267-738-7766

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.

get free consultation

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.

Montgomery County 38-1-14 Magisterial District Court

Getting a summons to appear in a Montgomery County Magisterial District Court can invoke anxiety and confusion. You don’t know what’s going to happen. You may be confused as to the entire proceeding. That’s one reason why you need an experienced criminal defense attorney at your side.

The Law Offices of Amato Sanita has represented hundreds of clients in Montgomery County Magisterial District Court. We offer guidance and answer questions for all of our clients, no matter why they’ve been summoned to court. Our goal is to provide caring counsel and a solid defense.

The summons you received likely told you to appear at Montgomery County Magisterial District Court 38-1-14 in Hatboro on a certain date and time. If that’s the situation, you will appear before Magisterial District Judge Paul N. Leo. The summons could be for a traffic citation, bench warrant, preliminary arraignment, preliminary hearing, or non-jury trial.

You will find the Montgomery County Magisterial District Court 38-1-14 in Hatboro, which is in the southeastern part of the county. This Magisterial District Court covers the election districts in Hatboro Borough, Horsham Township’s Voting Districts 3-3 and 3-4, and Upper Moreland Township’s Voting Districts 2-1, 2-2, 3-2, 5-1, 5-2, 7-1 and 7-2.

The Magisterial District Court located in Hatboro is a minor court in the Pennsylvania court system. This court decides traffic and non-traffic citations, landlord/tenant disputes, and civil cases for damages of $12,000 or less. This court is also the place for preliminary arraignments and hearings on criminal charges.

Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, Magisterial District Court

A summary offense is the least serious offense level in Pennsylvania. The Magisterial District Courts decide all summary offense cases. These cases can include disorderly conduct, criminal mischief, harassment, underage drinking, first offense retail theft under $150, and driving on a suspended license.

Magisterial judges decide all matters in a Magisterial District Court. The judge also performs marriages and administers oaths.

Montgomery County has a total of 30 Magisterial District Courts in its borders. All criminal charges start in these courts. This court handles preliminary arraignments and hearings for both misdemeanor and felony criminal cases. If the case needs to go further, they move to the next level which is the Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas.

It’s a mistake to enter a Magisterial District Court without an experienced criminal defense attorney at your side. The attorney will review the case and bring forward the best defense options for your situation.

Why It’s Important to Have an Attorney With You in a Hatboro Courtroom

The consequences of a summary offense conviction are serious. You could go to jail for up to 90 days on a first conviction. For a second one, it could be 180 days in jail. Fines can go up to $300 for each offense.

It may be tempting to plead guilty and try to get things behind you. That decision could have long-term consequences for your future. Being convicted could get you sent to jail. You could lose your job. You could lose your home. When you get out of jail, you may find getting a new job isn’t easy with a criminal record. Landlords also frown upon renting to someone with a criminal record.

These serious consequences are why you need an experienced attorney when you walk into that Hatboro courtroom. Your attorney knows how things work in a Pennsylvania Magisterial District Court. The lawyer can give you solid advice and, in some situations, get the charges lessened or dismissed.

Take underage drinking as an example. The attorney will review the case and see what the best defense could be. If the drink wasn’t alcoholic, your attorney could gather evidence or bring forward witnesses.

No matter the charges you face, hire an experienced criminal defense attorney to help. Call The Law Offices of Amato Sanita today. We are here to answer your questions, help you prepare your defense, and represent you in court.

Call For
Consultation

RECENT CASE
RESULTS

Firearm Carried W/O License

Montgomery 12/2016

DISMISSED

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..."
~ Client-X
"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"
~ Client-X
"The PHIL International Airport locked my father up on a 22 year old DUI on 4/27/22. They would not tell me anything, I could not get much help from the attorneys I knew out of NJ so reached out to Amato on 4/28/22 in the middle of the night, while i was waking people up. His assistant took the message..."
~ Client-X
"Amato The Best Top Dog Recommend Anytime Straight Forward Fair Price All Love Like An Uncle.. Attorney Forever SKA ... Top Recommendation."
~ Client-X
"Amato is the first lawyer I’ve ever needed, and will be the only lawyer I’ll ever use and or reference anyone to. He Straight forward, stand up guy, he never forgets anything and he’s very honest With you. When it come to SKA Law group you can definitely count on him."
~ Client-X
"Absolutely Outstanding Criminal Lawyer! I cannot thank Michael enough! From day one, he handled my case with incredible professionalism, confidence, and expertise. He resolved everything quickly and in the best possible way. I always felt supported, informed, and reassured throughout the entire process. Michael is truly the best criminal attorney you could ever hope for. Highly recommended without hesitation!"
~ Client-X
"Prior to Michael I hired two attorneys for the same case. Michael is very skilled and definitely a great negotiator. Small cases are not big if you do not care about your future and career. He is not always responsive but tell him what you want he will work out something favorable to you you didn’t know it’s possible. Good..."
~ Client-X
"I would highly recommend Michael Kotic to represent you with any criminal matter(s) that you may have. He is very honest, he fights for your freedom and applies the law directly to your criminal situation and differentiates the actual facts and/or how the police in reality violated your rights or did not. If he does not answer your phone call..."
~ Client-X

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.

get free consultation

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.

Learn More

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.

Learn More

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.

Learn More

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.

Learn More

Request
Consultation Now

Philadelphia

1518 Walnut Street st 808, Philadelphia, PA 19102

267-738-7766

Get Directions

Philadelphia

1518 Walnut Street st 808, Philadelphia, PA 19102

267-738-7766

Get Directions

Philadelphia

1518 Walnut Street st 808, Philadelphia, PA 19102

267-738-7766

Get Directions

Philadelphia

1518 Walnut Street st 808, Philadelphia, PA 19102

267-738-7766

Get Directions