A criminal charge may impact your employment, relationships, and personal life, making it important to understand your rights and legal options. Working with our experienced Lancaster criminal defense attorneys at Chieppor & Egner can help you navigate the legal process and protect your interests. 

Criminal Law Cases We Handle in Pennsylvania 

At Chieppor & Egner, our attorneys understand that every criminal case is different. We review the evidence, investigate the circumstances surrounding the allegations, and look for legal issues that may affect the outcome of your case. Our goal is to protect your rights and pursue the strongest possible defense. Our firm handles a variety of criminal matters, including:

• DUI and traffic-related offenses
• Drug crimes
• Theft and property crimes
• Domestic violence charges
• Juvenile offenses
• Probation violations

A criminal conviction may result in serious consequences, making it crucial to seek experienced legal counsel that you can trust to pursue the most favorable outcome for your unique situation. At Chieppor & Egner, our goal is to provide aggressive advocacy, so you feel protected at every stage of your case.

How Does Pennsylvania Define Criminal Offenses?

Pennsylvania law classifies criminal offenses based on the seriousness of the alleged conduct. Under 18 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 106, offenses are generally divided into:

1. Felonies. Felonies carry the most severe penalties and can include lengthy prison sentences

2. Misdemeanors. These may result in shorter periods of incarceration, probation, and fines.

3. Summary offenses. This type of charge is generally less serious but can still lead to criminal penalties and lasting consequences.

The level of the offense often depends on the circumstances surrounding the alleged crime, a person’s criminal history, and other factors established under Pennsylvania law. Understanding how your charge is classified is an important part of evaluating the potential penalties and available defense strategies.

Common Criminal Defense Strategies in Pennsylvania

At Chieppor & Egner, our attorneys carefully analyze each case to determine the correct approach for protecting our clients’ rights. 

In some cases, a strong defense may involve challenging the reliability of evidence, questioning witness statements, or identifying errors made during an investigation. In other situations, our lawyers may pursue negotiations with prosecutors to seek reduced charges. Some factors that may affect a criminal defense strategy include:

• The circumstances leading up to the arrest or investigation
• How law enforcement collected and handled evidence
• The strength of the prosecution’s case
• Any available defenses under Pennsylvania law

Our attorneys understand the serious consequences that can result from a criminal conviction. Chieppor & Egner works to provide the guidance and representation you need throughout the criminal defense process.

Let Our Trusted Criminal Defense Attorneys in Lancaster, PA Fight for You

Facing criminal charges can be stressful, but you do not have to handle the legal process alone. Chieppor & Egner offers free consultations to discuss your situation and explain your available options. Both Jonathan Chieppor and Alex Egner are former prosecutors who use their experience to help clients facing criminal allegations throughout Berks, York, and Lancaster Counties. 

Contact our team today online or by calling 717-393-1400 to meet with an experienced Lancaster criminal defense lawyer.