About Franklin County

Franklin County is located in the south-central region of Pennsylvania, nestled in the Cumberland Valley between South Mountain to the east and the Tuscarora Mountain range to the west. Covering approximately 772 square miles, the county offers a diverse landscape of rolling farmland, forested ridges, and small towns that reflect the broader character of Pennsylvania's rural heartland. Its position along the Mason-Dixon Line gives the county a distinctive border-state feel, with strong historical ties to both the Civil War era and the early settlement of the American interior. The county is easily accessible via Interstate 81, which serves as a major corridor connecting it to larger metropolitan areas including Harrisburg to the northeast and Hagerstown, Maryland to the south. Chambersburg, the county seat, serves as the commercial, governmental, and cultural hub of Franklin County. It was notably the only Northern city burned by Confederate forces during the Civil War, a history that continues to define much of its civic identity. With a vibrant downtown square, local restaurants, and community events, Chambersburg balances its historical character with modern amenities. Other notable communities include Waynesboro, Greencastle, and Mercersburg, each with their own distinct personalities and local economies that contribute to the county's overall vitality. Franklin County is home to approximately 155,027 residents, a population that has grown steadily as families and businesses are drawn by affordable housing, scenic surroundings, and a lower cost of living compared to nearby urban centers. The economy is diverse, drawing on a strong agricultural base — particularly fruit orchards and dairy farming — alongside manufacturing, healthcare, retail, and logistics sectors. Major employers in the region include healthcare systems, distribution centers, and light manufacturing operations supported by the county's strategic location along I-81. The presence of Wilson College in Chambersburg also adds an educational and cultural dimension to the local economy, attracting students, faculty, and associated businesses that help round out the community.

Practice Areas in Franklin County

Criminal Law
Criminal Law
Charges, arrests, bail and criminal trials.
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DUI
DUI
DUI charges, licence suspension and reinstatement.
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Family Law
Family Law
Divorce, custody, property and support.
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Immigration Law
Immigration
Visas, green cards, deportation and citizenship.
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Traffic Law
Traffic Law
Traffic violations, licence matters and offences.
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Employment Law
Employment Law
Wrongful termination, discrimination, disputes.
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Courts in Franklin County

Franklin County's primary court of general jurisdiction is the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, located at 157 Lincoln Way East, Chambersburg, PA 17201, which handles felony criminal cases, civil matters involving amounts over $12,000, family law proceedings including divorce and custody, and appeals from lower courts. For minor criminal offenses, civil claims under $12,000, landlord-tenant disputes, and preliminary hearings in criminal matters, residents appear before one of the county's Magisterial District Courts, which are spread across the county to serve local communities. Franklin County falls within Pennsylvania's 39th Judicial District, and the Court of Common Pleas also includes an Orphans' Court division that handles estates, guardianships, and adoptions. Appeals from the Court of Common Pleas proceed to the Pennsylvania Superior Court or Commonwealth Court, depending on the nature of the case, and ultimately to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court for the most significant legal questions.

Federal vs State Jurisdiction in Franklin County

In Franklin County, the vast majority of legal matters — including criminal prosecutions under Pennsylvania law, family law cases, traffic violations, and most civil disputes — are handled by Pennsylvania state courts. However, when a case involves federal law, the U.S. Constitution, disputes between citizens of different states exceeding $75,000, or actions against federal agencies, jurisdiction shifts to the federal court system. Franklin County falls within the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, headquartered in Harrisburg, which serves as the federal trial court for residents facing federal charges or pursuing federal civil claims. Understanding which court system applies to your situation is critical, as procedural rules, filing deadlines, and available remedies differ significantly between the state and federal systems.

Common Legal Situations in Franklin County

Given Franklin County's blend of rural, agricultural, and growing suburban communities, residents most commonly encounter legal issues related to traffic violations and DUI charges along busy corridors like Route 30 and Interstate 81, where law enforcement presence is significant. Family law matters — including divorce, child custody disputes, and support modifications — are among the most frequently litigated issues at the Court of Common Pleas, reflecting the county's large family-oriented population. Landlord-tenant disputes have increased alongside population growth and a tightening housing market, while employment law issues such as wrongful termination and wage disputes arise from the county's active manufacturing and logistics workforce. Agricultural landowners frequently encounter questions involving property boundaries, easements, and estate planning, while small business owners in Chambersburg and Waynesboro often need assistance with contracts, business formation, and regulatory compliance.

Why Go To Court for Franklin County Legal Matters

Go To Court provides Franklin County residents with convenient access to experienced legal professionals who understand both Pennsylvania law and the specific dynamics of practicing in local courts like the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas and the county's Magisterial District Courts. Whether you are dealing with a family law emergency, a criminal charge, or a civil dispute, Go To Court's 24/7 free hotline means you can get answers and guidance at any hour, without waiting until the next business day. The firm is also working toward offering fixed-fee arrangements, giving clients greater financial certainty and transparency when navigating the legal system. With a dedicated team of attorneys ready to handle a wide range of legal matters, Franklin County residents can trust Go To Court to provide professional, responsive, and effective legal representation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I receive a traffic ticket in Franklin County?

If you receive a traffic ticket in Franklin County, you have the option to pay the fine, which is treated as an admission of guilt and may add points to your driving record, or you can contest the ticket before the local Magisterial District Court. Accumulating too many points can lead to license suspension, increased insurance premiums, and other consequences, so consulting an attorney before deciding how to proceed is often worthwhile. A lawyer may be able to negotiate a reduction in charges or have the ticket dismissed entirely depending on the circumstances.

How does child custody work in Franklin County if I am going through a divorce?

Child custody matters in Franklin County are handled by the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, Family Division, which applies Pennsylvania's custody statutes and prioritizes the best interests of the child in every determination. Courts consider factors such as each parent's ability to provide stability, the child's existing relationships, and any history of domestic violence or substance abuse when deciding between legal and physical custody arrangements. Parents are often encouraged to reach a custody agreement through mediation before appearing before a judge, which can save time, reduce conflict, and result in a more flexible parenting plan.

Can I expunge a criminal record in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania law allows for expungement of certain criminal records, including summary offense convictions after five years with no intervening arrests, cases that resulted in acquittal or dismissal, and arrests that did not lead to conviction. Individuals who have completed the ARD (Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition) program for first-time offenders, including many DUI cases, may also be eligible to have their records expunged. Because eligibility rules are specific and the process involves filing a petition with the Court of Common Pleas, speaking with an attorney can help you determine whether you qualify and navigate the process correctly.

What are my rights if my landlord tries to evict me in Franklin County?

In Pennsylvania, landlords must follow a specific legal process to evict a tenant, which includes providing proper written notice — typically 10 days for nonpayment of rent — and filing an eviction complaint with the Magisterial District Court if the tenant does not vacate. Tenants have the right to appear at the hearing, present a defense, and appeal an adverse judgment to the Court of Common Pleas within 30 days. Self-help evictions, such as changing locks or removing a tenant's belongings without a court order, are illegal in Pennsylvania and can expose a landlord to significant liability.

What happens after I am charged with a DUI in Franklin County?

After a DUI arrest in Franklin County, you will typically have a preliminary hearing before a Magisterial District Judge, followed by formal proceedings at the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas if the case proceeds. Pennsylvania's DUI law uses a tiered system based on blood alcohol concentration, with higher BAC levels and repeat offenses carrying increasingly severe penalties including fines, license suspension, mandatory treatment, and potential imprisonment. First-time offenders with lower BAC levels may be eligible for the ARD program, which allows them to avoid a criminal conviction and pursue expungement upon successful completion.

Neighbouring Counties

Franklin County is bordered by Cumberland County to the north, Adams County to the east, Washington County (Maryland) to the south, and Fulton County to the west.