Top level view of what we do
We are Pennsylvania’s biggest and best DUI firm. We have 8 full time attorneys and 23 support staff who dedicate their careers to fighting for our neighbors and friends in and around Chambersburg, PA. When you are looking for a Chambersburg, PA DUI attorney, the folks who live there say: “Call The McShane Firm at 717-657-3900″”
Free PA DUI Info (Easy to Understand Language)
Things unique to Chambersburg, PA DUI prosecutions
All preliminary hearings are held at the Franklin County Courthouse. They call it central court. Although your local judge, called a Magisterial District Judge (MDJ) is the person who has original jurisdiction over your case based upon where the DUI allegedly happened, the court holds all DUI hearings at the main county courthouse. If you are from out of town or need directions, here you go:
Where to Park
There’s lots of metered parking around the courthouse. So make sure you bring your quarters.
Things to be aware of…
Central Court
It is central court. That means the court schedules all cases for the same place and at the same time. If you show up without an attorney, the local district attorney’s office will make you wait until much later on in the process. You may face a not to pleased judge who may give you some talking to about not being prepared and getting an attorney. They may or may not grant you a continuance. The DA might make you an offer right then and there without having an attorney. They may make a “take it or leave it offer.” That is usually a very big mistake. You may feel pressured to cave. Don’t. But better yet don’t show up without an attorney.
The Franklin County DUI process
When you do show up for a preliminary hearing or any court event, be sure to bring something to read. Just like all central court systems in PA, there is a lot of waiting.
Be prepared, if you or your attorney want a hearing, the court may reschedule you for another day. It’s just the way they work there.
How to get in the building
To enter the building, do not go to the main (old) courthouse front door. For as long as we have been going there, court administration locks that door. You need to go and enter in the middle of the building on the Route 30 (Lincoln Highway) entrance side.
Almost all of the courtrooms are on the 3rd floor. Every preliminary hearing and the “waiting area” is in the back section of the jury assembly room. They put up a pull out partition wall to divide that room into two. The attorneys meet and greet to discuss cases in the first half. You and your family members or supporters wait in the 2nd or back half.
Usually a nice member of the Sheriff’s Office signs folks in. So make sure you check in to avoid any thoughts that you didn’t show.
Qualifications and experience
We have nearly 20 years of experience. No one can match our training, knowledge and experience when it comes to DUI defense.
Meet our DUI attorneys who practice in Chambersburg, PA
A judge of the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas once wrote in a published opinion:
Counsel [McShane] is known to the Court as a zealous advocate for his clients, meticulous in his creation of a record for appellate review, and dogged in his pursuit of any issue which could accrue to the benefit of his client. In his usual fashion, attorney McShane meticulously created a record of the encounter between the two, and citing the applicable law argued for dismissal of the juror. [Attorney McShane engaged in] the effective, tactical cross examination of the witness and the investigating officers.
Additional recommended reading
- About The McShane Firm
- How To Find The Best DUI Lawyer in Pennsylvania
- Greater Chambersburg Area of Commerce
2nd DUI With Refusal
I couldn’t have asked for a better attorney than Tim. He was so patient with me through the whole process and answered every question I had regardless of how stupid they were. This was my second DUI in 4 years and I refused any testing which calls for an automatic license suspension. Tim fought Penndot on the refusal charge and won and also took my DUI case to trial and won. NOT GUILTY on everything. He is worth every penny I spent. If you are looking for a great attorney I would highly recommend Tim.
Jodie
DUI
Justin McShane and his entire staff made me feel like they took my case personally and really cared about a suitable outcome of my case. All my calls and questions and emails were answered very quickly. I would highly recommend The McShane Firm for any representation.
C.A.
The best of the best in DUI cases. Worth every penny. 8 years later and I still can’t thank you guys enough.
T.M.
Best DUI Defense in PA
I was falsely accused of Driving Under the Influence with Reckless Endangerment of my young son in the car. I was in jeopardy of losing custody of my only child. Thanks to Tim, this tragedy was avoided. Tim strategically fought for me to convince the jurors that the Commonwealth’s witnesses should not be believed. He used his experience to ‘splain the truth to the jury. With just the right balance of charm, mild indignation, logic, truth telling, humor, personal anecdotes, relationship building, power of persuasion, professional acumen, trial experience, and so much more, Tim achieved success for me. He’s worth every penny. Tim did great, and I’ll always be grateful!
DAN
Free Initial Consultation
