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Criminal Defense Lawyers in Ephrata, PA: 2026 rankings

62 criminal defense lawyers ranked by LFR ScoreUpdated 0 paid placements in this rankingHow we rank →

The short answer

  1. 1

    Highest LFR Score in Ephrata: Feeney & Gurwitz, LFR Score 69/100; 4.9★ from 223 Google reviews; open 24/7.

  2. 2

    Open 24 hours (per Google): Missan Law Offices, posts 24/7 hours; ranked #2 of 62.

  3. 12

    Most-reviewed: Kitay Law Offices, 593 Google reviews at 4.8★, the most of 62 ranked; ranked #12.

Rankings can't be bought. Lawyers can't pay to change their rank or score. How we rank

62 Ephrata criminal defense lawyers are ranked here by LFR Score, from nine published factors. 10 are open 24/7, 10 open Saturdays and 10 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 4.6★ across 62 rated law firms.

Top 10 criminal defense lawyers in Ephrata at a glance

Ranked by our published LFR Score from public data, not by payment; a rank is not an endorsement or a prediction of results.

Top 10 criminal defense lawyers in Ephrata at a glance
RankBusinessLFR ScoreGoogle ratingBased inHoursNotable for
1Feeney & Gurwitz694.9★ (223)Reading, 17 mi awayOpen 24 hrs (Google)Top score
2Missan Law Offices684.8★ (206)Reading, 17 mi awayOpen 24 hrs (Google)Open 24 hours
3Ciccarelli Law Offices664.8★ (40)Lancaster, 11 mi awayOpen 24 hrs (Google)—
4Styer Law LLC654.9★ (31)Lancaster, 11 mi awayOpen 24 hrs (Google)—
5Emkey Law Firm654.6★ (64)Wyomissing, 15 mi awayOpen 24 hrs (Google)—
6Chieppor & Egner LLC645.0★ (120)Lancaster, 12 mi away——
7The Law Office Of Michael T. Winters635.0★ (108)Lancaster, 12 mi away——
8Andrew Cooper Attorney634.7★ (14)Lancaster, 12 mi awayOpen 24 hrs (Google)—
9Steven L. Breit, Attorney at Law624.7★ (136)Lancaster, 12 mi away——
10Christopher A. Sarno, Esq.624.4★ (8)Lancaster, 12 mi awayOpen 24 hrs (Google)—

All 62 criminal defense lawyers in Ephrata, in rank order

Ordered by LFR Score, a 0–100 score from nine published factors. Paid placement never changes the order.

Ranked by our published LFR Score from public data, not by payment; a rank is not an endorsement or a prediction of results.

  1. Ranked #1 in Ephrata

    Based in Reading, 17 mi away

    69/100LFR Score

    Ranked #1 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.9★ from 223 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.9★ from 223 Google reviews
    • Open 24/7
    Hours
    Open 24 hours, 7 days
    Address
    500 Court St, Reading, PA 19601
  2. Based in Reading, 17 mi away

    68/100LFR Score

    Ranked #2 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.8★ from 206 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.8★ from 206 Google reviews
    • Open 24/7
    Hours
    Open 24 hours, 7 days
    Address
    18 N 6th St, Reading, PA 19601
  3. Based in Lancaster, 11 mi away

    66/100LFR Score

    Ranked #3 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.8★ from 40 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.8★ from 40 Google reviews
    • Open 24/7
    Hours
    Open 24 hours, 7 days
    Address
    313 W Liberty St Ste 125, Lancaster, PA 17602
  4. Based in Lancaster, 11 mi away

    65/100LFR Score

    Ranked #4 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.9★ from 31 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.9★ from 31 Google reviews
    • Open 24/7
    Hours
    Open 24 hours, 7 days
    Address
    313 W Liberty St Ste 242, Lancaster, PA 17603
  5. Based in Wyomissing, 15 mi away

    65/100LFR Score

    Ranked #5 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.6★ from 64 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.6★ from 64 Google reviews
    • Open 24/7
    Hours
    Open 24 hours, 7 days
    Address
    1534 Penn Ave, Wyomissing, PA 19610
  6. Based in Lancaster, 12 mi away

    64/100LFR Score

    Ranked #6 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 120 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 120 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    53 N Duke St Ste 401, Lancaster, PA 17602
  7. Based in Lancaster, 12 mi away

    63/100LFR Score

    Ranked #8 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.7★ from 14 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.7★ from 14 Google reviews
    • Open 24/7
    Hours
    Open 24 hours, 7 days
    Address
    53 N Duke St #201, Lancaster, PA 17602
  8. Based in Lancaster, 12 mi away

    62/100LFR Score

    Ranked #9 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.7★ from 136 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.7★ from 136 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–4:30 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    36 E King St #3, Lancaster, PA 17602
  9. Based in Lancaster, 12 mi away

    62/100LFR Score

    Ranked #10 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.4★ from 8 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.4★ from 8 Google reviews
    • Open 24/7
    Hours
    Open 24 hours, 7 days
    Address
    408 W Chestnut St, Lancaster, PA 17603
  10. Based in Wyomissing, 15 mi away

    61/100LFR Score

    Ranked #12 because of its Google rating and review volume: 4.8★ from 593 Google reviews, the most in Ephrata.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.8★ from 593 Google reviews
    • Open 24/7
    Hours
    Open 24 hours, 7 days
    Address
    1258 Penn Ave, Wyomissing, PA 19610
  11. Based in Lancaster, 12 mi away

    59/100LFR Score

    Ranked #16 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.1★ from 66 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.1★ from 66 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–6:30 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    342 N Queen St, Lancaster, PA 17603
  12. Based in Reading, 17 mi away

    58/100LFR Score

    Ranked #17 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.4★ from 47 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.4★ from 47 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    606 Court St Suite 400, Reading, PA 19601
  13. Based in Wyomissing, 15 mi away

    58/100LFR Score

    Ranked #18 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.3★ from 31 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.3★ from 31 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–4:30 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    1424 Penn Ave, Wyomissing, PA 19610
  14. Based in Reading, 17 mi away

    58/100LFR Score

    Ranked #19 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 5 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 6 of 9 factors; bar status, recency and availability not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 5 Google reviews
    Address
    606 Court St Ste 200, Reading, PA 19601
  15. Based in Radnor, 16 mi away

    57/100LFR Score

    Ranked #20 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 12 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 12 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
  16. Based in Lancaster, 12 mi away

    56/100LFR Score

    Ranked #21 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.4★ from 7 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.4★ from 7 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    235 N Lime St, Lancaster, PA 17602
  17. Based in Reading, 17 mi away

    56/100LFR Score

    Ranked #22 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.9★ from 7 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.9★ from 7 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–6 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    424 Walnut St, Reading, PA 19601
  18. 55/100LFR Score

    Ranked #24 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.9★ from 27 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Personal injury attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.9★ from 27 Google reviews
    • Open 24/7
    Hours
    Open 24 hours, 7 days
    Address
    3543 Marietta Ave, Lancaster, PA 17601
  19. Based in Reading, 17 mi away

    55/100LFR Score

    Ranked #25 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 3.5★ from 8 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 3.5★ from 8 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 9 AM–5 PM · Fri 9 AM–4 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    606 Court St 3rd Floor, Reading, PA 19601

Criminal defense lawyers ranked #26 to #50

#1 to #25 are shown in full above. Here are #26 to #50, in LFR Score order; each links to its profile. We publish the top 50 of 62 ranked criminal defense lawyers here; the rest are on their profiles.

criminal defense lawyers in Ephrata, ranks 26 to 50
RankBusinessLFR ScoreGoogle ratingDistance
26The Law Office of E. Edward Qaqish545.0★ (4)19 mi
27Miller Lyden544.8★ (155)12 mi
28Fenton Michael F533.8★ (17)30 mi
29DUIresults535.0★ (6)30 mi
30Michael J. Krout533.8★ (9)29 mi
31Marinaro Law Firm524.4★ (193)12 mi
32Nevins & McAllister, PLLC, Attorneys At Law524.7★ (125)17 mi
33Lancaster Law Group524.6★ (83)12 mi
34Cody & Pfursich514.4★ (69)12 mi
35Pyfer, Reese, Straub, Gray & Farhat, PC504.1★ (71)12 mi
36Gibson Law Group L.L.C.504.6★ (28)11 mi
37Trinity Law504.4★ (26)10 mi
38Clymer, Musser & Sarno, P.C.494.3★ (34)12 mi
39Buzgon Davis Law Offices494.0★ (159)17 mi
40Goodman & Kenneff, Attorneys-at-Law494.8★ (25)15 mi
41Mogel, Speidel, Bobb & Kershner494.6★ (27)17 mi
42Caprice Hicks Bunting Attorney At Law484.0★ (12)7 mi
43The Law Office of Jason R Carpenter - Hershey484.9★ (17)26 mi
44Marks Law Firm484.5★ (18)16 mi
45Kluxen, Newcomer & Dreisbach485.0★ (3)12 mi
46Sardella Firm484.9★ (28)24 mi
47Palange & Endres, P.C.484.3★ (25)17 mi
48Rick Law484.6★ (69)29 mi
49Henry & Beaver, LLP484.0★ (35)17 mi
50Bentley, Kopecki, Smith, P.C.483.9★ (39)16 mi

Also serving Ephrata

20 more criminal defense lawyers within 30 mi that we can't rank yet: too few reviews, or a practice area we couldn't confirm. Listed A to Z.

Unranked criminal defense lawyers serving Ephrata
BusinessGoogle ratingDistance
A Anthony Kilkuskie Attorney at Law5.0★ (4)In Ephrata
Caldwell & Kearns Attorneys at Law5.0★ (1)28 mi
Christopher J. Coyle1.0★ (2)17 mi
Dennis Hartranft, Jr.5.0★ (4)In Ephrata
Gardner & Stevens, PC4.7★ (75)In Ephrata
James N. Clymer, Esq.3.0★ (2)12 mi
Jansen M. Honberger Law, PC4.9★ (67)In Ephrata
Kane Michael PIn Ephrata
Larry B Maier Law Offices5.0★ (2)In Ephrata
Law Offices of John J. Ferry, Jr.4.2★ (21)17 mi
MacDonald Richard B3.0★ (2)12 mi
Mejia Jennifer3.0★ (2)In Ephrata
Mejia Law Group4.7★ (14)In Ephrata
Mooney & Associates5.0★ (1)11 mi
Nicholas Ermolovich, Esquire3.0★ (9)In Ephrata
Pyfer, Reese, Straub, Gray & Farhat, PC.In Ephrata
RKG Law4.3★ (6)In Ephrata
Robert F. Musser, Esq.5.0★ (2)12 mi
William P. Brogley Law Offices3.0★ (2)28 mi
Young E Richard5.0★ (6)In Ephrata

How we ranked Ephrata criminal defense lawyers

We scored 62 Ephrata criminal defense lawyers on nine factors, weighted as shown. A law firm is ranked when its practice area is confirmed and it has 3 or more Google reviews or a claimed profile. A law firm with no Google reviews scores zero on rating, review volume and recency. Other unknown factors are left out, not counted as zero. Scores last refreshed November 9, 2026.

Paid placement never changes a rank or score. Attorney advertising businesses are paid, labelled, limited to 3 and shown above the ranking, outside it.

Read the full method: formula, sources and exclusions

LFR Score factors and weights
FactorWeightComputed fromIn Ephrata data
Reputation25%Google star rating, adjusted for how many reviews back itMeasured
Bar status10%An active bar or law society record matched to a lawyer at the firm (not measured until a record source is loaded)Not yet collected
Review volume10%Number of Google reviews, compared with the most-reviewed firm on the listMeasured
Recency10%Share of reviews from the last 12 monthsNot yet collected
Availability5%Weekly office hours, Saturday, Sunday, and phones answered 24/7Measured
Practice focus15%How clearly the firm practises this area (its Google category and name)Measured
Proximity5%An office in the city scores highest, less the farther away it isMeasured
Claimed profile10%The firm has claimed its Law Firms Ranked profile (free and paid earn the same)Measured
Law Firms Ranked reviews10%Verified client reviews collected by Law Firms Ranked: their rating and how many there areMeasured

How to choose a criminal defense lawyer

  1. Check the lawyer’s status and any public discipline in the state bar or law society directory.
  2. Ask how many criminal defense matters the lawyer handles each year, and who at the firm will do the work.
  3. Get the fee arrangement in writing: hourly, flat or contingency, and which costs are charged on top.
  4. Ask how and how often the firm will update you, and how fast it answers calls and emails.
  5. Read recent reviews for how the firm communicated and billed, not only for outcomes.
  6. Ask whether the lawyer regularly appears in the court where your case is filed.
  7. Meet more than one firm; many offer a short first consultation, sometimes free.

Questions to ask a criminal defense lawyer

  • How would you approach a matter like mine, and what are the realistic options?
  • How do you charge, and what will the total likely cost?
  • Who will be my main contact, and how quickly do you reply?
  • What does the flat fee cover, and what costs extra if the case goes to trial?
  • Who will appear with me at each hearing?
  • Is there any conflict of interest that would stop you representing me?

Terms explained

Contingency fee
A fee that is a share of the money recovered, paid only if there is a recovery. Common in injury cases; not allowed for criminal defense or for securing a divorce.
Retainer
Money paid up front and held in a trust account, which the lawyer draws on as fees are earned.
Flat fee
One set price for a defined piece of work, such as a will or an uncontested matter.
Limited-scope representation
Paying a lawyer for part of a matter only, such as reviewing documents or coaching for one hearing (also called unbundled services).
Statute of limitations
The deadline to file a lawsuit or charge. It differs by state or province and by type of claim.
Good standing
A lawyer’s status as active and eligible to practise with a state bar or law society.
Law society
The body that licenses and disciplines lawyers in a Canadian province or territory.
Board certification
Recognition in a field of law by a state program or an organisation accredited for that purpose. Lawyers may only claim it when they hold it, naming the certifying body.
Attorney–client privilege
The rule that keeps confidential communications between a client and lawyer, made for legal advice, out of court.
Conflict check
The search a firm runs before taking a matter to make sure it does not represent someone on the other side.
Pro bono
Legal work done for free, usually for people who cannot afford a lawyer.
Legal aid
Publicly funded legal help for people with low incomes, through legal aid offices, public defenders or provincial legal aid plans.

Criminal defense lawyers in Ephrata: frequently asked questions

Which criminal defense lawyer has the highest LFR Score in Ephrata?

By LFR Score, the highest-ranked criminal defense lawyer in Ephrata, PA is Feeney & Gurwitz with an LFR Score of 69/100. It has 4.9★ from 223 Google reviews. It is open 24/7. Missan Law Offices (#2) and Ciccarelli Law Offices (#3) follow. We ranked 62 criminal defense lawyers on nine factors, last updated November 9, 2026.

How many criminal defense lawyers are there in Ephrata?

LawFirmsRanked ranks 62 criminal defense lawyers serving Ephrata, PA. Another 20 within 30 mi are listed but not ranked yet. Counts are as of November 2026.

Which criminal defense lawyers in Ephrata are open 24/7?

10 ranked criminal defense lawyers in Ephrata post 24/7 hours. The highest-ranked are Feeney & Gurwitz (#1), Missan Law Offices (#2) and Ciccarelli Law Offices (#3). Hours come from each law firm's Google listing as of November 2026, so call to confirm.

Which criminal defense lawyers in Ephrata work on weekends?

10 of 62 ranked criminal defense lawyers post Saturday hours and 10 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are Feeney & Gurwitz (#1), Missan Law Offices (#2) and Ciccarelli Law Offices (#3). Posted hours are office hours; many firms meet clients by appointment outside them.

What Google rating do Ephrata criminal defense lawyers have?

The median Google rating among 62 rated criminal defense lawyers in Ephrata is 4.6★, with a median of 27 reviews. Kitay Law Offices has the most, 593 reviews, and ranks #12. We adjust ratings for review count, so a few five-star reviews cannot top the list.

How does LawFirmsRanked rank criminal defense lawyers?

Each criminal defense lawyer gets a 0–100 LFR Score from nine published factors, led by reputation (25%), practice focus (15%), review volume (10%) and recency (10%). A law firm with no Google reviews scores zero on rating, review volume and recency; other factors we cannot measure are left out. Only law firms with a confirmed practice area and 3 or more reviews, or a claimed profile, are ranked.

Do criminal defense lawyers outside Ephrata count in this ranking?

Yes, if they are within 30 mi of the Ephrata city center, our service radius for criminal defense lawyers. Each listing shows where the law firm is based and how far away it is. Proximity is 5% of the LFR Score, so a nearby law firm gets a small edge.

Can criminal defense lawyers pay to rank higher on LawFirmsRanked?

No. The LFR Score never reads payment status, and this ranking has 0 paid placements. Up to 3 Featured law firms may appear above the list, labelled Attorney advertising and showing their honest rank.

How do criminal defense lawyers in Ephrata, PA charge?

Criminal defense lawyers usually charge a flat fee per stage (for example, through a plea or through trial) or an hourly rate. Contingency fees are not allowed in criminal cases under ABA Model Rule 1.5(d). Lawyers using Clio billed an average of $219 an hour in this area (Clio Legal Trends data, October 2026; all areas $362). Ask for the fee arrangement in writing before you agree.

What if I can’t afford a criminal defense lawyer?

If a charge can lead to jail, the court must appoint a lawyer for you if you cannot afford one (Gideon v. Wainwright, 1963; Argersinger v. Hamlin, 1972). Ask about a public defender at your first court appearance. This is general information, not legal advice.

How is this list of criminal defense lawyers in Ephrata, PA ranked?

By LFR Score only, from public data on reviews, practice focus, office location and hours. Firms labelled “Attorney advertising” paid for that placement; payment never changes a rank, and a rank is not an endorsement.

Does a lawyer need an office in Ephrata?

No, but the lawyer must be licensed in your state (or, for federal matters such as immigration, in some state). A local office makes meetings and court appearances easier, so proximity is one of our factors.

Update log for Ephrata

  1. November 2026: LFR Scores recalculated for 62 criminal defense lawyers serving Ephrata.