A clear plan from the start
Understand the allegations, the next court date, and the decisions that may affect your case.
Berks County criminal defense
Berks County, PA Criminal Lawyer
A criminal charge in Berks County moves quickly — from a preliminary hearing at the Reading courthouse to arraignment and trial in the Court of Common Pleas. Dutko & Chwiecko Trial Attorneys represent people facing serious criminal matters in Reading and throughout Berks County, providing trial-focused defense from the first court date through resolution.
Reading criminal defense
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, 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
- Preliminary hearings and arraignments
Trial-focused representation
Prepare your defense with the care and attention serious criminal charges demand.
Direct communication
Get practical answers about your case and the legal process as it moves forward.
Serving communities throughout Berks County
Dutko & Chwiecko Trial Attorneys represent clients from Reading and communities across Berks County, including:
- Reading
- Wyomissing
- Wernersville
- Bernville
- Birdsboro
- Fleetwood
- Kutztown
- Hamburg
- Boyertown
- Morgantown
Criminal matters we handle
DUI and traffic-related charges
Defense guidance for DUI allegations and related criminal or license consequences.
Drug offenses
Representation for drug-related allegations at every stage of the criminal process.
Firearm offenses
Focused defense for charges involving firearms and weapons allegations.
Theft and fraud offenses
Counsel for theft, fraud, and other property-related criminal accusations.
Assault and domestic allegations
Serious representation for assault and domestic-related criminal charges.
Sex offenses
Discreet, trial-focused counsel for sensitive and high-stakes allegations.
Your next steps
What to do after an arrest or investigation
01
Protect your rights
Do not make statements about the facts of your case without first speaking with counsel.
02
Get the details together
Keep court paperwork, charging documents, bail information, and any notices you receive.
03
Speak with a criminal lawyer
Discuss the allegations, deadlines, and the next steps that apply to your situation.
Berks County court system
How criminal cases move through 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. Understanding each stage — and the deadlines that come with it — is critical to building an effective defense.
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.
02
Court of Common Pleas
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
If a conviction results, defendants have the right to appeal to the Pennsylvania Superior Court. Post-conviction relief through PCRA petitions is also available for eligible cases.
Frequently asked questions
Talk with a Reading criminal defense lawyer
Contact Dutko & Chwiecko Trial Attorneys to discuss your criminal defense matter in Reading or anywhere in Berks County.
This page provides general information and is not legal advice. Contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship.