Criminal Defense Attorneys in Columbia, Pennsylvania

If you are facing criminal charges, it may feel like a weight is hanging over your head. And while you do have options, it is true that your future is at stake. Whether you have been accused of a misdemeanor or felony, the consequences can range from a simple fine to prison sentences. While you or your family may feel scared, you don’t have to do this alone, our Columbia criminal defense attorneys can help.

Chieppor & Egner, LLC knows how local law enforcement operates, how Lancaster County prosecutors build cases, and how to effectively fight back on your behalf. While this isn’t always a straightforward process, we are ready to listen to your charges, your story, and your goals in order to find the best solution.

Areas Where Criminal Arrests Happen in Columbia, PA

An arrest can happen anywhere, especially when it comes to crimes that may unexpectedly happen. That being said, criminal arrests in Columbia commonly occur in a few concentrated areas, where police activity is frequent and calls for service are high. These include:

• Downtown Columbia and Riverfront Park: Heavily trafficked areas where disorderly conduct, public intoxication, and drug-related offenses are often reported.
• Route 30 and Route 462 (Columbia Avenue): Major transportation routes where DUI arrests and traffic-related stops may lead to further charges.
• Residential neighborhoods near Walnut Street, Manor Street, and Locust Street: Officers frequently respond to domestic disturbance calls and reports of suspicious activity.
• Retail and commercial areas: Shoplifting and other theft offenses are common near local businesses, such as the Columbia Shopping Center, Columbia Plaza Outlet Mall, and the nearby Shops at Prospect.
• School zones and public buildings: Increased patrol presence can lead to juvenile arrests and school-related incidents. Columbia High School and Middle School being one of them. There are also buildings like the National Watch and Clock Museum, and the First National Bank Museum.

Columbia Borough Police and Pennsylvania State Police maintain a strong presence in the area. If you’ve been arrested in Columbia, it’s important to speak with a defense attorney who understands the local enforcement landscape.

Columbia County Courts Information

Criminal cases originating in Columbia are typically handled through the Magisterial District Court and the Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas. Understanding where your case will be heard and what happens at each stage is essential to protecting your rights.

The Magisterial District Court, located on 88 South Third Street, Columbia, PA, handles the initial stages of almost every criminal case that happens in Columbia. A lot of times they will resolve here, and no further steps will have to be taken. This court is responsible for preliminary arraignments, hearings, summary offenses, and low level misdemeanors that don’t have to go to county court. Hopefully, your case is resolved here. If not, your case will be taken to the county court.

The county court for Columbia is Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas, located at 50 N Duke Street, Lancaster, PA 17602. This is where more serious misdemeanor and felony cases are tried. It also oversees pretrial motions and plea negotiations. This is a trial level court, meaning our attorneys come and represent clients in an actual trial setting here often. It also handles sentencing, post-conviction motions, and expungements.

If you are facing criminal charges, Chieppor & Egner will represent you at every hearing, protect your rights, and advocate for the best possible outcome—whether that means dismissal, reduced charges, or a trial defense.

Crimes Our Columbia Criminal Defense Attorneys Handle

Our firm defends individuals charged with a wide range of criminal offenses in Columbia and Lancaster County. These include:

Drug Offenses

Drug offenses are not at all uncommon, and misdemeanors related to drug offense can cause minimal effects to one’s life. On the other hand, large amounts of drugs, intent to deliver or distribute, or prescription fraud can cause felony charges that need to be handled by an experienced attorney.

Driving Offenses/DUI

Driving-related charges in Columbia are among the most frequently prosecuted. DUI offenses may carry increasing penalties depending on BAC level and prior convictions. When it comes to DUI cases, attorneys Jonathan Chieppor and Alex Egner utilize their specialized knowledge and years of courtroom experience to deliver a well-crafted, strong defense tailored to your specific circumstances. Legal representation is critical in contesting traffic stops, chemical tests, and procedural violations.

Theft & White-Collar Crimes

Property crimes such as theft, shoplifting, and burglary can range from summary offenses to serious felonies depending on the value of the items involved and the accused’s criminal history. These cases often involve documentary evidence and require careful legal review and case strategy, something our team excels at! 

Probation and Parole Violations

Violating probation or parole is a really serious matter. Even missing an appointment or failing a drug test can lead to a resentencing hearing and possible jail time. In these cases, our lawyers can present mitigating evidence and advocate for reinstatement or modified terms rather than incarceration.

Domestic Violence

These charges may include assault, harassment, or terroristic threats and can affect child custody, housing, and employment. We help clients respond effectively to both the criminal and civil consequences of domestic violence accusations.

Every case is different. We evaluate the facts, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and identify all available defenses. Whatever the charge, you can trust us to handle it well. Our attorneys will help you understand the full range of consequences and work to avoid or minimize them wherever possible.

Contact Chieppor & Egner Today

Our attorneys not only have years of courtroom experience but are also deeply familiar with the Lancaster County Court system. Don’t leave your future to chance; protect your driving privileges and maintain a clean record by seeking the legal advice and representation you deserve.

Driving Directions to our Office in Lancaster, PA

From the North:

• Take I-76 East.
• Take Exit 286 toward US-222 South/Ephrata/Lancaster
• Merge onto US-222 South and continue for about 20 to 25 miles
• Take the exit for PA-272/Oregon Pike toward Oregon Pike/Lititz Pike
• Continue on Oregon Pike/PA-272 South
• Turn left onto East Chestnut Street
• Turn right onto North Duke Street
• Arrive at 53 N. Duke Street, Suite 401, Lancaster, PA 17602.

From the South:

• Take I-83 North.
• Take Exit 19 for PA-462 toward Market Street/Lancaster
• Continue on US-30 East – Once on Market Street, merge onto US-30 East toward
• Lancaster
• Take the exit for PA-501/Lititz Pike and turn right onto Lititz Pike
• Turn left onto East Chestnut Street
• Turn right onto North Duke Street
• Arrive at 53 N. Duke Street, Suite 401, Lancaster, PA 17602.

From the East:

• Start on I-276 West toward Harrisburg
• Take Exit 286 for US-222 South/Ephrata/Lancaster
• Merge onto US-222 South and continue for about 20 to 25 miles
• Take the exit for PA-272/Oregon Pike toward Oregon Pike/Lititz Pike
• Follow PA-272 South
• Turn left onto East Chestnut Street
• Turn right onto North Duke Street
• Arrive at 53 N. Duke Street, Suite 401, Lancaster, PA 17602.

From the West

• Start on I-76 East toward Harrisburg
• Take Exit 247 to merge onto I-283 South toward PA-283/Lancaster
• Merge onto PA-283 East and continue for about 25 miles toward Lancaster
• Take the exit toward Fruitville Pike
• Turn right onto Fruitville Pike and continue as it turns into North Prince Street
• Turn left onto East Chestnut Street
• Turn right onto North Duke Street
• Arrive at 53 N. Duke Street, Suite 401, Lancaster, PA 17602.