Pittston Criminal Defense Lawyer

Being charged with a crime can be one of the most stressful experiences of your life. Whether you have been arrested by the Pittston City Police Department, the West Pittston Police Department, or another law enforcement agency in Luzerne County, you may be facing uncertainty about your future, your employment, your driver's license, and even your freedom.

At Sklarosky Law, we understand what is at stake. For more than 40 years, Sklarosky Law has represented individuals throughout Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania who have been accused of criminal offenses. We provide experienced, aggressive legal representation designed to protect your rights and pursue the best possible outcome in your case.

If you have been charged with a misdemeanor, felony, or are under criminal investigation in Pittston, contact our office as soon as possible.

Criminal Defense Representation in Pittston

Every criminal case is unique. The facts, the evidence, and your personal circumstances all play an important role in determining the best defense strategy.

Our firm represents clients charged with a wide variety of offenses, including:

• DUI
• Drug possession
• Possession with intent to deliver
• Assault
• Aggravated assault
• Domestic violence offenses
• Theft and retail theft
• Burglary
• Robbery
• Firearms offenses
• Juvenile crimes
• Terroristic threats
• Disorderly conduct
• Criminal mischief
• Probation and parole violations
• Traffic-related criminal offenses
• Expungements

Whether you are facing your first arrest or have previous criminal charges, we will thoroughly review your case and explain your legal options.

Criminal Cases from Pittston Are Heard in Luzerne County

Most criminal cases arising in Pittston begin before a local Magisterial District Judge for a preliminary arraignment and preliminary hearing.

If the Commonwealth establishes a prima facie case at the preliminary hearing, the charges are generally transferred to the Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas, where the case proceeds through formal arraignment, pretrial motions, plea negotiations, and, when necessary, trial.

Throughout every stage of the proceedings, our office works to:

• Review all discovery provided by the prosecution
• Analyze witness statements
• Examine body camera and surveillance video
• Challenge unlawful searches and seizures
• File appropriate pretrial motions
• Negotiate favorable resolutions when appropriate
• Prepare every case as though it will proceed to trial

Why You Should Contact a Criminal Defense Lawyer Early

Many people make the mistake of waiting until their first court appearance before hiring an attorney.

Early representation allows your lawyer to:

• Advise you before speaking with law enforcement
• Preserve valuable evidence
• Investigate witnesses while memories remain fresh
• Identify constitutional violations
• Begin negotiations with prosecutors when appropriate
• Develop a comprehensive defense strategy from the outset

The earlier an attorney becomes involved, the more opportunities there may be to protect your rights.

DUI Defense in Pittston

DUI arrests are among the most common criminal cases prosecuted in Luzerne County.

Pennsylvania DUI laws can be complicated, and convictions may result in:

• License suspension
• Fines
• Alcohol highway safety school
• Probation
• Ignition interlock requirements
• Incarceration for certain offenses
• Increased insurance premiums

When defending DUI cases, we carefully evaluate issues including:

• Whether the traffic stop was lawful
• Probable cause for arrest
• Administration of field sobriety tests
• Breath and blood testing procedures
• Compliance with Pennsylvania's implied consent law
• Constitutional violations affecting admissibility of evidence

Visit our Pittston DUI Lawyer page for more information about DUI defense.

Drug Crime Defense

Drug charges can range from relatively minor possession offenses to serious felony allegations involving delivery or trafficking.

Our office defends clients charged with offenses involving:

• Marijuana
• Cocaine
• Heroin
• Fentanyl
• Methamphetamine
• Prescription medications
• Drug paraphernalia
• Possession with intent to deliver

We closely examine every aspect of the police investigation, including search warrants, vehicle searches, consent searches, confidential informants, and laboratory testing.

Assault and Violent Crime Defense

Violent crime allegations often involve conflicting witness accounts and complicated factual disputes.

Our office represents clients accused of:

• Simple assault
• Aggravated assault
• Domestic assault
• Terroristic threats
• Recklessly Endangering Another Person (REAP)
• Harassment

Whenever appropriate, we investigate potential defenses such as self-defense, defense of others, mistaken identity, lack of intent, or insufficient evidence.

Juvenile Defense

When a juvenile is charged with a crime, the consequences can affect educational opportunities, employment, and future opportunities.

We represent juveniles accused of:

• School-related incidents
• Assault
• Drug offenses
• Theft
• Weapons allegations
• Disorderly conduct

We help families navigate every stage of the Pennsylvania juvenile justice system, including intake conferences, consent decrees, adjudication hearings, and disposition.

Protecting Your Constitutional Rights

Every person accused of a crime is entitled to important constitutional protections.

Our office carefully evaluates whether:

• Police lawfully stopped your vehicle
• Officers had probable cause for an arrest
• Statements were obtained legally
• Search warrants were valid
• Evidence should be suppressed because of constitutional violations

In some cases, challenging illegally obtained evidence can significantly affect the prosecution's ability to prove its case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I answer police questions?

You have the constitutional right to remain silent and to request an attorney before answering questions. In many situations, exercising those rights is the best course of action.

Is hiring a lawyer worthwhile for a misdemeanor?

Yes. Even misdemeanor convictions may affect employment, professional licensing, immigration status, firearm rights, and future sentencing exposure.

Can my criminal charges be dismissed?

Some cases are dismissed because of insufficient evidence or successful legal challenges. Others are resolved through negotiated plea agreements or trial. Every case depends upon its unique facts.

What happens after my preliminary hearing?

If the charges are held for court, your case generally proceeds to the Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas for additional proceedings, including formal arraignment, motions, plea negotiations, or trial.

Why Choose Sklarosky Law?

Choosing a criminal defense attorney is one of the most important decisions you will make after being charged with a crime.

For more than four decades, Sklarosky Law has represented individuals throughout Luzerne County and Northeastern Pennsylvania facing criminal charges ranging from summary offenses to serious felonies.

We are committed to:

• Providing honest legal advice
• Thoroughly investigating every case
• Maintaining regular communication with our clients
• Aggressively protecting constitutional rights
• Preparing every case for the possibility of trial

Our goal is to help every client make informed decisions while pursuing the best possible outcome under the circumstances.

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.