We Protect Your
Freedom And Your Future

Our Philadelphia criminal lawyers have over 25 years
of combined legal practice – handling some of the
toughest cases in the country.

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SKA Law is a premier, Philadelphia criminal defense law firm, founded by professional criminal attorneys. We take on cases other law firms turn down, because we know how to fight – and when to negotiate. Our goal is to get you the best outcome possible. No fluff. No nonsense. Our focus is results.

Bucks County Court of Common Pleas

Courts of Common Pleas in Bucks and other Pennsylvania counties exercise general jurisdiction, which means this Court hears a broad array of legal matters. These cases include divorces, automobile wrecks, contract disputes, probates, juvenile delinquency and criminal cases.

The Bucks County Court of Common Pleas can handle in some form all criminal charges. The type of charge you face generally determines if and when you might find yourself in the Court of Common Pleas.

Felonies

The Bucks County Court of Common Pleas tries and disposes of felonies. Generally, these more serious crimes carry minimum penalties of more than five years in jail. within the list of felonies live offenses such as murder, arson, kidnapping and theft of property in excess of $2,000 in value.

Felony cases in Bucks County may begin in a lower-level court known as Magisterial District Court. If you are at this level and are charged with a felony, a judge will conduct a preliminary hearing to determine if there is probable cause to try you for the felony. Here, the judge examines whether the evidence is sufficient to make a prlma facie case of your guilt. This does not involve an assessment of the credibility or believability of any of the witnesses nor are any factual disputes resolved. You have a right to be represented by counsel at a preliminary hearing.

By contrast, you do not have the right to an attorney nor to even appear at or bring evidence before a grand jury. This panel decides whether you should be indicted for a crime. As with a judge conducting a preliminary hearing, the grand jury must decide if there is probable cause, or sufficient evidence, that you should be tried for the felony. Grand jury proceedings are conducted under the authority and supervision of the Court of Common Pleas. If you are indicted, you will not have a preliminary hearing in the Magisterial District Court.

Misdemeanors

Misdemeanors carry a maximum penalty of no more than five years in jail. These offenses originally are tried in Magisterial District Court. In that forum, the judge, rather than a jury, hears the evidence and renders a verdict. If you’re found guilty, you may request a trial de novo, or a new trial, in the Bucks County Court of Common Pleas. You have a right to a jury trial in misdemeanors or felonies in the Court of Common Pleas.

Jury Trial

You have a right to a fair and impartial jury to determine your guilt or innocence.

To that end, jury selection represents an important aspect of criminal defense. During a voir dire, your lawyer will ask potential jurors questions designed to determine the presence of bias against you. Potential signs of bias may include animosity towards people of a certain racial or ethnic group or a belief that all defendants are guilty.

Criminal defense lawyers test the prosecution’s case through cross-examining witnesses. Many of these questions are designed to show to the jury:

*Bias, such as a personal or financial interest in you being convicted
*Inconsistent statements, such as the testimony differing from statements to investigators
*A pattern or character for not giving truthful testimony, such as through certain crimes

Corrections

The Bucks County Court of common pleas also oversees the adult probation and parole.

Depending upon the seriousness of the offense and no prior criminal record, a conviction may result in probation or parole. In the former, the sentence to prison or jail is suspended. You must report to a probation officer and follow his or her instructions. Conditions may include restrictions on travel, submission to warrantless searches and no drug use. Violations may activate your prison sentence.

Parole is a release from prison before the end of the sentence period. As with those on probation, parolees face supervision and restrictions.

If you’re charged with a crime in Bucks County, you may find yourself before the Court of Common Pleas. Contact us so we can protect your rights, defend against criminal charges or resolve the case with a minimal as practicable or possible punishment to you.

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Firearm Carried W/O License

Montgomery 12/2016

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Testimonials

"I found Michael Kotik via the internet with the hope by someone to help my son in what we thought was something routine. Long story short after being mislead by the prior firm and received no results and my son sat for 18 months in prison because "no one knew what was going on" Michael was able to not only..."
~ Michelle Doria
"I had a pleasure of dealing with Mike on couple of occasions. He is an amazing attorney. He always came through and did what was promised. Also he went above and beyond to assist with any request. He is definitely a fighter and will do what is needed to come out with the best outcome"
~ Ella Shapiro

Criminal Lawyers

Fewer Clients. Better Service And Results

SKA Law takes on fewer clients than other firms – it’s because we believe that taking on fewer clients means we can provide more service, and better results.

25 Years Of Legal Practice

Our firm has over 25 years of combined legal practice. Our Philadelphia criminal attorneys have been recognized by the top lawyer ranking services.

24/7 Customer Service

Our Philadelphia criminal attorneys are available 24/7- regardless of the holiday, or time of week. We are always available to help you.

Concierge Service

We take on fewer clients than other firms. Each client works 1:1 on with one of our senior attorneys.

Criminal Attorneys Philadelphia

We Protect Your Freedom And Your Future.

At the law offices of Amato T Sanita, Esq, this is more than just a slogan – it’s our philosophy, and belief. Our goal is to protect your freedom, and to ensure your future is protected. By working with our firm, you get legal representation when you need it the most for your criminal case in Philadelphia. We understand that dealing with the criminal system is overwhelming – the consequences cannot be underestimated. Regardless of whether it’s a small misdemeanor, or a severe federal crime, you need to understand the legal process – how it impacts you – and a Philadelphia criminal defense attorney, who will work for you. Our Philadelphia criminal lawyers treat each case as it’s own unique situation, and work hard to uncover evidence that will get you the best possible outcome. Founding partner Amato Sanita, understands that you’re very concerned about possible sentences, and issues in the future you might face. There are many aspects to a criminal defense case. Our goal is to show the court you didn’t commit the crime and/or don’t deserve the maximum sentence for the crime you’re accused of committing. Regardless of whether it’s a drug offense, assault charge, or bank fraud, our Philadelphia criminal lawyers work tirelessly to represent your interests in court.

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Our firm has over 25 years of combined legal practice – handling some of the toughest cases in the country.

25 YEARS

CASE DISMISSED

Statutory Sexual Assault

Aggravated Assault can be charged against someone if they cause or attempt to cause “serious bodily injury” to another person. Serious bodily injury within Pennsylvania is defined as injury which creates a substantial risk of death or which causes serious, permanent disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ (18 Pa.C.S. Sec. 2301). If convicted of Aggravated Assault, the crime is graded as a felony in the first degree.

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Aggravated Indecent Assault

Serious Bodily Injured

Aggravated Assault can be charged against someone if they cause or attempt to cause “serious bodily injury” to another person. Serious bodily injury within Pennsylvania is defined as injury which creates a substantial risk of death or which causes serious, permanent disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ (18 Pa.C.S. Sec. 2301). If convicted of Aggravated Assault, the crime is graded as a felony in the first degree.

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CASE DISMISSED

Harassment

FACED 3 YEARS IN PRISON

Aggravated Assault can be charged against someone if they cause or attempt to cause “serious bodily injury” to another person. Serious bodily injury within Pennsylvania is defined as injury which creates a substantial risk of death or which causes serious, permanent disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ (18 Pa.C.S. Sec. 2301). If convicted of Aggravated Assault, the crime is graded as a felony in the first degree.

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CASE DISMISSED

False Imprisonment

15 YEARS IN PRISON

Aggravated Assault can be charged against someone if they cause or attempt to cause “serious bodily injury” to another person. Serious bodily injury within Pennsylvania is defined as injury which creates a substantial risk of death or which causes serious, permanent disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ (18 Pa.C.S. Sec. 2301). If convicted of Aggravated Assault, the crime is graded as a felony in the first degree.

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1518 Walnut Street st 808, Philadelphia, PA 19102

(267)-265-4553

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Philadelphia

1518 Walnut Street st 808, Philadelphia, PA 19102

800-646-6048

Get Directions

Philadelphia

1518 Walnut Street st 808, Philadelphia, PA 19102

800-646-6048

Get Directions

Philadelphia

1518 Walnut Street st 808, Philadelphia, PA 19102

800-646-6048

Get Directions