Prison Charge Lawyer

New criminal charges filed while you are incarcerated can add years to your sentence and jeopardize any opportunity for early release. If you are facing charges in a state or county facility, do not speak with investigators and request legal counsel immediately. At Chieppor & Egner, our prison charge defense attorneys defend inmates against both criminal filings and internal misconduct allegations.

Common In-Prison Charges in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania prosecutors regularly file new charges against inmates for alleged conduct that occurs behind bars, and these cases carry serious consequences beyond institutional discipline. The most frequent allegations our attorneys see include:

• Aggravated Assault: First or second-degree felony when an inmate causes or attempts serious bodily injury to a guard, staff member, or fellow inmate.
• Possession of Contraband: Second-degree felony covering weapons, controlled substances, or cell phones found in an inmate’s possession.
• Riot: First-degree felony when three or more inmates engage in disorderly conduct with intent to commit a felony or prevent official action.
• Escape: Second or third-degree felony, depending on whether force or a weapon was used during the attempt.
• Assault by Prisoner: Second-degree felony that applies when an inmate causes bodily injury to an employee of a correctional institution.

Each charge must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt in a Court of Common Pleas, not in the prison itself. A conviction typically results in a consecutive sentence that begins after your current term ends.

What Happens When You Receive Prison Charges?

New criminal charges filed during incarceration follow a separate track from any internal in-house charge issued by the Department of Corrections. Both processes can move forward at the same time, and each carries distinct consequences:

• Detainers: A detainer lodged against you will prevent release on bail and block parole eligibility until the new case is resolved.
• Process: You will be arraigned, appear at preliminary hearings, and face trial in the county where the prison is located.
• Time Credit: Any sentence imposed for a new conviction typically runs consecutive to your existing sentence, not concurrent.

Prison disciplinary proceedings can result in loss of privileges, solitary confinement, and extended parole review. Both tracks demand a coordinated defense strategy. Mishandling one can undermine the other and result in years of additional incarceration.

Defenses for In-House Prison Charges

Cases against incarcerated individuals may have weaknesses that a skilled defense can exploit. Our attorneys investigate the evidence, witness credibility, and procedural compliance to identify grounds for dismissal, reduction, or acquittal under statutes like 234 Pennsylvania Code Rule 606:

• Self-defense against another inmate or officer
• Lack of knowledge regarding contraband
• Mistaken identity from unclear surveillance footage
• Coerced statements or confessions
• Violations of due process during the investigation

Don’t Wait to Contact Our Trusted Pennsylvania Criminal Defense Lawyers

If you or a loved one faces new charges while incarcerated, you need a defense attorney who understands the unique challenges of in-prison allegations. In his final year with the Lancaster County District Attorney’s Office, Alex Egner served as the approval authority for all charges arising from Lancaster County Prison, giving him direct insight into how these cases are handled.

Both attorneys at Chieppor & Egner are former prosecutors with extensive courtroom experience, prepared to defend your rights and advocate for the best possible outcome. Call us at 717-393-1400 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with our criminal defense attorney in Pennsylvania, serving clients in Lancaster, Berks, and York Counties.