Are you facing criminal charges in Columbia? Did someone hurt you in an accident? Perhaps you’re dealing with a complex divorce or child custody case. There are countless situations when you need a Columbia lawyer’s help, and who you choose to represent you is one of the most important decisions you’ll make.
Chieppor & Egner, LLC, proudly represents Columbia residents when they need legal assistance. No matter your issue—criminal charges, injuries from a severe accident, a family law issue, etc.—we can protect your rights and help you reach a positive outcome. We’re Lancaster County residents, so we know the local prosecutors and courts, along with the particular local quirks that sometimes affect these cases. Choosing our firm also means you don’t have to drive for hours to meet your lawyer.
Don’t risk your freedom, your family’s future, or your health by hiring the wrong attorney. Call Chieppor & Egner, LLC, now or complete our contact form for a free case review.
How do you choose the right lawyer for your case? Start by considering their experience, resources, and approach to customer service.
It’s often best to work with a local attorney, and we have deep ties to the Lancaster County community. Our firm’s partners, Jonathan Chieppor and Alexander Egner, are longtime local residents and pride themselves on their knowledge of the local legal system. Our local knowledge of not only the courts and prosecutors, but also of opposing counsel, local industries, trends in our county’s culture, and our community’s values helps us be better advocates for you.
If you face criminal charges in Lancaster County or Columbia, it helps to have a former prosecutor on your side. You’re in luck: Both our firm’s partners have significant experience as criminal prosecutors. That inside knowledge means we’re well-equipped to defend you against the charges brought against you.
We don’t limit ourselves to criminal defense cases, though. Our broad experience with many legal issues helps us provide a balanced and holistic approach to representing you. For example, criminal law and family law cases sometimes overlap, particularly in cases involving allegations of domestic violence and child custody disputes. Our understanding of both these areas of the law means we can address all aspects of these cases.
While not all legal cases go to trial, it’s critical to prepare for the possibility. We’re experienced litigators, and our courtroom knowledge means we’re well-practiced at arguing on our client’s behalf. We won’t hesitate to take your case to court if it’s the right move.
You also need a lawyer who treats you respectfully and doesn’t offer cookie-cutter solutions. We treat every client with compassion and empathy, and we provide personalized strategies tailored to your particular needs and situation.
We’re also happy to explain legal concepts in plain terms so you understand what’s happening in your case.
We can assist you with many legal challenges you might face in Columbia or Lancaster County. Some cases we handle include:
Criminal Defense
You should never face the criminal justice system without a defense attorney. Our experience as former prosecutors gives us tools other defense lawyers don’t have that we can use to defend you. We can explain the charges and penalties you face and make sure the police and prosecutors respect your rights whenever you meet with them. We can also examine the case against you for weak points and challenge any evidence obtained through an illegal search. We’ll review any plea agreements to make sure they’re fair, and we’ll be ready to represent you in court if necessary.
Some criminal cases we handle include:
Should the police arrest you on suspicion of criminal crimes, don’t say anything except that you want a lawyer. Use your Fifth Amendment right to be silent. Don’t try to explain what happened, as your words may be used against you later. Ask for a lawyer immediately after the police take you into custody. The sooner you involve an attorney in your case, the more they can do to help you, and the greater your chances of avoiding the worst possible penalties.
Don’t physically resist arrest or insult any law enforcement officers, as these actions will only worsen your situation. Similarly, don’t try to run away, hide, or destroy evidence. Any of these steps could lead to additional charges or penalties.
It’s also crucial to remember as many details of your arrest as possible. Why? Because your attorney can argue for reduced or dismissed charges if the police or prosecutors violated your rights. Once you hire a lawyer, tell them everything you remember about your arrest in as much detail as possible. Open communication with your lawyer is important.
Similarly, don’t try to contact any alleged victims in your case. You might think they can clear up your case and get the police to drop their case, but regular people don’t decide these issues. It’s up to local prosecutors to file charges, and they might charge you with witness tampering if you contact others involved in your case.
Likewise, don’t sign any documents the police or prosecutors give you. They might offer a plea deal if you sign a confession, but a confession eliminates your other defense options. There may be better ways to move forward, so don’t give up any necessary information. If a plea deal is your best option, your lawyer can negotiate with prosecutors on your behalf.
Personal Injury
Car accidents, slip-and-falls, dog bites, and similar incidents can ruin your life. You have the right to obtain compensation for your injuries if someone else caused them, but you’ll need help to prove your case.
Our team can investigate the accident and collect all the available evidence to build a solid foundation for a personal injury claim. We can also gather your medical records, testimony from mental health professionals, and other documents to illustrate the full extent of your injuries.
Once we file a personal injury claim, we’ll negotiate with the liable parties or their insurance companies to help you get a fair deal. We’ll push back against any attempts to reduce your compensation, and we can take your case to court if necessary.
Some personal injury cases we handle include:
Family Law
Family law cases are sensitive and highly emotional. Our lawyers understand the delicate nature of these cases and will work to resolve your issue efficiently. Some family law cases we handle in Columbia and Lancaster County include:
Don’t risk the uncertainty and potential bad outcome of waiting to hire a lawyer for your legal case in Columbia or Lancaster County. Call Chieppor & Egner, LLC now or complete our contact form for a free case evaluation.
