about us
A Criminal Defense Attorney Who Knows These Courts — and How to Fight in Them
Twenty years of criminal defense in Franklin County. Court-appointed by the county itself. Ready to take your case as far as it needs to go.
Your Charge Is Serious. Your Defense Should Be Too.
Facing a criminal charge in Pennsylvania is one of the most disorienting experiences a person can go through. The process moves fast, the consequences are real, and most people have no idea what's coming next. That uncertainty is what I work to eliminate from the first conversation.
I'm Kevin Taccino, a criminal defense attorney based in Chambersburg, PA. I've practiced in the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas and the Magisterial District Courts of south-central Pennsylvania for 20 years. I'm court-appointed by Franklin County to represent clients in criminal matters — a credential that reflects standing in this local legal community, not a marketing claim. When you hire me, you're not getting a Harrisburg or Philadelphia attorney who "covers" Franklin County. You're getting someone who has spent two decades in these courtrooms, in front of these judges, handling these exact charges.
A criminal charge isn't a conviction. But how you respond in the first days and weeks matters enormously. Let's talk before anything is decided.
Criminal Defense Cases I Handle in Franklin County and Surrounding Counties
Criminal cases vary widely, from misdemeanor accusations to felony-level charges. Our criminal defense practice addresses several types of allegations frequently seen in St. Augustine and across St. Johns County.
DUI Defense
A DUI charge in Pennsylvania carries license suspension, fines, and potential incarceration — and the stakes increase sharply for repeat offenses or high BAC readings. I defend DUI cases at every tier, including cases where ARD eligibility may apply.
Probation Violation Defense
A probation violation allegation can put you back in front of a judge with significantly less procedural protection than your original case. I represent clients at violation hearings in Franklin County and work to present the full context before any decision is made.
Preliminary Hearings
The preliminary hearing is your first real opportunity to challenge the Commonwealth's evidence — and most defendants don't take advantage of it. I prepare for every preliminary hearing as though the case depends on it, because sometimes it does.
PFA Defense
A Protection From Abuse order can affect your housing, your custody arrangements, and your firearms rights — often before you've had a chance to respond. I represent defendants at PFA hearings and work to ensure your side of the record is heard.
What Sets This Practice Apart in Franklin County
20 years of private criminal defense practice in south-central Pennsylvania — not a satellite office, not a referral arrangement
Court-appointed by Franklin County in criminal, juvenile delinquency, and dependency matters, reflecting recognized standing in local courts
Trial-tested representation: I'm prepared to take cases through preliminary hearings, pretrial motions, and trial — this is not a plea-first practice
Handles criminal defense alongside juvenile law and family law, which matters when charges overlap with CYS involvement, custody, or PFA proceedings
Consultation fee credited toward your retainer if you hire me — transparent from the first call
Penn State Dickinson School of Law graduate with deep familiarity with south-central PA court culture
A Charge Doesn't Have to Define What Comes Next
One of the most common fears I hear from clients is that a criminal charge will follow them permanently. That fear is understandable — but it's not always accurate. Depending on the charge, your history, and how the case is resolved, there may be options: ARD eligibility, expungement, or sentencing strategies that limit long-term record consequences.
I advise on all of these before anything is finalized. A quick resolution that closes the case today can close doors for years. Your future matters more than a fast close.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Pennsylvania
What should I do immediately after being arrested in Pennsylvania?
Invoke your right to remain silent and ask for an attorney before answering any questions. Do not speak to law enforcement about the facts of your case without counsel present — anything you say can be used against you. Contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible after your arrest. The decisions made in the first 24 to 48 hours can significantly affect the outcome of your case.
What is ARD and who qualifies for it in Pennsylvania?
ARD — Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition — is a pretrial diversion program available in Pennsylvania for first-time, non-violent offenders. If accepted, you complete a supervision period and any required conditions, and the charges are dismissed and eligible for expungement. Eligibility is determined by the District Attorney's office and depends on the nature of the charge, your prior record, and other factors. It is most commonly available in DUI cases and certain misdemeanor matters. An attorney can evaluate whether ARD is a realistic option before you appear in court.
What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony charge in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania classifies criminal offenses as summary offenses, misdemeanors, and felonies, each carrying different sentencing ranges and long-term consequences. Misdemeanors are graded M1 through M3, with M1 carrying up to five years of incarceration. Felonies are graded F1 through F3, with F1 carrying up to 20 years. Beyond incarceration, felony convictions can affect employment, housing, professional licensing, and civil rights including voting and firearm ownership. The grading of your charge matters — and so does how it is resolved.
When should I hire a criminal defense attorney?
As early as possible — ideally before you speak to anyone about the facts of the case, including law enforcement. Even if you believe the situation is minor or that you can explain it away, having an attorney involved early gives you the best chance to protect your rights, evaluate the evidence, and understand your options before the process moves forward without you.
Do I need a local attorney, or can any Pennsylvania criminal defense lawyer handle my case?
Local knowledge matters in criminal defense. Court culture, prosecutorial tendencies, and judicial expectations vary significantly from county to county in Pennsylvania. An attorney who practices regularly in the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas and the local Magisterial District Courts brings familiarity with the people and procedures that shape how cases actually move — something a generalist from outside the region cannot replicate.
Ready to Talk Through Your Situation?
The sooner you have counsel, the more options you have. I represent clients facing criminal charges throughout Franklin County and surrounding counties including Adams, Cumberland, Fulton, and Perry. Call the office or schedule a consultation — the fee is credited toward your retainer if you hire me.
Kevin Taccino is a criminal defense attorney in Chambersburg, PA with 20 years of private practice in south-central Pennsylvania. He is court-appointed by Franklin County to represent clients in criminal matters and is a graduate of Penn State Dickinson School of Law. His practice covers criminal defense, juvenile law, and family law, with particular depth in Franklin County and surrounding counties.
