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 — 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 who represent people facing serious criminal matters throughout Berks County, providing trial-focused defense from the first court date through resolution.
Reading criminal defense attorney
Criminal defense lawyer 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
- 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, Dutko & Chwiecko Trial 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 lawyer 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. Post-conviction relief through PCRA petitions is also available for eligible cases.
Frequently asked questions — Reading criminal lawyer
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 does not create an attorney-client relationship.