Facing criminal charges in Mount Joy, Pennsylvania, can be overwhelming. Depending on the severity of the charges, a criminal conviction can lead to fines, probation, or even imprisonment. A criminal record can also make finding and holding a job, seeking higher education, or securing housing difficult.
If you’re facing charges in Mount Joy, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney who can fight for your rights. Contact Chieppor & Egner today for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain the charges and penalties you’re facing, and go over some of the possible defenses you could use.
Attorneys Chieppor and Egner have years of experience as criminal defense attorneys and former prosecutors. Their prosecution experience gives them a unique perspective and an in-depth understanding of how the government will likely build its case against you.
Our Lancaster County criminal defense attorneys defend clients from Mount Joy against various charges. Some of the most common include:
Auto Theft – Stealing a vehicle is a serious crime in Pennsylvania and can result in heavy penalties, including imprisonment and fines. Whether prosecutors charge you with stealing a vehicle, receiving a stolen car, or carjacking, you need an experienced lawyer.
Disorderly Conduct – A range of behaviors can lead to disorderly conduct charges, from public intoxication to causing a disturbance. While these charges are often minor, they can still result in a fine and criminal record.
Domestic Violence – Violent crimes, such as domestic violence, have some of the most severe consequences. Our attorneys defend clients against domestic violence charges by challenging the evidence and arguing self-defense.
Driving Under the Influence – Even a first-time DUI offense can lead to fines, license suspension, and a criminal record. Our defense attorneys focus on the legality of the stop and the accuracy of the field sobriety and chemical tests.
Drug Charges – These charges range from simple possession to manufacturing and trafficking. Regardless of what type of drug charge the prosecution brings against you, our team is equipped to handle it.
Probation and Parole Violations – Violating your probation or parole terms can have serious repercussions, including being sent to prison for the remainder of your sentence. We work to minimize the potential penalties for violations by providing evidence of compliance.
Retail Theft – Many retail theft charges stem from misunderstandings and unintentional actions. We help clients fight these charges by proving a lack of intent whenever possible.
Traffic Violations – Even a minor traffic violation can result in fines and points on your license. We defend clients against all types of traffic charges and work to minimize their impact on your driving record.
Underage Drinking – An underage drinking conviction can affect your future opportunities, including education and employment. Our lawyers fight the charges and seek alternative penalties like alcohol education programs.
Welfare Fraud – White-collar crimes like Welfare fraud can result in hefty fines and lengthy prison sentences. Our team defends clients by scrutinizing the evidence, identifying legal errors, and working to reduce or eliminate charges.
In addition to defending clients against criminal charges, Chieppor & Egner provides various related legal services to help individuals in the criminal justice system:
Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) – The ARD program is for first-time, non-violent offenders in Pennsylvania. It offers an alternative to conviction and jail time, typically by having your charges dismissed after you complete a probationary period and education program. Our attorneys can help you petition for entry into this diversionary program.
Expungements and Pardons – A criminal record can impact your ability to secure higher education, employment, housing, and financial aid. We can help clients seek to clear their criminal record through the expungement or pardon process, giving them a fresh start.
Firearm Rights Restoration – If you lost your right to own a firearm due to a criminal conviction, our attorneys may be able to help. Pennsylvania law sets out a specific path toward restoring these rights.
Post-Conviction Relief and Appeals – All hope isn’t lost if you were convicted of a crime. Our attorneys can assist you with overturning wrongful convictions, reducing sentences, or obtaining a new trial through the post-conviction relief and appeals processes.
Our team uses several defenses to protect our clients’ rights in Mount Joy. Depending on the circumstances of your case, some of the defenses we may be able to use include:
Alibi – This defense relies on proving you were somewhere else when the crime was committed.
Mistaken Identity – Our attorneys can challenge witness testimony and examine the procedures used to identify you as the accused.
Mistake of Fact – Misunderstandings or incorrect information can sometimes lead to unintentional criminal behavior.
Self-Defense – In cases involving assault or domestic violence, you may be able to argue that you acted in self-defense if you believed you were at risk of imminent bodily harm or death.
Entrapment – This occurs when law enforcement pressures someone to commit a crime they wouldn’t have otherwise committed.
Illegal Search and Seizure – If the evidence against you was improperly collected, such as without a valid warrant, we may be able to have it barred from court.
Coercion – If someone else coerced you into committing a crime against your will, such as via a threat of violence, we may be able to show you were under duress.
Lack of Evidence – In many cases, the prosecution simply doesn’t have enough evidence to prove that you committed the crime beyond a reasonable doubt.
If you’re facing criminal charges in Mount Joy, contact Chieppor & Egner for a free consultation about your case. We’ll review your charges, explain the penalties you could face if convicted, and go over the possible defenses.
Follow the directions below to reach our Lancaster office at 53 N. Duke Street, Suite 401:
From the North:
Take US-222 S towards Lancaster.
Merge onto PA-272 S / Oregon Pike via Exit 41 toward Lancaster.
Continue on PA-272 S / Oregon Pike for about 3 miles.
Turn right onto E Liberty St.
After about 0.5 miles, turn left onto N Duke St.
Continue on N Duke St for 0.4 miles. The destination will be on your right.
From the South:
Take US-222 N towards Lancaster.
Merge onto PA-741 W / Millersville Rd via Exit 32.
Continue on PA-741 W for about 3 miles.
Turn right onto PA-462 E / Columbia Ave.
Continue for 1.5 miles, then turn left onto N Queen St.
After 0.6 miles, turn right onto E Orange St.
Turn left onto N Duke St. The destination will be on your left.
From the East:
Take US-30 W towards Lancaster.
Take the exit toward PA-23 / New Holland Pike.
Turn left onto PA-23 W / New Holland Pike and continue for 3 miles.
Turn left onto N Duke St.
Continue on N Duke St for 0.6 miles. The destination will be on your right.
From the West:
Take US-30 E towards Lancaster.
Take the exit for PA-462 / W King St.
Merge onto PA-462 E / Columbia Ave.
Continue on PA-462 E for 3.5 miles.
Turn left onto N Queen St.
After 0.6 miles, turn right onto E Orange St.
Turn left onto N Duke St. The destination will be on your left.
