Red Lion Borough does not have its own police department. Pennsylvania State Police patrol the borough, and criminal cases from Red Lion are handled by Magisterial District Judge John Fishel at District Court 19-3-01. If you are arrested in Red Lion, here is what to expect from that first phone call to your court date.
Who Polices Red Lion, PA?
Red Lion does not have its own police department. Pennsylvania State Police patrol the borough instead.
Troopers respond to calls, make arrests, and file charges in and around town, not local officers.
What Court Handles Red Lion Criminal Cases?
Criminal cases arising in Red Lion Borough go before Magisterial District Judge John Fishel, District 19-3-01.
This is where your preliminary arraignment and preliminary hearing will typically take place. From there, felony and more serious misdemeanor cases move to the York County Court of Common Pleas.
What Happens After Police Take You Into Custody?
York County handles booking and bail through one centralized system, not through a local station. That’s true no matter where in the county police arrest you.
Officers fingerprint you, document your charges, and set bail before releasing you or holding you for your preliminary arraignment.
Knowing this ahead of time helps families avoid wasted trips while they try to locate someone after an arrest.

What Charges Come Up Most Often in Red Lion?
Like most communities in southeastern York County, Red Lion sees its share of common charges. These include underage drinking citations, retail theft, DUI arrests, and traffic offenses along Route 74 and nearby corridors.
Each of these charges carries its own grading rules and diversion options. That’s why an early conversation with an attorney matters, even for what feels like a minor charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Red Lion, PA have its own police department?
No. Pennsylvania State Police patrol Red Lion Borough instead of a local municipal department.
What Magisterial District Judge handles Red Lion cases?
Magisterial District Judge John Fishel at District Court 19-3-01 handles criminal cases from Red Lion Borough.
Where do I go if police arrest me in Red Lion, PA?
After an arrest, you will go through York County’s booking process before your preliminary arraignment. Family members should contact an attorney before making the trip so they know exactly where to go.
How long does it take to get released after an arrest in York County?
It depends on the charges and whether the judge sets bail at the preliminary arraignment. Minor offenses often move faster than felony charges, which may require a bail hearing first.
Do I need a local attorney for a charge in Red Lion, PA?
An attorney who regularly appears before District 19-3-01 knows York County’s process well. That local experience can make a real difference in how quickly and effectively your case moves forward.
Facing Charges in Red Lion, PA?
Call Kearney Law at 717-668-8159. Our attorneys are former prosecutors who know how cases from southeastern York County move through the system. That includes everything from your first appearance in front of Judge Fishel through final resolution.













