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.

Differences Between Adult and Juvenile Offenses in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, there are key differences between juvenile and adult offenses. Although it is possible for a juvenile to be charged as an adult if the charges are serious enough, most juveniles are not charged with crimes but are, instead, found delinquent. Nevertheless, labeling someone a juvenile delinquent carries a strong negative stigma.

If your son or daughter is facing charges in the juvenile system, it is critical to obtain competent representation. Juveniles do not have the benefit of a jury at their trials. And the only person who can persuade a judge is a juvenile offense attorney with lots of experience in this field.

Proceedings in Juvenile Court

In many respects, the juvenile justice system is a lot like the adult system. Juveniles are arrested, arraigned on formal charges, and must face a trial and receive a sentence. It is usually when juveniles are 16 years or older or charged with a summary offense that adult criminal charges will arise.

One key difference is that the juvenile system is geared towards rehabilitation instead of incarceration. Parents don’t like to see their children locked up in juvenile detention centers. Juveniles may qualify for alternative sentencing programs, such as drug rehab or other educational courses against violence and delinquency.

Another key distinction is that juveniles are not automatically detained after an arrest. Unless they are determined to be a flight risk, danger to the community, or have no place to go, they will be released back to their families.

They must then be provided with a preliminary hearing within 72 hours after arrest. Once sufficient evidence of an offense is established, they will have to face a bench trial before a judge that is similar to an adult criminal trial but with no possibility of using a jury.

If they are adjudicated delinquent, they will often be placed on probation or in a child welfare or detention center. Violations of the probation terms defined by the court will also send them or return them to one of these facilities.

Why the Juvenile System is Not a Substitute for Good Parenting

One grave mistake that parents make when their children are facing delinquency charges is to sit back and let the officials punish them. If parents are frustrated by children who are out of control, they may start to see punishment through the juvenile system as a good thing. This kind of thinking is flawed because parents need to comprehend the full effect of sending their children to a juvenile detention center.

When your child is taken into a juvenile detention center, they may not be rehabilitated. They may grow into more hardened criminals. They will be angry at being punished for what they may see as having fun or being a kid. They can grow up with a chip on their shoulders and learn to resent authority and their parents.

Punishing juveniles too harshly can dissolve any trust that may have been established. Most of the adult offenders have gone through many encounters with the justice system before they commit more serious crimes. There is no empirical evidence to support the theory that punishment can be used to rehabilitate anyone.

It may be smarter to simply move out of an area than to support the detention or punishment of your children. Many of the childhood problems occur because children have older friends who are a bad influence. The parents of these children may be criminals or drug dealers. They may be living in a neighborhood or attending a school where criminal activity is rampant.

Children are often a product of their environments and are not carrying out these acts by choice. They are susceptible to peer pressures at this age and can find it harder and harder to follow the advice of parents who treat them badly or work against them. As a parent, you should want every opportunity available for your children. Starting them off with a negative criminal stigma can close a lot of opportunities and ruin them. Hiring an experienced defense attorney is the only solution.

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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

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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