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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.

Magisterial District Courts of Montgomery County and Pennsylvania

Magisterial district courts are in all counties of Pennsylvania except for Philadelphia and Pittsburgh that have their municipal courts. They’re divided up by county and typically hear a variety of cases. Criminally, summary offense cases are heard from beginning to end within this venue. Other criminal matters initiate within these courts; however, they don’t progress beyond the preliminary hearing phase. This goes for all non-summary offense misdemeanors and felony cases. The preliminary hearing is optional, and it can be waived by the defendant if they’d like. The preliminary hearing is simply a determination of whether enough evidence is available to establish a prima facie case. In other words, the court is determining if the case is strong enough to be handed over to the court of common pleas for a full evidentiary hearing. Arraignments are held and bail is set by magisterial district judges as well.

There are 30 courts in Montgomery County alone. The following locations are home to Montgomery County Magisterial District Courts:

Norristown (three locations)
Elkins Park (two locations)
Pottstown (two locations)
Schwenksville
Conshohocken
Lansdale
Souderton
Montgomeryville
Red Hill
Willow Grove
Limerick
Bridgeport
Abington
Horsham
Hatboro
Lafayette Hill
King of Prussia
Oreland
Glenside
Collegeville
Gilbertsville
Narberth
Blue Bell
Ardmore
Ambler
Bala Cynwyd

Types of Cases Heard by Montgomery County Magisterial District Courts

Montgomery County Magisterial District Courts hear the lowest level of misdemeanor cases known as summary offenses. If convicted, these cases can carry up to 90 days in jail and fines plus any other items ordered by the magisterial district judge, such as restitution and court costs. For repeat offenders, a sentence of up to 180 days in jail is the highest level of punishment plus any other costs and monetary fines. Criminal cases that are solely heard by the magisterial district courts include the following examples:

  • Traffic citations
  • Disorderly persons offenses
  • Shoplifting of under $150
  • Criminal mischief
  • Local ordinance violations and others

Other non-criminal matters that are heard by the magisterial district courts involve landlord and tenant disputes, civil disputes with damages of under $12,000, breach of contract, and other similar cases.

Do I Need an Attorney for Montgomery County Magisterial District Court Cases?

You’re free to represent yourself in magisterial district court; however, it should be noted that this is inadvisable for any criminal matter. With the nature of the cases, you stand to lose a great deal if convicted of a crime. If your job depends on having a clean record, or you’re currently seeking employment, a conviction can cause long-lasting harm to your career and reputation. Simple traffic citations that can be handled without any type of significant consequences are appropriate for self-representation. If you’re facing more serious criminal charges that involve anything above a citation-based summary offense, you should strongly consider hiring a skilled attorney like those at Amato Sanita Law Offices to defend you against the charges. Even reduced charges can be helpful when handled by one of our attorneys that know these courts inside and out.

Call Amato Sanita Law Offices for Your Case Evaluation

We offer a valuable no-obligation or cost case evaluation service to show you exactly how we might be able to help. Amato Sanita Law Offices has over 25 years of experience with Montgomery County Courts including the Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas. We’ll be able to provide you with realistic expectations, and we’ll take the time to listen to your concerns and answer your questions. Our award-winning staff has been helping people to have their charges dismissed completely or significantly reduced to have little long-lasting impact for many years. We offer convenient appointment times, and we’ll always get back to you quickly when you contact us for information. We specialize in protecting your rights and your freedom, so call us at 267-738-7766 for your free case evaluation, today.

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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