Michael J. Skinner is the founder of Skinner Law Firm and has been practicing criminal law for many years. As a former Assistant District Attorney in Chester County, Michael has handled various types of criminal cases, including DUI cases, drug charges, violent crimes, and homicide cases. His insight into how the criminal justice system works and how prosecutors think is valuable to successfully defending any criminal case.
Before deciding to open his own criminal defense firm, Michael spent several years working for the Chester County District Attorney’s (DA’s) Office. He began working as an intern during law school, but upon graduation and demonstration of a high level of talent and knowledge, he was quickly promoted to Assistant District Attorney.
Through this position, he handled hundreds of criminal cases in a variety of practice areas and prosecuted numerous DUI cases. Before his time at the DA’s office, Michael gained significant criminal defense experience working for a private law firm.
Prior to attending college, Michael – a Pennsylvania native, spent several years working as an arborist in his father’s tree business, where he learned the values of hard work and responsibility. He was born and raised in Delaware County, and has been living in Chester County since 2001.
Notable Verdicts/Settlements
• Man acquitted of murder, not guilty on all charges
• Third-degree murder withdrawn, reduced to aggravated assault
• Aggravated assault dismissed, reduced to summary offense
• DUI dismissed, charges dismissed for lack of evidence
• Chemical test refusal dismissed, DUI refusal suspension overturned
• Felony rape and kidnapping dismissed, charges reduced
• Felony sex crimes dismissed, all charges dismissed
Honors And Awards
• Main Line Today Magazine, Top Lawyers, 2015 – 2019
• Super Lawyers, Rising Stars Selectee, 2017
• National Trial Lawyers, Top 100 Trial Lawyers, 2015 – 2017
• American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys, 10 Best for Client Satisfaction, 2015
• American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys, 10 Best for Client Satisfaction, 2015
• Chester County District Attorney’s Office, Appreciation of Service and Dedication, 2011
Publications
• PRWEB , Supreme Court to Decide if Dissipation of Alcohol in Bloodstream is Exigent Circumstances, 2013
• PRWEB , Sexual Offenses and Penalties in Pennsylvania Among Recent Sex Abuse Allegations, 2012
• PRWEB, Pennsylvania Sexting Law Goes into Effect, 2012
• PRWEB, Medical Marijuana Legislation Recently Proposed in Pennsylvania , 2011
Work Experience
• Skinner Law Firm, LLC, Founder, 2011 – Present
• Chester County District Attorney’s Office, Assistant District Attorney, 2006 – 2011
• Delaware Civil Clinic, Trial Counsel, 2006
• Goldberg, Meanix & Muth, Legal Assistant, 2003 – 2004
Professional Associations & Memberships
• National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Member, 2015 – Present
• American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys, Member, 2015
• American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys, Member, 2015
• National College for DUI Defense, Member, 2015 – Present
• Rotary Club of West Chester, Member, 2015 – 2018
• Better Business Bureau, Member, 2013 – 2015
• Chester County Bar Association, Young Lawyer’s Division – Past Secretary-Elect, 2012
• Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Member, 2011 – Present
• Pennsylvania Bar Association, Member, 2007 – Present
• Chester County Bar Association, Member, 2007 – Present
• American Bar Association, Member, 2007 – Present
