Trial-ready from day one
Every Reading criminal case is prepared as if it will go to trial — because that preparation is what drives better outcomes at every stage, from preliminary hearings to plea negotiations.
Reading & Berks County criminal defense
Reading Criminal Lawyer & Defense Attorney — Berks County, PA
A criminal charge in Berks County moves quickly — from a preliminary hearing at the magisterial district court to arraignment and trial at the Berks County Court of Common Pleas in Reading. Dutko & Chwiecko Trial Attorneys are Reading criminal defense lawyers and attorneys who represent people facing serious criminal matters throughout Berks County, providing trial-focused defense from the first court date through resolution.
Criminal lawyer in Reading, PA
Charged in Reading, PA? Here's what you need to know.
Reading is the county seat of Berks County and one of the most active criminal court jurisdictions in eastern Pennsylvania. The Berks County Court of Common Pleas at 633 Court Street handles thousands of criminal cases each year — DUI, drug possession and trafficking, firearm offenses, assault, domestic violence, sex offenses, and serious felonies. If you were arrested in Reading or charged with a crime anywhere in Berks County, you need a criminal lawyer who appears in these courts regularly and understands how the Berks County District Attorney's Office prosecutes cases.
Berks County Court of Common Pleas
633 Court Street, Reading, PA 19601
Berks County DA's Office
Prosecutes felony and serious misdemeanor cases in Reading
Magisterial district courts
Preliminary hearings held throughout Berks County
Why local representation matters in Reading
Dutko & Chwiecko Trial Attorneys are Reading criminal defense attorneys who appear at the Berks County Court of Common Pleas and before magisterial district judges throughout the county. The firm handles cases from the first preliminary hearing through trial and, when necessary, on appeal to the Pennsylvania Superior Court. Early representation — before charges are formally filed or at the preliminary hearing stage — often produces the best outcomes.
Reading criminal defense attorney
Criminal defense attorney serving Reading, PA
Reading is the county seat of Berks County and home to the Court of Common Pleas at 633 Court Street, where felony and serious misdemeanor cases are tried. Dutko & Chwiecko Trial Attorneys appear regularly in Reading courts as criminal defense attorneys, defending clients against DUI charges, drug offenses, firearm allegations, assault, and other serious criminal matters. If you are facing charges in Reading or anywhere in Berks County, early legal representation gives you the best opportunity to protect your rights and your future.
- Reading Court of Common Pleas — 633 Court Street
- Magisterial district courts throughout Berks County
- Berks County DA's Office proceedings
- ARD eligibility and diversion program hearings
Local court knowledge
The firm appears regularly at the Berks County Court of Common Pleas in Reading and before magisterial district judges throughout the county, with direct knowledge of local procedures and prosecutors.
Serious charges, serious defense
From DUI and drug offenses to felony assault and firearms charges, our Reading criminal attorneys handle the full range of criminal matters in Reading and Berks County.
Serving communities throughout Berks County
Dutko & Chwiecko Trial Attorneys represent clients from Reading and communities across Berks County, including:
- Reading
- Wyomissing
- Kutztown
- Hamburg
- Boyertown
- Birdsboro
- Fleetwood
Criminal matters handled in Reading and Berks County
DUI defense
Focused defense strategy for DUI charges in Reading, including ARD eligibility, license suspension, and trial representation at the Berks County Court of Common Pleas.
Drug offenses
Representation for possession, PWID, and drug trafficking charges — from simple possession to serious felony allegations in Reading and throughout Berks County.
Firearm charges
Defense for illegal possession, VUFA, and related firearms offenses that carry mandatory minimum sentences under Pennsylvania law.
Assault and domestic violence
Discreet, determined representation for assault, aggravated assault, and domestic violence charges in Reading and Berks County courts.
Sex offenses
Experienced defense for sexual assault, indecent assault, and related charges — protecting your rights and reputation at every stage of the case.
Theft and fraud
Careful case review and courtroom-ready advocacy for theft, retail theft, fraud, and financial crime allegations in Berks County.
How we approach your Reading criminal case
A defense built around your case
01
Case review
We review the charges, evidence, and procedural history to identify weaknesses in the Commonwealth's case and opportunities for your defense.
02
Strategy and counsel
We explain your options in plain language — preliminary hearing strategy, pre-trial motions, ARD eligibility, plea negotiations, or trial — so you can make informed decisions.
03
Courtroom representation
We appear at every stage in Reading and Berks County courts, from the magisterial district court through the Court of Common Pleas and, if necessary, on appeal.
Berks County court system
How criminal cases move through Reading and Berks County courts
Criminal charges in Berks County begin at the magisterial district court level, where a preliminary arraignment and preliminary hearing are scheduled. Felony and serious misdemeanor cases then move to the Berks County Court of Common Pleas at 633 Court Street in Reading, where formal arraignment, pre-trial motions, and trial take place. The Berks County District Attorney's Office prosecutes these matters — having an experienced Reading criminal defense attorney at every stage is essential to protecting your rights.
01
Magisterial district court
Preliminary arraignment and preliminary hearing are held here. The preliminary hearing is often the first opportunity to challenge the Commonwealth's evidence and seek reduction or dismissal of charges.
02
Court of Common Pleas — Reading
Felony and serious misdemeanor cases proceed to 633 Court Street, Reading. Formal arraignment, pre-trial motions, plea negotiations, and jury or bench trials occur at this level.
03
Superior Court appeals
Following a conviction, defendants have the right to appeal to the Pennsylvania Superior Court. Dutko & Chwiecko Trial Attorneys handle post-conviction appeals and PCRA petitions for Berks County clients.
Frequently asked questions — Reading criminal defense
Facing criminal charges in Reading or Berks County?
Contact Dutko & Chwiecko Trial Attorneys for a confidential consultation. We represent clients throughout Reading and Berks County at every stage of the criminal process.