About Lebanon County

Lebanon County is a mid-sized county located in the heart of south-central Pennsylvania, nestled in the Great Appalachian Valley between the Blue Mountain ridge to the north and the South Mountain range to the south. Covering approximately 362 square miles, the county is characterized by a mix of rolling farmland, small boroughs, and modest townships that reflect a deeply rooted Pennsylvania Dutch heritage. The Lebanon Valley, which gives the region much of its agricultural identity, is well-known for its rich limestone soils and picturesque rural landscapes that have attracted farming communities for centuries. With a population of approximately 143,257 residents, Lebanon County balances small-town character with the practical amenities of a more developed region. The county seat, the City of Lebanon, sits near the geographic center of the county and serves as its commercial and governmental hub. Lebanon city itself has a rich industrial history, once known as a steel-producing town, and its downtown continues to evolve with a mix of local businesses, cultural institutions, and community services. Surrounding communities such as Palmyra, Annville, Cleona, and Myerstown each contribute their own distinct character to the broader county fabric. Economically, Lebanon County draws from a diverse base that includes manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture, and retail trade. The food processing industry has a particularly significant presence, with major employers operating large production facilities in the region. Healthcare systems also play a substantial role in local employment, serving both county residents and those from surrounding areas. Agriculture remains a vital part of the local economy, with numerous family farms producing dairy, poultry, corn, and a variety of other crops. The county's proximity to the Pennsylvania Turnpike and major routes connecting Harrisburg, Reading, and Lancaster gives it strategic logistical advantages that continue to attract business investment and support a steady, working-class workforce.

Practice Areas in Lebanon 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 Lebanon County

Lebanon County's primary court of general jurisdiction is the Lebanon County Court of Common Pleas, located at 400 South 8th Street, Lebanon, PA 17042, which handles felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $12,000, family law proceedings including divorce and custody, orphans' court matters, and appeals from lower courts. Below the Court of Common Pleas, Lebanon County is served by several Magisterial District Courts, which handle preliminary hearings in criminal matters, minor civil disputes up to $12,000, landlord-tenant cases, and summary traffic and non-traffic offenses. These magisterial district courts are spread across the county to serve local communities efficiently. The Lebanon County Clerk of Courts and the Prothonotary's Office, both located at the county courthouse, manage the filing and administration of records for their respective case types. For those facing juvenile delinquency or dependency matters, the court's juvenile division within the Court of Common Pleas handles those proceedings under the Pennsylvania Juvenile Act.

Federal vs State Jurisdiction in Lebanon County

In Lebanon County, the vast majority of legal matters — including most criminal prosecutions, family law cases, civil disputes, and traffic violations — are handled within the Pennsylvania state court system, beginning at the Magisterial District Court level and moving up through the Lebanon County Court of Common Pleas, the Pennsylvania Superior Court, and ultimately the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. However, when a legal matter involves a federal question, such as violations of federal criminal statutes, civil rights claims under federal law, bankruptcy proceedings, immigration matters, or disputes between citizens of different states involving amounts over $75,000, those cases fall under the jurisdiction of the federal courts. Lebanon County falls within the jurisdiction of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, which is headquartered in Philadelphia at 601 Market Street. Residents involved in federal litigation, federal criminal charges, or bankruptcy filings must navigate that federal system, which operates under distinct procedural rules and timelines separate from the state courts they may be more familiar with.

Common Legal Situations in Lebanon County

Lebanon County residents encounter a wide range of legal situations reflecting the county's working-class, rural, and suburban character. Traffic offenses — including DUI charges, speeding citations, and license suspensions — are among the most frequent legal matters handled in local Magisterial District Courts, particularly given the volume of commuter and commercial vehicle traffic on routes like US-422 and PA-72. Family law matters such as divorce, child custody disputes, child support modifications, and protection from abuse orders are consistently in high demand at the Court of Common Pleas, reflecting the realities of a densely populated family-oriented community. Criminal defense needs range from summary offenses to serious felony charges, including drug-related offenses that have followed broader state and national trends. Employment disputes, landlord-tenant conflicts arising from the county's active rental market, and estate administration or probate matters for aging residents also represent a significant share of the legal needs in Lebanon County.

Why Go To Court for Lebanon County Legal Matters

Go To Court is a trusted resource for Lebanon County residents seeking reliable, accessible legal assistance across a broad range of practice areas. Whether you are facing a criminal charge, navigating a family law dispute, or dealing with a civil matter, Go To Court connects you with experienced legal professionals who understand Pennsylvania law and the local court system. Residents can reach the Go To Court team any time of day or night through a free 24/7 legal hotline, ensuring that urgent legal questions never have to wait until business hours. With transparent fixed-fee services coming soon, Lebanon County clients can access quality legal representation without the uncertainty of unpredictable billing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I receive a traffic citation in Lebanon County?

If you receive a traffic citation in Lebanon County, you will typically have the option to pay the fine, which is an admission of guilt, or to contest the citation at a hearing before a Magisterial District Judge. Depending on the severity of the offense and its potential impact on your driving record or insurance rates, consulting with a traffic attorney before making any decision can be beneficial. An attorney can advise you on whether there are grounds to challenge the citation and what the likely outcomes may be.

How does the child custody process work in Lebanon County?

Child custody matters in Lebanon County are handled by the Court of Common Pleas Family Division, and the process typically begins with one parent filing a custody complaint with the Prothonotary's Office. The court generally encourages parents to attempt mediation or a conciliation conference before proceeding to a formal custody hearing before a judge. Pennsylvania courts determine custody based on the best interests of the child, considering factors such as each parent's relationship with the child, stability of the home environment, and the child's own preferences if they are of sufficient age.

Can I expunge a criminal record in Pennsylvania if I was arrested in Lebanon County?

In Pennsylvania, expungement is available in certain circumstances, including if your charges were dismissed, you were found not guilty, or you completed an ARD (Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition) program for a first-time offense. For summary offenses, you may be eligible for expungement after five years with no subsequent criminal convictions. An attorney can review your specific record and help you file the appropriate petition with the Lebanon County Court of Common Pleas.

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

In Pennsylvania, a landlord must follow a formal legal process to evict a tenant, which begins with providing written notice and, if the tenant does not vacate, filing a complaint with the local Magisterial District Court. You have the right to appear at the eviction hearing, present your side of the case, and challenge the grounds for eviction. If you believe the eviction is retaliatory, discriminatory, or otherwise improper, an attorney can help you understand your defenses and ensure your rights are protected throughout the process.

What is a Protection from Abuse (PFA) order and how do I get one in Lebanon County?

A Protection from Abuse order is a civil court order available in Pennsylvania to protect victims of domestic violence, stalking, or sexual assault from further harm by a family member, household member, or intimate partner. In Lebanon County, you can file for a PFA at the Court of Common Pleas, and emergency temporary orders can be issued the same day, including after hours through the on-call judge system. A final PFA hearing is typically scheduled within ten days, at which both parties can present evidence before a judge decides whether to issue a longer-term order.

Neighbouring Counties

Lebanon County is bordered by Dauphin County to the north and west, Schuylkill County to the north and east, Berks County to the east and southeast, and Lancaster County to the south.