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- Christopher Patterson
Christopher M. Patterson
- Lancaster, PA
- Licensed for 41 years
About Christopher
I grew up in Lancaster, PA and graduated from J.P. McCaskey high School. I attended the University of Notre Dame and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Accountancy. I earned my CPA certification in the state of Illinois after graduation. For more than 40 years and have had the privilege of representing clients in Pennsylvania and Federal Courts. I have been recognized by my peers and been given an "Av" rating by Martindale -Hubbell. I have tried cases before juries and judges in 15 Pennsylvania counties, and the state of New Jersey on special admittance, and have represented clients in Federal cases in Pennsylvania, Florida, and Vermont.
Interests other than practicing law include riding my Harley Davidson, and tending an orchard and amateur radio.
Practice areas
- Criminal defense: 45%
I represent individuals charged with felonies, misdemeanors, violent crimes, drug offenses, sexual offenses including pornography, and white collar offenses. If you are suspected of a crime or charged with a violation of law, you may require the services of an experienced criminal defense attorney to represent you. I have represented individual charged with homicide and other serious offenses in state and federal court.
41 years
- DUI and DWI: 30%
In PA, if you are suspected of driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you may be arrested for DAI/DUI. A DUI conviction has serious consequences: jail, loss of your driving privileges, etc. An experienced DUI attorney can often get the charges dropped or reduced, or negotiate lesser penalties depending on your case and your past criminal history. I have represented hundreds of persons charged with DUI and have tried cases before juries and judges throughout the state.
41 years
- Expungement: 15%
I assist people who want to remove records of arrest and prosecution for misdemeanor or felony charges that resulted in ARD placement, withdrawal or dismissal. I represent individuals seeking pardons or commutation of sentences.
41 years
- Speeding and traffic ticket: 5%
I represent individuals charged with serious and minor vehicle offenses, including homicide by vehicle, hit and run, speeding, driving without a license, CDL violations, etc. I have appeared in court, before hearing examiners and PennDOT to argue on behalf of my clients
41 years
- Juvenile law: 5%
I aggressively represent children under 18 who are charged with offenses that would be crimes if they were adults.
Languages spoken
Spanish
Photos and videos
Contact
Law Office of Christopher M. Patterson
134 North Lime Street
Lancaster, PA, 17602
Resume
| State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| PA | Active | 1978 | 11/17/2019 |
| Legal answers | 556 |
| Legal guides | 0 |
| Award name | Grantor | Date granted |
|---|---|---|
| Readers' Coice Award | Lancaster Newspapers (LNP) | 2018 |
| Readers Coice - Best Law Firm in Lancaster, PA | Lancaster Newspapers (LNP) | 2015 |
| Av Rating | Martindale-Hubbell® | 2007 |
| Certified Public Accounting Certificate | University of Illinois-State of Ilinois | 1975 |
| Title | Company name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Of Counsel | Pyfer Reese Straub and Farhat | 2016 - Present |
| Partner | Patterson and Cody | 2011 - 2013 |
| Partner | Patterson, Cody & Winters | 2008 - 2011 |
| Partner | Patterson, Cody, Taylor & Winters | 2005 - 2008 |
| Partner | Gray, Patterson, Cody and Taylor | 1993 - 2005 |
| Arbitration Panel Chairman | Lancaster County court of Common Pleas | 1991 - 2017 |
|---|---|---|
| Associate | Windolph Burkholder Stainton & Gray | 1985 - 1993 |
| Adjunct Professor | Pennsylvania State University | 1980 - 1981 |
| Divorce Master | Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas | 1980 - 1982 |
| Solicitor | East Donegal Township | 1980 - 1984 |
| Associate | Going and Wiker | 1978 - 1984 |
| Clerk | U.S. Department Of Justice Tax Division | 1977 - 1978 |
| Association name | Position name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers | Board of Directors | 2001 - Present |
| American Radio Relay League | Volunteer Counsel | 1990 - Present |
| Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers | Member | 1988 - Present |
| National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers | Member | 1986 - Present |
| Lancaster County Bar Association | Member | 1978 - Present |
| Pennsylvania Bar Association | Member | 1978 - Present |
|---|
| School name | Degree | Graduated |
|---|---|---|
| University of Baltimore School of Law | JD - Juris Doctor | 1978 |
| University of Notre Dame | B.B.A | 1974 |
| Conference name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Lancaster County Bar Ass'n | Pennsylvania Ignition Interlock License Law | 2018 |
| Update | DUI and Traffic Laws | 2015 |
| Update | DUI and Traffic Laws | 2014 |
| PBI Fundamentals of Criminal Law Practice | Preliminary Hearings | 2005 |
| Lancaster County Bar Ass'n | New Pa. DAI Law | 2004 |
| Pennsylvania Ass'n of Criminal Defense Lawyers | From the Pedal to the Metal New PA DUI Law | 2003 |
|---|---|---|
| PACDL Motor Vehicle Update | Serious Motor Vehicle Offenses | 1998 |
| Meeting of the Minds | How to Handle a Traffic Ticket | 1995 |
| Case name | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Com v. Esbenshade (Animal Cruelty) | Acquittal on all counts |
| Com. v. Bernard J. Battaglia 802 A.2d 652 Pa Super Ct (2002) | Trial Court suppresssion of evidence upheld |
| Com. v. Herman (Vehicular Homicide) | Acquittal |
| Com v. Ault (Captial Murder) | Acquittal |
THANK YOU CHRIS PATTERSON!!!!!
Posted by anonymous
Sat Jul 18 2015
An excellent lawyer
Posted by anonymous
Thu Apr 02 2015
Attorney endorsements
(21)Robert Wee, DUI and DWI Attorney on Mar 14, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. He is a highly skilled attorney and well respected in the legal community.
Jeffrey Murse, Family Attorney on Oct 2, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
An exceptional litigator with experience resolving complex criminal matters, I would recommend Chris to anyone in need of criminal defense representation.
Heather Adams, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 2, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I highly endorse this lawyer. You will not go wrong with hiring Attorney Patterson. He is well versed int he law, professional, and thorough. Attorney Patterson will leave no stones unturned in your defense.
Roy Lisko, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 31, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Hovanes Margarian, Consumer protection Attorney on Nov 5, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Michael Waddington, Military law Attorney on Jun 6, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse Christopher. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community.
Christian Lassen, Life insurance Attorney on Jul 30, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community.
John Phillips, Personal injury Attorney on Jun 2, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse Attorney Patterson. From his answers and time on Avvo, it is clear he is dedicated to serving those in need and his clients. It's rare that lawyers spend so much valuable time helping the community, for free, and I applaud him for doing it to such a great level. Kudos.
Steven Breit, DUI and DWI Attorney on May 15, 2013
Relationship: Friend
I endorse this lawyer.
John Pyfer, Family Attorney on May 14, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Chris is one of the finest criminal defense attorneys I have known. He performs exceptional service for his clients. I strongly endorse him.
Gabriella Farhat, Personal injury Attorney on May 10, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Professional, tenacious, thorough,analytical.
Elaine Ugolnik, Family Attorney on May 6, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I worked for Chris as a law clerk 23 years ago and have sent him my criminal clients over the years. When I was a public defender, I would go to him for advice. He is excellent in the courtroom and empathetic with clients. He also tells them what is to happen in a straightforward manner.
David Lewis, Family Attorney on May 6, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Chris is an excellent criminal defense lawyer, I endorse him without reservation.
I wholheartedly endorse Chris Patterson for criminal defense work. I have known Chris for decades and have always observed his integrity, hard work, and intelligence. In one particular case of great interest to me, I observed Chris in every aspect of the case and saw the benefits of his strong reputation in our community by the respect that he was accorded and by the results he obtained.
Thomas Kenny, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 22, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Peter Kratsa, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 21, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Chris is an excellent criminal defense attorney.
Robert Mielnicki, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 19, 2013
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer. Chris is an outstanding lawyer.
Charles Thomas, DUI and DWI Attorney on Apr 19, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Chris is one of the best attorneys I have ever had the privilege of watching work.
Forest Morgan, DUI and DWI Attorney on Apr 13, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. If i ever found myself charged with a serious crime, Chris would be on the short list of attorneys I would consider hiring He is one of the best!
David Eshelman, DUI and DWI Attorney on Apr 10, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Chris is one of the most experienced criminal defense lawyers in Lancaster County. I have referred numerous clients to him over the years with good results. Chris and I have also worked together with clients having pending matters in both Berks and Lancaster Counties. Chris is a fellow board member of the Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and has made seminar presentations for the organization.
Cost
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Avvo Rating levels
- 10.0 - 9.0 Superb
- 8.9 - 8.0 Excellent
- 7.9 - 7.0 Very Good
- 6.9 - 6.0 Good
- 5.9 - 5.0 Average
- 4.9 - 4.0 Concern
- 3.9 - 3.0 Caution
- 2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution
- 1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution