Areas Served

Criminal Defense Lawyer in Wilkes-Barre

Being arrested or charged with a crime can be overwhelming. Whether you have been accused of DUI, assault, drug possession, theft, or a serious felony, your future may be affected by the decisions you make in the days immediately following your arrest.

If you are facing criminal charges in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, obtaining experienced legal representation as early as possible can make a significant difference. The prosecution begins building its case immediately after an arrest, and you should have an attorney working to protect your rights just as quickly.

For more than forty years, Sklarosky Law has represented individuals throughout Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania facing criminal charges. We defend clients in misdemeanor and felony cases throughout Luzerne County and provide aggressive, personalized representation from the beginning of an investigation through trial and, when necessary, appeal.

Whether this is your first encounter with the criminal justice system or you have prior criminal charges, we are committed to helping you understand your options and pursue the best possible outcome.

Criminal Defense Services in Wilkes-Barre

Our office represents clients charged with a wide variety of criminal offenses in Wilkes-Barre and throughout Luzerne County.

These include:

DUI
Drug Possession
Possession With Intent to Deliver
Assault
Aggravated Assault
Domestic Violence
Theft
Retail Theft
Burglary
Robbery
Firearms Offenses
Homicide
Juvenile Offenses
Probation Violations
Parole Violations
Terroristic Threats
Disorderly Conduct
Criminal Mischief
White Collar Crimes
Expungements

Every criminal case is unique. Our responsibility is to thoroughly evaluate the evidence, explain your legal options, and develop a defense strategy tailored to the facts of your case.

What Happens After a Criminal Arrest in Wilkes-Barre?

Many people have never been involved with the criminal justice system before their arrest. Understanding what comes next can help reduce uncertainty and allow you to make informed decisions.

A criminal case typically proceeds through several stages:

Preliminary Arraignment
Bail Determination
Preliminary Hearing
Formal Arraignment
Discovery
Pretrial Motions
Plea Negotiations
Jury or Bench Trial
Sentencing
Appeal when appropriate

Each stage presents important legal issues that can affect the outcome of your case.

Our office represents clients throughout every step of the process and works to ensure that their constitutional rights are protected from the very beginning.

Criminal Charges in Wilkes-Barre Are Prosecuted in Luzerne County

Although an arrest may occur anywhere within the City of Wilkes-Barre, criminal prosecutions are generally handled through the Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas after the preliminary hearing process.

Our representation includes:

Bail hearings
Preliminary hearings
Discovery review
Motion practice
Suppression motions
Plea negotiations
Jury trials
Bench trials
Sentencing hearings
Appeals when appropriate

We prepare every case thoroughly because preparation often produces better outcomes, whether through negotiation or litigation.

Traffic Stops on Interstate 81, Route 309, and Wilkes-Barre Roadways

Wilkes-Barre sits at the center of Luzerne County and is connected by several major highways, including Interstate 81, the Cross Valley Expressway (PA Route 309), Pennsylvania Route 115, and nearby Interstate 476. These roadways carry thousands of commuters, commercial vehicles, and visitors every day.

Many criminal investigations begin as routine traffic stops along these routes or on busy city streets.

A stop for an alleged traffic violation may quickly become a criminal investigation involving allegations such as:

DUI
Drug possession
Possession with Intent to Deliver
Firearms offenses
Driving while under suspension
Outstanding warrants
Other criminal offenses

Not every traffic stop or vehicle search complies with the requirements of the United States Constitution or the Pennsylvania Constitution.

Our office carefully examines whether law enforcement had legal authority to:

Initiate the traffic stop
Extend the detention
Conduct a vehicle search
Obtain statements
Make an arrest

When constitutional violations occur, we aggressively pursue motions to suppress unlawfully obtained evidence.

Criminal Investigations in Downtown Wilkes-Barre

As the county seat and largest city in Luzerne County, Wilkes-Barre experiences a wide variety of criminal investigations. Arrests may arise from incidents in residential neighborhoods, commercial areas, entertainment districts, traffic stops, or other locations throughout the city.

Regardless of where an arrest occurs, every person accused of a crime is entitled to the protections guaranteed by the United States and Pennsylvania Constitutions. Our office carefully reviews the facts of every case, the actions taken by law enforcement, and the evidence the Commonwealth intends to present.

No two criminal cases are exactly alike, and every client deserves an individualized defense strategy.

DUI Defense

A DUI conviction can result in serious penalties, including:

License suspension
Significant fines
Alcohol Highway Safety School
Ignition interlock requirements
Probation
Jail
Increased insurance premiums

Our office carefully evaluates:

The legality of the traffic stop
Field sobriety testing
Breath testing
Blood testing
Implied consent issues
Search and seizure questions
Constitutional violations

Learn more by visiting our Wilkes-Barre DUI Lawyer page.

Drug Crime Defense

Drug prosecutions frequently involve complicated constitutional issues.

We represent clients charged with offenses involving:

Marijuana
Cocaine
Heroin
Fentanyl
Methamphetamine
Prescription medications
Drug paraphernalia
Possession With Intent to Deliver

We carefully examine:

Search warrants
Vehicle searches
Consent searches
Confidential informants
Electronic evidence
Laboratory testing

Assault & Violent Crimes

Violent crime allegations often involve conflicting witness statements, surveillance footage, medical evidence, and questions of self-defense.

We defend individuals charged with:

Simple Assault
Aggravated Assault
Domestic Violence
REAP
Terroristic Threats
Harassment
Robbery
Homicide-related offenses

Potential defenses include:

Self-defense
Defense of another person
Lack of intent
Mistaken identity
Insufficient evidence
Constitutional violations

Juvenile Criminal Defense

A juvenile charge does not have to define a child's future.

We represent juveniles accused of:

School incidents
Assault
Drug offenses
Theft
Weapons allegations
Disorderly Conduct

We guide families through every stage of the juvenile justice process while working toward outcomes that protect future educational and employment opportunities.

Protecting Your Constitutional Rights

One of the most important aspects of criminal defense is ensuring that law enforcement respected your constitutional rights.

Our office evaluates whether:

Police had reasonable suspicion to stop your vehicle
Officers had probable cause to arrest you
A search warrant was lawfully obtained
Statements were taken legally
Evidence should be suppressed because of unlawful police conduct

Constitutional challenges can have a significant impact on the outcome of a criminal case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I speak with police?

Generally, you have the constitutional right to remain silent and request an attorney before answering questions.

What if this is my first arrest?

Even first-time offenses can carry lasting consequences. An attorney can explain your options and work to minimize the impact of a criminal charge.

Can charges be dismissed?

Some cases are dismissed because of constitutional violations, insufficient evidence, or weaknesses in the prosecution's case. Others are resolved through negotiated plea agreements or trial.

Do I need a lawyer before my preliminary hearing?

Yes. Early representation allows your attorney to begin protecting your rights immediately and preparing the strongest possible defense.

Why Choose Sklarosky Law?

For more than forty years, Sklarosky Law has represented clients throughout Luzerne County facing criminal charges ranging from summary offenses to the most serious felonies.

Our clients receive:

Thorough investigation
Honest legal advice
Responsive communication
Aggressive protection of constitutional rights
Trial-ready representation
Personalized attention

We understand that every criminal case is different, and we believe every client deserves experienced, dedicated representation.

Contact a Wilkes-Barre Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you have been arrested or charged with a crime in Wilkes-Barre, do not wait to protect your rights.

Sklarosky Law proudly represents those who have been arrested or charged with a crime in Pennsylvania in the surrounding areas, including:

Call (570) 283-1200 or use our online contact form to schedule a confidential consultation today.

Need To Speak To An Attorney?

We meet with all our clients, via zoom or in person, for free! If you need help with your case, please let us know here. We will call you as soon as possible.