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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.

Delaware County 32-1-22 Magisterial District Court

The moment is coming when you or someone you love has to stand in front of a judge. Do not fret about this; many people in your position feel nervous about this. Still, the date is coming, and you have to be ready to appear in a Delaware County Magisterial District Court.

Appearing in front of a judge to face criminal or traffic charges is scary enough, and it doesn’t have to be scarier, which may happen if you do not have proper representation. A good lawyer can help answer questions and clear the air. The right lawyer can give you an opportunity for justice if given a chance.

Most of the time, appearing in front of the Delaware County Magisterial District Court 32-1-22 in Chester starts with an order. Now, the order can come in many forms; some are summons given to the accused as a simple traffic citation. Other times the order to appear before the court comes so that you participate in an arraignment or a preliminary hearing. There are other times when you must appear for something like a bench warrant, or sometimes you are being asked to be a part of a non-jury trial.

Those who are asked to appear before this court are going to have answer to the honorable Magisterial District Judge, Spencer B. Seaton, Jr.

The district court is in the middle of Philadelphia and Wilmington. It is an establishment of justice near the Delaware River. There are four districts covered by this court, including Chester’s 8, 9, 10, 11 wards.

It is important to point out that there are a number of Magisterial District Courts in Chester. Keep in mind that you are encouraged to examine paperwork to confirm where you are going, or have an experienced lawyer confirm the location. You do not want to miss your date simply because you failed to confirm the correct court.

The Magisterial District Court is there to deal with simple citations, most of which deals with traffic, but there are a few exceptions, such as preliminary arraignments.

Legal problems between landlords and tenants are also dealt with in this court as well. Legal civil cases are also dealt with here as long as the damage claim is not more than $12,000.

Magisterial District Court

Summary offences that the state of Pennsylvania considers to be the least serious offences are decided by this court. The following are some offences that might be heard in this court:

  • Criminal mischief are addressed
  • Cases about harassment
  • Charges for disorderly conduct
  • Drinking while underage
  • Caught driving with a license that is momentarily invalid
  • First shoplifting offense as long as the value stolen was lower than $150

Most of the time, the judge who oversees this court also administers and performs marriages.

In Delaware County, there are 33 of these courts, which is the reason it is important to confirm that you are going to the right court when summoned.

What will happen depends on your case. For example, if you are facing a misdemeanor or a felony, then the court is going to allow a preliminary arraignment or hearing. After the issue is addressed and a decision has been made, the issue is passed on to the County Court of Common Pleas.

Why do You Need a Good Delaware Criminal Defense Lawyer?

A skilled lawyer can be invaluable for a number of reasons, especially when the charge against you could be up to $300 in fines, or it may even lead to three months jail time. Things get even dicier for those who have a past conviction because you are now looking at up to six months in jail.

The right lawyer can diffuse issues and give you sound advice regarding the charges you are facing. The goal is always going to be dismissal, but even if that is not possible, the lawyer will try to lessen the punishment.

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Firearm Carried W/O License

Montgomery 12/2016

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"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