Philadelphia Criminal Lawyers

Each day, Philadelphians are pulled over by the police, interrogated for their involvement in alleged crimes, or subjected to search warrants. In many instances, people are charged due to misunderstandings, or their constitutional rights are violated during encounters with law enforcement. Because the local criminal justice process moves rapidly and courtrooms are highly crowded, it is easy to feel overwhelmed or pressured into pleading guilty. At SKA Law Group, our attorneys understand how to navigate the complex Philadelphia court system and are ready to provide the aggressive defense you need to protect your future.

Crime and Law Enforcement in Philadelphia

The Philadelphia Police Department (PPD) is one of the largest municipal police forces in the United States, serving over 1.5 million residents across 142 square miles and 20 distinct police districts. Local law enforcement, including the PPD, SEPTA Transit Police, and various state and federal task forces, submit criminal cases to the courts every single day.

Law enforcement is highly active throughout the city, maintaining strict DUI patrols around major corridors like I-95, I-76, and Roosevelt Boulevard, as well as conducting coordinated task force operations in neighborhoods facing drug trafficking or gun violence. According to recent PPD crime data from early 2026, police have investigated over 2,000 violent crimes and more than 10,300 property crimes year-to-date. Because authorities aggressively pursue offenders, having a private defense attorney to evaluate the facts and challenge illegal searches or seizures is vital.

Criminal Cases We Handle in Philadelphia, PA

Our legal team represents clients facing the full spectrum of summary offenses, misdemeanors, and felonies throughout Philadelphia. Our practice areas include:

Firearms & Weapons Crimes: Philadelphia aggressively prosecutes gun cases, such as carrying a firearm without a license or possession by a prohibited person. Whether you were stopped in North Philly or pulled over on Broad Street, the District Attorney’s Office frequently seeks state prison time for these offenses.

Violent Crimes & Assault: We defend against assault charges ranging from neighborhood disputes in South Philly and bar altercations in Fishtown to serious felony matters like aggravated assault and robbery.

Burglary & Property Crimes: Property crimes are strictly prosecuted, particularly allegations involving high-value losses or organized retail theft in Center City. We handle cases involving retail theft, burglary, vandalism, and arson.

Drug & Narcotics Offenses: From simple possession charges in Kensington to alleged distribution along transit corridors, drug convictions can lead to jail time and long probation terms. We scrutinize the basis for police stops, warrants, and laboratory results to fight for your freedom.

DUI & Traffic Violations: Whether you were stopped at a checkpoint on the Vine Street Expressway or cited for reckless driving, traffic and DUI infractions can trigger license suspensions, heavy fines, and even jail time.

Fraud & White-Collar Crimes: We dissect complex financial documents to defend against charges of credit card fraud, identity theft, insurance fraud, and embezzlement.

The Philadelphia Criminal Process: What to Expect

Arrest and Booking: Following an arrest, you will typically be taken to a police district or central processing facility for booking, where a bail commissioner or judge will set your release conditions. If you are not released, you may be held in a Philadelphia Department of Prisons jail facility on State Road while your case is pending.

Philadelphia Municipal Court: Most criminal cases begin here. The Municipal Court handles summary offenses, traffic matters, many misdemeanors, and the preliminary hearings for felony charges. During a preliminary hearing, your attorney can cross-examine witnesses to challenge the strength of the Commonwealth’s case early on.

Court of Common Pleas: If your case involves a felony or a serious misdemeanor, it will be “held for court” after the preliminary hearing and transferred to the Court of Common Pleas at the Criminal Justice Center for pre-trial motions, formal jury trials, and sentencing.

How SKA Law Group Can Help with Your Defense

The Philadelphia criminal court system is incredibly busy, and relying on public defenders who carry extremely heavy caseloads can be a risk. Hiring a private criminal defense attorney allows for a tailored, one-on-one approach to your case.

Having an attorney who is highly familiar with the local courts offers a distinct advantage; they understand the unique personalities of the judges, the strategies of local prosecutors, and exactly what it takes to secure a favorable ruling. At SKA Law Group, we take immediate action to request body-cam footage, 911 recordings, and police reports before evidence disappears. Depending on your specific situation, we will file motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence, negotiate directly with the District Attorney’s office, or help you pursue alternatives like the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program to protect your record.

FAQs: Criminal Defense in Philadelphia, PA

Will my case be in Municipal Court or the Court of Common Pleas?

Many summary offenses and misdemeanors are handled entirely in Philadelphia Municipal Court. Felonies and serious misdemeanors usually start in Municipal Court for preliminary hearings before being transferred to the Court of Common Pleas for trial.

Can I get ARD for a first-time DUI in Philadelphia?

Many first-time DUI defendants are eligible for the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program, which can ultimately lead to the dismissal and expungement of your charges. Eligibility depends on factors like your prior record, blood alcohol content (BAC), and the policies of the District Attorney.

What happens right after I’m arrested in Philadelphia?

You will be taken to a police district or central processing for booking, where a judge or bail commissioner will determine your release conditions. You will then receive a court date for your initial hearings. It is critical to contact a lawyer immediately and invoke your right to remain silent.

What should I do if Philadelphia detectives want to “just talk”?

Do not agree to speak with detectives without a lawyer present. Even casual conversations can be recorded and used against you in court. Politely state that you are invoking your right to remain silent and want an attorney.