to build the strongest defense possible based on the facts of your case.
Criminal Cases in Mountain Top
Many criminal cases originating in Mountain Top begin with an arrest by local or state law enforcement before proceeding through the Pennsylvania court system.
Most cases include:
- Preliminary arraignment
- Bail determination
- Preliminary hearing
- Formal arraignment
- Discovery
- Pretrial motions
- Plea negotiations
- Trial when necessary
- Sentencing
Throughout the process, our office keeps clients informed, answers questions, and develops a defense strategy tailored to the specific facts of the case.
Criminal Charges Are Typically Prosecuted in Luzerne County
After an arrest in Mountain Top, most criminal matters proceed before a Magisterial District Judge for the preliminary hearing.
If the Commonwealth establishes a prima facie case, the charges generally move to the Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas, where motions, plea negotiations, and trials take place.
Our representation includes:
- Reviewing police reports
- Examining body camera footage
- Interviewing witnesses
- Reviewing forensic evidence
- Filing suppression motions when appropriate
- Negotiating favorable resolutions
- Preparing for jury or bench trials
Every case receives individualized attention from start to finish.
DUI Defense in Mountain Top
A DUI conviction can carry significant consequences, even for a first offense.
Potential penalties may include:
- Driver's license suspension
- Fines and court costs
- Alcohol Highway Safety School
- Probation
- Ignition interlock requirements
- Jail in some circumstances
Our office carefully investigates every DUI arrest by examining:
- Whether the traffic stop was lawful
- Probable cause for the arrest
- Field sobriety testing procedures
- Breath or blood testing
- Compliance with Pennsylvania DUI laws
- Constitutional issues involving the investigation
Visit our Mountain Top DUI Lawyer page for more information regarding DUI defense.
Drug Crime Defense
Drug prosecutions often depend on evidence obtained during vehicle stops, home searches, or other police investigations.
We defend individuals accused of offenses involving:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Heroin
- Fentanyl
- Methamphetamine
- Prescription medications
- Drug paraphernalia
- Possession with intent to deliver
Whenever appropriate, we challenge unlawful searches, defective warrants, and constitutional violations that may affect the admissibility of evidence.
Assault and Violent Crime Defense
Assault charges can arise from domestic disputes, bar fights, neighborhood altercations, road rage incidents, or misunderstandings.
Our office represents clients charged with:
- Simple assault
- Aggravated assault
- Domestic violence offenses
- Harassment
- Terroristic threats
- Recklessly Endangering Another Person (REAP)
Potential defenses may include:
- Self-defense
- Defense of another person
- Lack of intent
- False accusations
- Mistaken identity
- Insufficient evidence
Every allegation deserves careful investigation before conclusions are reached.
Juvenile Criminal Defense
When a juvenile faces criminal allegations, protecting their future is critically important.
We represent juveniles charged with:
- School-related offenses
- Assault
- Drug offenses
- Theft
- Weapons charges
- Disorderly conduct
We help families navigate the Pennsylvania juvenile justice system while working toward outcomes that minimize long-term consequences whenever possible.
Protecting Your Constitutional Rights
Criminal cases often involve important constitutional issues that may significantly affect the prosecution's evidence.
We evaluate whether:
- Police lawfully stopped your vehicle
- Officers had probable cause for an arrest
- A search warrant was legally issued
- Statements were obtained in violation of your constitutional rights
- Evidence should be suppressed because of unlawful police conduct
Protecting constitutional rights is a fundamental part of every criminal defense case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I hire a lawyer before my preliminary hearing?
Yes. Having legal representation before the preliminary hearing allows your attorney to begin evaluating the evidence, advising you regarding the charges, and preparing an effective defense strategy from the outset.
What if I have never been arrested before?
First-time offenders often have options that may not be available later. However, every case is different, and it is important to understand the possible consequences before making any decisions.
Can the charges against me be reduced?
In some cases, charges may be reduced through negotiations or because of weaknesses in the evidence. Whether that is possible depends upon the facts of the individual case.
Should I answer questions from investigators?
You generally have the constitutional right to remain silent and request an attorney before answering questions. Speaking with a lawyer first is often the best way to protect your rights.
Why Choose Sklarosky Law?
Choosing the right criminal defense attorney is one of the most important decisions you can make after an arrest.
For more than four decades, Sklarosky Law has represented individuals throughout Luzerne County facing charges ranging from minor offenses to serious felony prosecutions.
Our clients receive:
- Thorough case evaluation
- Honest legal advice
- Regular communication
- Aggressive defense of constitutional rights
- Careful preparation for trial when necessary
Every client deserves experienced representation and personal attention.
Schedule a Confidential Consultation
If you are facing criminal charges in Wilkes-Barre, Hazleton, Kingston, Nanticoke, Plains Township, or anywhere in Luzerne County, the preliminary hearing is not a formality—it is an opportunity.
At Sklarosky Law, we aggressively defend clients at preliminary hearings and know how Luzerne County prosecutors and Magisterial District Judges handle these cases.
Call (570) 283-1200 or use our online contact form to schedule a confidential consultation today.