If you’ve been charged with a misdemeanor, you need someone who understands how these charges are classified, what the real penalties can be, and how a strong legal defense can reduce consequences or help you avoid a conviction. Our prosecutors-turned-defense attorneys at Chieppor & Egner routinely help people navigate Pennsylvania’s misdemeanor system, build strategic defenses, and pursue outcomes that protect their freedom and future opportunities.
We can likewise do the same for you. Our misdemeanor attorneys in Lancaster can explain your charges, guide you through the court process, challenge weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and advocate for favorable resolutions through negotiation or trial.
Misdemeanors are more serious than summary offenses and can result in jail time, fines, and long-term effects on your criminal record. Misdemeanors in PA are divided into three categories based on severity:
These maximum penalties apply unless a specific statute sets a different limit, and the actual sentence depends on factors such as your prior criminal history and the circumstances of your case. Likewise, even lower-level misdemeanors can result in jail time, and any misdemeanor conviction creates a criminal record that may affect your employment, housing, professional licensing, or education.
Misdemeanor cases typically begin in Lancaster County Magisterial District Court, where a preliminary hearing occurs. If the case proceeds, it will be heard in the Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas. The process can include formal arraignment, discovery, pre-trial motions, plea negotiations, and, if necessary, a jury trial. Each stage has strict rules and deadlines, making early legal guidance from our Lancaster misdemeanor lawyers at Chieppor & Egner immensely crucial.
First-degree misdemeanors include offenses such as terroristic threats and certain higher-value theft charges. A focused defense strategy is essential because these offenses carry the possibility of significant jail time. We can examine whether the prosecution can prove every element of the offense, whether the police made lawful arrests and searches, and whether mitigating factors or alternative resolutions may apply. When appropriate, our lawyers will seek reduced charges, diversionary programs, or alternative sentencing options.
Second- and third-degree misdemeanors include charges such as harassment, disorderly conduct, simple assault, minor theft, and certain DUI-related offenses. While these charges carry shorter potential jail sentences, they can still upend your life and leave a lasting mark on your record.
Our Lancaster misdemeanor attorneys can help you explore defenses such as lack of evidence, mistaken identity, or violations of constitutional rights during the investigation or arrest. In some cases, pre-trial diversion or treatment-based programs may be available and can help you avoid a conviction.
At Chieppor & Egner, we firmly believe that a strong misdemeanor defense involves more than showing up in court. We prepare clients for each stage of the process, explain what to expect in Lancaster County courts, and advocate for their interests at hearings, negotiations, and trial. Likewise, we can help you understand potential consequences beyond fines and jail time and evaluate your eligibility for record-clearing options, such as expungement or sealing, when permitted under Pennsylvania law.
When prosecutors offer plea agreements, our Lancaster misdemeanor lawyers will evaluate whether the offer truly serves your long-term interests. When a trial is the best option, they’ll present your defense clearly and effectively to judges and juries.
Reach out to Chieppor & Egner online or at 717-393-1400 to arrange your no-cost case review with our Lancaster misdemeanor attorneys.
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