Areas Served
Plains Township Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you have been arrested or charged with a crime in Plains Township, Pennsylvania, you may be facing uncertainty about your future, your employment, your driver's license, and even your freedom. Whether you have been charged with a misdemeanor, felony, or are under criminal investigation, obtaining experienced legal representation as early as possible can make a meaningful difference in your case.
For more than forty years, Sklarosky Law has been fighting for clients throughout Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania. We represent individuals accused of criminal offenses throughout Luzerne County and are committed to protecting our clients' constitutional rights while pursuing the best possible outcome.
Criminal Defense Services in Plains Township
Our office represents clients charged with a wide range of criminal offenses, including:
- DUI
- Drug possession
- Possession with Intent to Deliver (PWID)
- Assault
- Aggravated assault
- Domestic violence offenses
- Theft
- Retail theft
- Burglary
- Robbery
- Firearms offenses
- Terroristic threats
- Disorderly conduct
- Juvenile offenses
- Probation and parole violations
- Expungements
Every criminal case presents unique facts and legal issues. We carefully evaluate the evidence, explain your legal options, and develop a defense strategy tailored to your circumstances.
Criminal Charges in Plains Township
Many criminal investigations begin with a traffic stop, a call for police service, or an ongoing investigation. After an arrest, Pennsylvania's criminal justice process generally includes:
- Preliminary arraignment
- Bail determination
- Preliminary hearing
- Formal arraignment
- Discovery
- Pretrial motions
- Plea negotiations
- Trial if necessary
- Sentencing
Our office represents clients through every stage of the criminal process and works to ensure that your rights are protected from the very beginning.
Traffic Stops on Route 315, Interstate 81, and Nearby Highways
Plains Township sits along several of Luzerne County's busiest roadways, including Pennsylvania Route 315, Interstate 81, and nearby Route 309. Because these highways carry thousands of commuters and commercial vehicles every day, many criminal investigations begin as routine traffic stops.
A traffic stop can sometimes lead to allegations involving:
- DUI
- Drug possession
- Firearms offenses
- Driving while under suspension
- Outstanding warrants
- Other criminal offenses discovered during the investigation
Not every traffic stop or vehicle search complies with constitutional requirements. Our office carefully reviews whether law enforcement had legal authority to:
- Initiate the traffic stop
- Extend the detention
- Search your vehicle
- Question you without violating your constitutional rights
- Make an arrest
If evidence was obtained unlawfully, we will aggressively pursue every available legal challenge.
Criminal Cases Are Prosecuted in Luzerne County
Although an arrest may occur in Plains Township, criminal cases are generally prosecuted in the Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas after the preliminary hearing process.
Our representation includes:
- Bail hearings
- Preliminary hearings
- Pretrial motions
- Suppression motions
- Plea negotiations
- Bench trials
- Jury trials
- Appeals when appropriate
Every case is prepared as though it may ultimately proceed to trial.
DUI Defense in Plains Township
Pennsylvania DUI laws are complex, and a conviction can carry serious consequences, including:
- Driver's license suspension
- Significant fines
- Alcohol Highway Safety School
- Ignition interlock requirements
- Probation
- Jail in certain cases
- Increased insurance premiums
When defending DUI cases, we carefully examine:
- Whether the traffic stop was lawful
- Field sobriety testing procedures
- Blood and breath testing
- Probable cause for arrest
- Constitutional issues affecting admissibility of evidence
For more information, visit our Plains Township DUI Lawyer page.
Drug Crime Defense
Drug cases frequently involve searches of vehicles, homes, or individuals. Our office represents clients charged with:
- Marijuana offenses
- Cocaine
- Heroin
- Fentanyl
- Methamphetamine
- Prescription drug offenses
- Drug paraphernalia
- Possession with Intent to Deliver
We thoroughly examine search warrants, consent searches, confidential informants, and other constitutional issues that may affect the prosecution's evidence.
Assault and Violent Crime Defense
Violent crime allegations often depend upon witness credibility, physical evidence, and the circumstances surrounding the incident.
We defend clients accused of:
- Simple Assault
- Aggravated Assault
- Domestic Violence
- Harassment
- Terroristic Threats
- Recklessly Endangering Another Person (REAP)
Potential defenses may include self-defense, defense of another person, mistaken identity, lack of intent, or insufficient evidence.
Juvenile Criminal Defense
When a juvenile is charged with a criminal offense, protecting their future becomes a priority.
We represent juveniles accused of:
- School-related offenses
- Assault
- Drug offenses
- Theft
- Weapons allegations
- Disorderly conduct
We guide families through the Pennsylvania juvenile justice system while seeking the best possible outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I hire a lawyer before my preliminary hearing?
Yes. Early representation allows your attorney to begin reviewing evidence, advising you regarding your rights, and preparing your defense before important court proceedings occur.
Can I fight a criminal charge even if I was arrested?
Yes. An arrest is not a conviction. Every case should be independently evaluated to determine whether constitutional issues, evidentiary problems, or other defenses exist.
Should I answer questions from police?
You generally have the constitutional right to remain silent and request an attorney before answering questions.
Can my record be cleared later?
Depending on the offense and the outcome of your case, you may be eligible for an expungement or another form of record relief under Pennsylvania law.
Why Choose Sklarosky Law?
For more than forty years, Sklarosky Law has represented clients throughout Luzerne County charged with offenses ranging from summary citations to serious felony prosecutions.
Our clients benefit from:
- Thorough case preparation
- Honest legal advice
- Responsive communication
- Aggressive protection of constitutional rights
- Trial-ready representation
We understand that every criminal case is unique and deserves individualized attention.
Contact a Plains Township Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you have been arrested or charged with a crime in Plains Township, do not wait to seek experienced legal representation.
Contact Sklarosky Law today to schedule a confidential consultation. We proudly represent clients throughout Plains Township, Luzerne County, and communities across Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Call (570) 283-1200 or use our online contact form to schedule a confidential consultation today.