about us

Criminal Defense Attorney Serving Waynesboro, PA and Southern Franklin County

If you're facing criminal charges in Waynesboro, your case is headed to the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas in Chambersburg — the courthouse where I practice every week. I've represented clients from Waynesboro and the surrounding communities of Quincy Township, Greencastle, Mercersburg, and Mont Alto for 20 years. You don't need to search for someone unfamiliar with your county's courts. I'm already there.

Franklin County Is My Practice — Including Waynesboro

Waynesboro sits in the southern end of Franklin County, about 12 miles from Chambersburg along PA-16. That geography matters when you're charged with a crime. Whether your case involves a DUI stop on the I-81 corridor, a probation matter, or a more serious criminal charge, it will be heard in Chambersburg — not in a distant court system, and not by judges or prosecutors I've never encountered.

 

I know Franklin County because I work in it. I know how the court schedules run, how preliminary hearings are handled, and what realistic outcomes look like for the types of cases that originate in Waynesboro and the surrounding area. That familiarity isn't incidental — it's the foundation of effective local representation.

DUI Defense for Waynesboro-Area Drivers

The stretch of PA-16 between Waynesboro and Chambersburg, along with the nearby I-81 corridor, sees consistent DUI enforcement. If you were stopped and charged with driving under the influence, the decisions you make in the first days after your arrest affect every stage that follows — from the preliminary hearing to ARD eligibility to potential trial. I handle DUI defense from the first appearance through resolution, and I'm not looking to move your case quickly toward a plea if a stronger outcome is available.

Criminal Defense Across the Full Range of Charges

Not every criminal matter in Waynesboro involves a DUI. I represent clients in Franklin County on probation violations, assault charges, PFA defense, and general criminal matters at every stage of the process. I'm court-appointed by Franklin County in criminal matters, which means I'm in these courtrooms regularly — not only when a private client brings me in. If your case requires a preliminary hearing or goes to trial, I'm prepared to take it there.

What to Expect When You Call

A consultation with me is a paid appointment, and that fee is credited toward your retainer if you hire me. There's no intake maze and no pressure to commit on the call. You'll speak directly with me, get a clear picture of what your charges mean, and leave the conversation with a realistic sense of your options. Waynesboro is a short drive from my Chambersburg office at 25 Penncraft Avenue — or we can start by phone if that's easier.

20 Years in the Courts That Handle Your Case

Choosing a criminal defense attorney isn't only about credentials — it's about whether that attorney knows the specific legal environment your case is entering. Franklin County has its own court culture, its own prosecutors, and its own procedural rhythms. I've practiced here continuously for 20 years as both a private attorney and a court-appointed defender. I'm a Penn State Dickinson School of Law graduate, and I've built a working knowledge of south-central Pennsylvania courts that only comes from sustained local practice.

 

My fee structure is straightforward. The consultation fee applies toward your retainer. There are no stacked or hidden fees designed to inflate your bill as the case progresses. You'll know what representation costs before you commit.

Frequently Asked Questions from Waynesboro-Area Clients

  • My criminal charge happened in Waynesboro. Where will my case be heard?

    All Franklin County criminal cases, including those originating in Waynesboro, are heard at the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas in Chambersburg. That is the courthouse where I practice daily, so there is no learning curve on local procedures or personnel.

  • Is there a criminal defense and DUI lawyer near Waynesboro, Pennsylvania who knows the local courts?

    Yes. My office is in Chambersburg, approximately 12 miles from Waynesboro, and I have represented clients from Waynesboro and southern Franklin County for 20 years in the same courthouse that will handle your case.

  • What happens at a preliminary hearing in Franklin County?

    A preliminary hearing is an early court proceeding where the prosecution must show sufficient evidence to move your case forward. It is one of the most important stages in a criminal case and one of the first opportunities to challenge the charges against you. I handle preliminary hearings as a standard part of criminal defense representation.

  • How does the paid consultation work?

    You schedule a consultation, pay the consultation fee, and meet with me directly — by phone or in person at my Chambersburg office. If you retain me after that meeting, the consultation fee is credited toward your retainer. You leave the conversation with a clear understanding of your situation and your options.

  • Do you handle cases beyond DUI in Waynesboro and southern Franklin County?

    Yes. I represent clients on the full range of criminal matters in Franklin County, including probation violations, assault charges, PFA defense, and general criminal charges at every stage from preliminary hearing through trial. I also handle juvenile delinquency and CYS matters for families in the area.

Ready to Talk? Call My Chambersburg Office Today.

If you've been charged with a crime in Waynesboro or anywhere in Franklin County, the time to act is now. Early legal representation affects what options remain available to you. Call 717-262-2319 or use the contact form to schedule your consultation. I serve clients throughout southern Franklin County, including Waynesboro, Quincy Township, Greencastle, Mercersburg, and Mont Alto.