Criminal Defense Lawyers in Washington, Butler & Beaver Counties, Pennsylvania
An arrest, DUI charge or criminal investigation can start moving before you have had time to understand what happened. The Skeen Firm represents people facing criminal charges throughout Western Pennsylvania, with a particular focus on Washington County, Butler County and Beaver County.
An Arrest Is the Beginning of the Case. Not the End of It.
Criminal cases often begin before the person charged fully understands what is happening. Police interviews, traffic stops, searches, statements, bail conditions, preliminary hearings and early court appearances can all affect what happens later.
The job of criminal-defense counsel is not to make promises about outcomes. It is to understand what happened, examine the evidence, identify legal and factual issues, explain the available options and build a strategy around the actual case.
Some cases may involve suppression issues. Others may involve factual defenses, weaknesses in the Commonwealth's evidence, diversion, negotiated resolutions or sentencing considerations. The analysis starts with the facts.
Charges We Defend
The Skeen Firm represents clients in qualifying Pennsylvania criminal matters ranging from DUI and misdemeanor charges to more serious felony allegations.
DUI Defense
Traffic stops, field sobriety tests, breath and blood evidence, chemical-test issues, suppression questions, ARD and Pennsylvania DUI charges.
Explore DUI Defense →Drug Charges
Possession, paraphernalia, controlled substances, possession with intent to deliver and search-and-seizure issues.
Drug Charge Resources →Assault Charges
Simple assault, aggravated assault, physical altercations, self-defense issues and domestic-related criminal allegations.
Assault Defense Resources →Theft & Property Offenses
Theft, retail theft, receiving stolen property, criminal mischief and other qualifying property-related charges.
Discuss the Charge →Probation Violations
Alleged technical violations, new criminal charges while on supervision, revocation proceedings and related sentencing issues.
Discuss a Probation Violation →Felony & Misdemeanor Defense
Representation for qualifying misdemeanor and felony charges in Pennsylvania state court.
Understand Pennsylvania Charges →Disorderly Conduct & Harassment
Disorderly conduct, harassment and other public-order or lower-level criminal allegations.
Discuss Your Case →Other Criminal Charges
If your specific charge is not listed here, contact the firm to determine whether the matter fits our criminal-defense practice.
Ask About Your Charge →Charged With DUI in Western Pennsylvania?
DUI cases can involve much more than a blood-alcohol number. The traffic stop, observations by police, roadside investigation, field sobriety testing, chemical testing, statements, timing and police procedures can all become relevant to the defense.
Washington County DUI Lawyer
DUI defense for charges arising in Washington County, Pennsylvania, including first-time DUI allegations, chemical testing and related proceedings.
Explore Washington County DUI Defense → BUTLERButler County DUI Lawyer
DUI representation for qualifying cases in Butler County, including cases involving traffic stops, testing, ARD eligibility and disputed evidence.
Explore Butler County DUI Defense → BEAVERBeaver County DUI Lawyer
DUI defense for people charged in Beaver County, Pennsylvania, from the initial arrest through the criminal-court process.
Explore Beaver County DUI Defense →Understand What Happened During the DUI Investigation
The details of a DUI investigation can matter. These resources explain several of the issues that commonly arise after a Pennsylvania DUI stop.
What You Do Next Can Matter
A criminal case can begin moving before you have had time to process the arrest. You may receive paperwork, court dates, bail conditions or requests for additional information quickly.
Do not assume a charge is insignificant because it is labeled a misdemeanor. Likewise, do not assume that making additional statements will necessarily resolve the situation.
Read every piece of paperwork you received.
Calendar every court date and deadline.
Follow all bail and release conditions.
Preserve relevant messages, videos, documents and records.
Speak with counsel before making additional statements about the case.
What Happens After You Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer?
Understand the Charge
Review the complaint, citations, bail paperwork, court dates and allegations.
Review the Evidence
Examine police reports, video, witness statements, testing, searches and other available evidence.
Identify Legal Issues
Analyze searches, statements, probable cause, evidentiary issues and potential defenses.
Evaluate the Options
Consider diversion, negotiation, suppression, plea options and trial strategy where applicable.
Move the Case Forward
Negotiate where appropriate, litigate where necessary and prepare for the next stage.
Criminal Defense in Washington, Butler & Beaver Counties
Washington County Criminal Defense
Defense for DUI, drug charges, assault, theft, probation violations, misdemeanors, felonies and other qualifying criminal matters in Washington County.
Butler County Criminal Defense
Representation for qualifying criminal cases in Butler County, including DUI, drug charges, assault, theft, probation violations and other criminal allegations.
Beaver County Criminal Defense
Criminal-defense representation for qualifying Beaver County matters, including DUI, criminal charges and probation-related proceedings.
Learn More About Pennsylvania Criminal Charges
Understanding the terminology and process can make it easier to evaluate what is happening and what questions you need answered.
Clear Advice When the Stakes Feel Unclear
We explain what we see in the case without unnecessary posturing.
Every recommendation should move the case toward a defined objective.
You should understand the process, likely next steps and strategy.
Negotiation is stronger when the case is prepared as though litigation may be necessary.
Pennsylvania Criminal Defense FAQs
When should I contact a criminal defense lawyer?
Consider obtaining legal advice as early as possible after an arrest, charge or notice that you are under investigation. Early review may help you understand court dates, bail conditions, evidence, statements and other issues before additional decisions are made.
Do you handle DUI cases in Washington County?
Yes. The Skeen Firm represents qualifying DUI matters in Washington County, Pennsylvania. Visit our Washington County DUI page for more information about local DUI representation.
Do you handle DUI cases in Butler County?
Yes. The firm represents qualifying DUI cases in Butler County, including matters involving roadside investigations, chemical testing and other DUI evidence.
Do you handle DUI cases in Beaver County?
Yes. The firm handles qualifying DUI matters in Beaver County, Pennsylvania. Our Beaver County DUI page provides additional information about the process and representation.
What should I do after a DUI arrest?
Keep all paperwork, calendar court dates, follow bail or release conditions and preserve anything relevant to the stop or arrest. Legal counsel can then review the circumstances and evidence.
Can a DUI traffic stop be challenged?
The legality and circumstances of the traffic stop can be relevant in a DUI case. The specific analysis depends on why police initiated the stop and what happened afterward.
What happens at a Pennsylvania preliminary hearing?
A preliminary hearing is an early stage in many Pennsylvania criminal cases. Its purpose and procedure differ from a trial. What happens at the hearing depends on the charges, evidence and procedural posture.
Do you handle first-time criminal charges?
Yes. The firm handles qualifying matters involving people who have never previously been charged as well as cases involving prior criminal histories. Available options depend on the particular charge, facts and eligibility requirements.
Can criminal-defense meetings be handled virtually?
Many attorney-client meetings and case discussions can be handled virtually. Criminal cases themselves generally require in-person court proceedings at various stages.
The Charge Is Serious. Your Next Move Matters.
If you have been arrested, charged with DUI or another crime, or believe you are under investigation, start by understanding the allegations, the process and the options available to you.
Attorney Advertising. This page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Viewing this page or contacting The Skeen Firm does not create an attorney-client relationship. Criminal charges, available defenses, diversion eligibility, sentencing exposure and possible outcomes depend on the facts, evidence, jurisdiction, applicable law and circumstances of the individual case. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.