Criminal Defense Lawyers in Washington, Butler & Beaver Counties, Pennsylvania
An arrest, criminal charge, or investigation can move quickly. The decisions you make early can affect what happens next. The Skeen Firm provides criminal defense representation 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 defendant fully understands what is happening. Police interviews, roadside statements, searches, bail conditions, preliminary hearings, and early court dates can all affect the direction of the case.
The goal of early representation is not to make promises. It is to understand the evidence, identify legal issues, protect the client's rights, and develop a realistic strategy.
Some cases may present suppression issues. Some may involve factual defenses, evidentiary problems, diversion opportunities, negotiated resolutions, or sentencing issues. Every case begins with the facts.
Charges We Defend
The Skeen Firm represents clients in a range of Pennsylvania criminal matters, including the following.
DUI Defense
Defense involving traffic stops, field sobriety testing, breath or blood evidence, suppression issues, license consequences, and Pennsylvania DUI charges.
Drug Charges
Possession, possession with intent to deliver, paraphernalia, controlled substances, search-and-seizure issues, and related offenses.
Assault Charges
Simple assault, aggravated assault, physical altercations, self-defense issues, domestic-related allegations, and other assault charges.
Theft & Property Offenses
Theft, retail theft, receiving stolen property, criminal mischief, burglary-related allegations, and other property offenses.
Probation Violations
Alleged technical violations, new criminal charges while on supervision, revocation proceedings, and related sentencing concerns.
Felony & Misdemeanor Defense
Representation for qualifying misdemeanor and felony charges in Pennsylvania state court.
Disorderly Conduct & Related Charges
Disorderly conduct, harassment, public-order offenses, and other lower-level criminal allegations.
Weapons-Related Charges
Qualifying Pennsylvania firearms and weapons cases, subject to the specific charge, facts, and jurisdiction.
Other Criminal Charges
If you do not see your exact charge listed, contact the firm to determine whether the matter fits our practice.
What You Do Next Can Matter
Criminal cases can begin moving before you have had time to process what happened. You may receive paperwork, court dates, bail conditions, or requests for additional information quickly.
Do not assume that a charge is minor simply because it is labeled a misdemeanor, and do not assume that cooperating further will automatically improve the situation.
Getting legal advice early can help you understand the process before making additional decisions.
Call (724) 250-8841What Happens After You Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer?
Understand the Charge
Review the criminal complaint, citations, bail paperwork, court dates, and the allegations against you.
Review the Evidence
Police reports, video, witness statements, laboratory evidence, searches, statements, and other available material.
Identify the Strategy
Analyze potential defenses, suppression issues, plea options, diversion opportunities, and trial considerations.
Move the Case Forward
Negotiate where appropriate, litigate where necessary, and prepare for the next stage of the case.
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 matters in Washington County, Pennsylvania.
Washington County legal services →Butler County Criminal Defense
Representation for qualifying criminal cases in Butler County, including DUI, drug offenses, assault, theft, probation violations, and related charges.
Butler County legal services →Beaver County Criminal Defense
Criminal defense representation for qualifying Beaver County cases, including DUI, criminal charges, and probation-related proceedings.
Beaver County legal services →Clear Advice When the Stakes Feel Unclear
Authentic
We explain what we see in the case without unnecessary posturing.
Solutions Driven
Every recommendation should move the case toward a defined objective.
Transparent
You should understand the process, likely next steps, and what your lawyer is doing.
Prepared
Negotiation is stronger when the case is being prepared as though litigation may be necessary.
Learn More About Pennsylvania Criminal Charges
Pennsylvania DUI Defense
Learn more about DUI charges, defenses, evidence, and the process after an arrest.
Read DUI resources →Washington County Criminal Defense
Read local information about criminal charges, DUI, and defense issues in Washington County.
Explore Washington County resources →Butler & Beaver County Defense
Explore local criminal-defense information for Butler and Beaver Counties.
Read local criminal-defense articles →Pennsylvania Criminal Defense FAQs
It can be useful to contact counsel as soon as you learn that you are under investigation, have been arrested, received a summons, or have been charged with a crime. Early advice can help you understand upcoming deadlines, court dates, release conditions, and decisions that may affect the case.
Whether to make a statement is a significant decision. If you are a suspect or have been charged, consider getting legal advice before making additional statements about the alleged conduct.
The process can involve criminal charges, preliminary proceedings, evidence involving breath or blood testing, possible licensing consequences, and later court appearances. The exact process depends on the facts and charges.
Some charges may be dismissed or reduced, but no result can be guaranteed. Potential outcomes depend on the evidence, legal issues, applicable law, witnesses, negotiations, and the facts of the case.
A preliminary hearing is an early stage in many Pennsylvania criminal cases at which the Commonwealth generally must present sufficient evidence to establish a prima facie case before charges move forward. The strategy at a preliminary hearing depends on the specific case.
Yes. The firm handles qualifying probation-violation matters, including alleged technical violations and violations based on new criminal charges.
The firm represents clients in qualifying felony and misdemeanor cases depending on the charge, jurisdiction, facts, conflicts, and scope of representation.
Payment arrangements may be available for qualifying matters. The exact fee and payment structure depend on the case and written engagement agreement.
Many client meetings and case discussions can be handled virtually, although criminal cases typically require in-person court appearances and some proceedings may require the client's presence.
Bring any criminal complaint, citation, summons, bail paperwork, court notices, police paperwork, relevant messages or photographs, and anything else related to the alleged incident.
The Charge Is Serious. Your Next Move Matters.
If you have been arrested, charged, 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, 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.