Family Law

• Divorce
  Our West Chester PA Family Law Practice is about bringing families together by adoption and custody and paternity; using mediation to recognize, engage and resolve marital disputes; ensure the welfare and future of our children through the child support, spousal support and alimony laws; and aggressively and fairly represent our client's interests in divorce law; both amicable and hotly contested.
• Child Support
  It costs a great deal to raise a child. In Pennsylvania, the non-custodial parent may be required to pay a certain amount monthly as child support. A family lawyer in Chester County from our firm can represent your interests, whether you are the custodial parent seeking to be fairly compensated for the expenses of raising a child, the non-custodial parent who has fallen on hard times and needs a modification of a child support order, or any other child support situation.
• Child Custody and Visitation
  Domestic violence is a tragedy, and heartbreaking for all involved. People are quick to have sympathy for the victim, however, they are equally quick to cast judgment on the accused. They forget that the accused is innocent until proven guilty beyond all reasonable doubt. They do not know that domestic violence accusations can stem from misunderstandings, or even false or exaggerated claims engineered by someone trying to gain an advantage in a legal proceeding, such as a child custody matter.
• Adoption
  Not all family law matters are tied to divorce and division. When you wish to bring a child into your life, you may adopt. However, adoption law in Pennsylvania is a complicated legal procedure, regardless of the circumstances under which you are adopting or the methods you are using. An adoption lawyer at Ciccarelli Law Offices can guide you through this process and help your family make this important step.
• Paternity
• Guardianship
  We are pleased to be able to help you with any other family law matter, whether you are seeking protection from domestic violence, need a legal change of name, have a guardianship issue or anything else. We are knowledgeable attorneys able to serve a broad range of clients.
• Spousal Support
  Our Family Law Practice consists of representing clients in Family Court for divorce, custody, support, mediation, alimony, adoption as well as parental termination issues. Our Parkesburg Divorce practice is primarily focused on Divorces, Custody and Family Law matters throughout Parkesburg, but our office also works with domestic violence and PFA matters. Learn more.
• Child Abuse
  Parents are allowed to spank a child, but it is a very fine line where corporal punishment becomes child abuse. Assault on a child is a charges that can lead to up to five years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

Criminal Law

• Criminal Defense
  If you’ve been arrested and charged with a crime in Manheim, it can seem like your whole world has come crashing down. Police officers, investigators, and even family and friends may already be treating you like you are guilty. That is why it is so important to have an experienced and aggressive Manheim criminal defense attorney on your side. Our attorneys can fight these charges aggressively and help reduce the consequences you may be facing. Without legal representation, you could face lengthy prison time, hefty fines, and even lifetime registration as a sex offender.
• DUI/DWI
  Our legal team of lawyers serve clients in Honey Brook for both criminal and civil litigation matters.  If you are facing drunk driving or related charges, contact our experienced team of DUI lawyers serving Honey Brook, PA.
• Wrongful Death
  Wrongful death suits are almost always filed by family members of the deceased however, you may need a Pennsylvania wrongful death attorney to determine who has standing to bring the wrongful death action. Pennsylvania law dictates that a wrongful death claim be filed by the Personal Representative of the estate of the decedent. If the decedent left a will, the person named as executor is also the Personal Representative. If the decedent died intestate (without a will), a loved one could volunteer to be the Personal Representative, or the court can appoint someone.
• Traffic Violations
  Most days are hectic, filled with rushing and trying to be somewhere on time, and our todo list just continues to grow. That’s why dealing with a traffic violation can be a major burden. But a Highway stop followed by a traffic citation can have serious ramifications on your Pennsylvania Driver’s License. Before you enter a plea of guilty to your traffic ticket in the greater Lancaster metropolitan area including but not limited to Manheim, Lititz, Quarryville, Mount Joy, Ephrata, or Columbia, get advice on the impact your traffic ticket will have to your driving record, points on your license, your privilege to operate a motor vehicle and your insurance premium.  Get the help you need with a Lancaster Traffic Violations lawyer.
• Sex Crimes
  Any crime which involves sex also involves a very strong negative social stigma. In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the stigma lasts—sex offenders must register with the sex offender database, meaning the details of their conviction (as well as their current details such as where they live) are available to anyone with access to the Internet. Unfortunately, many sex crime charges can be brought on weak evidence, false claims or exaggerated claims. Because of this, and because of the lifelong repercussions of a sex crime conviction, it is imperative that you have a highly experienced Lancaster sex crimes attorney helping you through this difficult time.
• Robbery
  In Philadelphia, assault and robbery are the two most common types of violent crimes committed each year. When it comes to property crimes, theft is by and large the most common property crime occurring at a rate of 23 per 1,000.
• Burglary
  Property crime is also high here in Manheim with a rate of 29.77, well over the 18.13 rate of property crimes occurring throughout Pennsylvania. Residents here have a 1 in 34 chance of becoming a victim of a property crime, such as burglary or theft.
• White Collar Crimes
• Theft
• Misdemeanors
  Because the state allows judges to place individuals on probation for years, even decades, it stands out in the nation. The only limit in the state to a probation sentence is the statutory maximum for the crime charged. Since Pennsylvania allows sentences for each charge to be stacked consecutively, two first-degree misdemeanors which carry a statutory maximum of five years each, could result in a decade of probation. As a comparison, forty-three states in the U.S. limit felony probation to five years and misdemeanor probation to between 6 months and 3 years.
• Embezzlement
  We bring big-city criminal defense experience defending high-profile felony cases including Murder, Triple Homicide, Attempted Homicide, Sexual Assault, Illegal Image, Sex Crimes, and Multi-million Dollar Embezzlement.
• Drug Crimes
  In Lancaster and across the state of Pennsylvania, drug crimes are taken extremely seriously. A person who is in possession of an illegal drug, drug paraphernalia, or any other illegal substance classified under Pennsylvania drug schedules, could be charged under (35 P.S. § 780-113(a)(16)). Every drug possession charge is dependent on the actual circumstances surrounding the case, including the type of drug, the amount of the drug, and other factors associated with the arrest.  We defend clients in Drug Cases throughout Lancaster County PA including Ephrata, Paradise, Gap, Manheim, Lititz, Millersville, Columbia and Lancaster City.
• Assault
  A Lancaster PA domestic violence lawyer from Ciccarelli Law Offices will stand by you during this time and be your advocate. You need more than one lawyer or just one hope when facing an accusation and/or arrest of domestic assault, “beating a spouse†, same-sex couple violence, and/or endangering the welfare of a child in Lancaster County or the greater Philadelphia area.
• Murder
  There were approximately 1.28 million violent crimes across the nation in 2017; the number of robberies fell 4 percent while the number of aggravated assaults and rapes increased by 1 percent and 2.5 percent, respectively. Experts from the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University Law School shows that for the thirty largest cities in the United States, the overall crime rate dropped about 1 percent and the murder rate dropped about 2.4 percent. In the very largest cities in the U.S., murder rates dropped as much as 8.1 percent.
• Juvenile Crimes
• Probation Violation
  In fact, any reasonable suspicion that a probation violation occurred gives your probation officer the right to search you, your vehicle or your home with no warrant necessary. Should your probation officer find a weapon, an illegal drug, drug paraphernalia, intoxicants or contraband in your possession, these items can be seized and used as evidence against you at your probation violation hearing. A probation violation can occur either through a technical violation or as a result of a new criminal offense.
• Identity Theft
• Homicide
  If you are facing vehicular homicide or homicide charges, we can help. Our team of attorneys have the experience, passion, and consideration to protect your future and your freedom during this difficult legal process. Contact us today at (717) 291-9400 or (877) 529-2422.  Our Lancaster Office is located at 313 West Liberty Place, Lancaster PA 17603.
• Arson
  Most violent crimes are felonies in Lancaster and throughout the state of Pennsylvania. As an example, arson which endangers others, kidnapping and rape are considered first-degree felonies, burglary when no one is present in the building, indecent assault and statutory sexual assault are considered second-degree felonies, and  carrying a gun without a permit, institutional sexual assault of a minor and terroristic threats are considered third-degree felonies.
• Shoplifting
  Claiming an unreliable witness —Bystanders and associates may be unreliable when reporting a shoplifting incident to the police. Bystanders—as well as store associates—are usually busy and in a hurry, meaning they can easily jumble the sequence of events in their minds, or even mistake the suspect for someone else. Typically, police do not rely on the observations of witnesses entirely, unless there is additional evidence that you committed the offense of retail theft.
• Restraining Order
  The terms “Restraining Orders†and “Protection from Abuse Orders†are often used synonymously however they are really two separate issues. The Protection from Abuse (PFA) Order process is not a criminal action—although criminal charges can certainly stem from a PFA, the PFA process itself is civil in nature, intended to give relief to victims from their abusers. PFA’s are governed by two Pennsylvania statutory sections—one is found in the Pennsylvania Domestic Relations law area (23 Pa. C.S. §6102) while the other is found in the Judicial Procedure Pennsylvania law area (42 Pa. C.S. §62A01).
• Forgery
  Our practice handles Pennsylvania cases which involve criminal charges, criminal complaints and criminal arrests; traffic, speeding and other moving violations; charges of DUI and drunk driving as well as probation violation matters, juvenile and student crimes, underage drinking, retail theft, forgery, assault cases, domestic violence, drug arrests, marijuana and drug paraphernalia charges, criminal record expungement and pardon cases. We represent clients throughout the metro area, and we are based in Chester County PA. Our firm includes lawyers with prior experience in the Chester County District Attorney’s office.
• Kidnapping
  Under 18 Pa. Cons. Stat. Section 2502 (b), murder in the second degree occurs when the murder is committed while the defendant was engaged as a principal or an accomplice in the perpetration of a felony. In other words, there must have been an underlying felony in progress, such as a burglary, robbery, rape or kidnapping when the murder occurred. As with first-degree murder, proof of malice must be shown; the prosecutor must show the defendant’s general intent to commit an unlawful act or achieve a harmful result. The prosecutor can infer malice from the defendant’s intent to participate in the underlying felony.
• Manslaughter
  Under 18 Pa. Cons. Stat. Section 2503, a person who kills another person with no lawful justification if, at the time of the killing, he or she was acting under a “sudden and intense passion†which was the result of provocation by the deceased or another person the defendant tried to kill, however negligently or accidentally caused the death of the person killed. The defendant must have believed at the time of the killing that he or she believed the circumstances justified the killing—even though that belief turned out to be unreasonable. Voluntary manslaughter is a first-degree felony in the state; a conviction carries a maximum sentence of forty years in prison.
• Prostitution
  — Prostitution & Solicitation (18 Pa. Cons. Stat. §5902) can be charged when an individual engages in sexual activity when prostitution occurs for the purpose of being hired to engage in sexual activity. Engaging another person in a sex act for money can result in charges of patronizing prostitutes. A first or second offense is a third-degree misdemeanor—unless you are aware you have HIV, in which case it is a third-degree felony. A conviction for a third-degree misdemeanor can result in 6 months to one year in prison and fines as large as $2,500. A conviction for a third-degree felony can result in 3.5 to 7 years in prison and a fine as large as $15,000.
• Hit and Run

Business and Corporate Law

• Corporate Law
  We also do civil litigation law including corporate and business law, probate law, wills and estates, residential and commercial real estate law and employment law. Ask us if you need a Coatesville attorney with experience in contract disputes, real estate, making contracts, estate planning and incorporation.
• Business Disputes
  Our law firm also assists individuals, business owners and corporations conducting business in Chester County with their business law matters. These include things like disputes over contracts, residential and commercial real estate dealings, preparation of business contracts, debt collection, estate planning and incorporation services.
• Intellectual Property

Employment Law

• Workers Compensation
  Workers compensation (colloquially known as workers’ comp in Pennsylvania and the rest of the United States ) is a form of insurance that provides compensation medical care for employees who are injured in the course of employment, in exchange for mandatory relinquishment of the employee’s right to sue his or her employer for the tort of negligence.  If you have been injured at work in Chester County PA, contact our experienced Chester county Workers Compensation Lawyers for advice and representation.  Contact us at (610) 692-8700 or (877) 529-2422 for an experienced, aggressive workers compensation lawyer.
• Employment Litigation
  The personal injury lawyers at Ciccarelli Law Offices has the expertise to handle drunken driving cases, boating accidents, workers’ compensation claims, abuse cases, employment disputes, and many other claims. Our personal injury lawyers who represent our law firm follow the Ciccarelli way: They combine tried, blue-collar work ethic with aggressive and compassionate defense. Our team believes in working hard, working well, and seeing real results.
• Sexual Harassment
  Sexual abuse is not just limited to sexual assault and rape, but also includes sexual harassment such as unwelcome touching and demeaning behaviors. Even being coerced into not using a contraceptive or having an abortion are forms of sexual abuse.

Property Law

• Real Estate Litigation
  We also do civil litigation law which includes corporate and business law, probate law, wills and estates, residential and commercial real estate law and employment law. Ask us if you need a Philadelphia County attorney with experience in contract disputes, real estate, making contracts, estate planning and incorporation.
• Premises Liability
  Personal injury claims revolve around the wrongful or negligent actions of another person or entity. Although certainly not every injury is due to negligence, many are. Automobile accidents are the top cause of personal injury claims. Automobile accident is an umbrella term which covers car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents, and pedestrian accidents. After automobile accidents, medical malpractice injuries, product liability injuries, and premises liability injuries make up most personal injury claims. Construction accidents make up a small number of personal injury claims, usually because a construction worker is on the job at the time of the injury, so unless there was clear negligence or severe injuries, workers’ compensation handles the medical expenses and lost wages.
• Property Damage
  Because of this, the victims of a Lancaster truck and trailer accident can suffer not only severe physical injury but emotional and financial damages as well. An experienced Lancaster truck accident attorney can help ensure victims of truck accident collisions receive a fair settlement in the form of compensation for lost wages (current and future), medical expenses (current and future), pain and suffering and property damage. Unfortunately, Lancaster truck and trailer accident victims often find themselves fighting an uphill battle for compensation after their truck accident.

Health Law

• Personal Injury
  Phoenixville | Ciccarelli Law Offices, a Pennsylvania Law Firm based in suburban Philadelphia (West Chester PA) and serving all of Pennsylvania for Personal Injury, Accident & Criminal Litigation matters.
• Medical Malpractice
  Car accidents are one of the primary causes of wrongful deaths, particularly younger drivers. After car accidents, medical malpractice is the primary cause of wrongful deaths followed by slip and falls, workplace injuries, amusement park rides, boating accidents, and swimming pool accidents. CNBC estimates that as many as a quarter of a million people a year die as a result of medical malpractice (including adverse prescription drug reactions).  According to mesothelioma.com, mesothelioma, a type of cancer caused by asbestos exposure, causes at least 2,500 deaths per year. According to OSHA, construction accidents accounted for nearly 5,147 deaths in 2017. As you can see, wrongful deaths occur far too frequently across the nation and in Lancaster.
• Auto Accidents
• Slip and Fall Injury
  . Contributory negligence is not used in many states around the country, and this refers to individuals becoming unable to recover compensation if they are in the least bit at fault for their own injuries. For example, if a person was 1% responsible for causing a slip and fall injury, and a store owner is 99% responsible for the incident, the individual would still be unable to recover compensation because they were 1% at fault.

Trusts and Estates

• Estate Planning
  Lee Ciccarelli’s Chester County practice has grown as the law office has grown and his personal injury and criminal defense practice now has expanded as our law office practice has expanded with attorneys practicing in other areas including Civil Litigation, Employment law, Education law, Family and Divorce Law, Wills, Estates and Estate Planning.
• Wills
  Our practice also handles Civil Litigation such as business and corporate law, employment law, probate law and wills and estates. Contact Ciccarelli Lawyers if you are trying to find an experienced West Chester lawyer for real estate matters, contract disputes, contract preparation, collection matters, incorporation or estate planning.
• Probate
  Our practice also handles Civil Litigation including business and corporate law, employment law, probate law and wills and estates. Contact Ciccarelli Law Offices if you are trying to find an experienced Exton lawyer for real estate issues, contract disputes, contract preparation, collection matters, incorporation or estate planning.

Finance Law

• Debt Collection
  Our law firm also helps individuals, business owners and corporations conducting business in Parkesburg with their business law matters. These include things like conflicts over contracts, residential and commercial real estate dealings, preparation of business contracts, debt collection, estate planning and incorporation services.