Pittsburgh Criminal Defense Lawyer

Pittsburgh Criminal Defense Attorney

Being charged with a crime can disrupt your entire life. Even relatively minor criminal charges can still leave you with fines and court fees. In more serious situations, you may be facing imprisonment or steep fines ranging in the thousands. You may suffer irreparable damage to your reputation. Simply put, the consequences can be grave. A Pittsburgh criminal defense lawyer, however, can help place you in a favorable position.

Louis W. Emmi Attorney at Law has over three decades of experience providing clients in Pittsburgh and across western Pennsylvania with tough, aggressive representation in criminal matters. We have the trial experience necessary to push through all aspects of your case. Our history of results reflects this: We have achieved reductions, dismissals and acquittals in serious cases, including murder. Whatever the situation, we are ready to defend your rights.

Serious Allegations Deserve Serious Representation

Our firm handles all charges, whether they stem from misdemeanors or felonies. In all situations, we take the same approach: We thoroughly investigate the charges against you and work to prepare a comprehensive legal strategy given our discoveries and our experience.

As a seasoned trial attorney, Louis W. Emmi has argued countless cases before a jury and is eager to prove your innocence in court. However, that may not always be the best approach, so we strive to make informed decisions given the circumstances before us.

In particular, we have assisted clients facing a variety of criminal charges, including those stemming from:

• Driving under the influence (DUI) and other alcohol-related crimes
• Drug crimes and other charges stemming from narcotics
• Theft, robbery and burglary
• Assault, battery and other crimes against persons
• Murder and homicide
• Weapons offenses, including those involving a felon in possession of a firearm
• White collar crimes, including fraud and embezzlement

How a Criminal Charge Can Affect Your Life

If you are convicted of a criminal charge in Pittsburgh, it can have a dramatic impact on your life. Whether you were convicted of embezzlement at your job at Carnegie Mellon University, or you were charged with assault due to a misunderstanding in Schenley Park, even if you did not actually commit the crime, a conviction can ruin your life in one or more of the following ways:

• Housing. When a property owner or landlord goes to sign a lease, they will likely first conduct a background check. If you have been convicted of a crime, this can be a problem, as your conviction will show up on the background check. If the crime is a lower-level offense, it might not sway the opinion of the landlord. However, if your conviction is for a more serious crime, like a felony, it may be difficult to secure housing.
• Employment. Like housing, potential employers will likely conduct a background check before hiring you. Individuals reentering society following a prison sentence face a 30% unemployment rate across the country. Depending on the nature of your conviction and the crime involved, your job prospects may be negatively impacted.
• Personal relationships. If you are convicted of a crime, there is a particular social stigma that can harm your personal relationships. Even if you are convicted of a minor offense, friends and family members may try to distance themselves from your life, and it can become increasingly difficult to build new relationships after a conviction.
• Civil rights. When you are convicted of a crime in Pennsylvania, depending on the nature of that crime, you may lose certain civil rights. These include your right to purchase, bear, or own firearms, and your right to vote in any elections.
• Loss of driver’s license. For certain convictions, you may also lose your ability to drive due to having your driver’s license suspended or revoked. This can make it nearly impossible to find new employment and place a strain on your personal relationships.

Defending You Against a Criminal Charge

At the offices of Louis W. Emmi Attorney at Law, we take your defense seriously and can work to have your charges reduced or even dropped. Over 90% of felony cases are resolved without the need for a court trial, and that is all thanks to the stalwart defense of a criminal lawyer. Common defenses used in criminal cases include:

• Acting in self-defense or in the defense of others.
• Acting under duress, or under the threat of physical harm or death.
• Suffering a mental illness at the time the crime was committed or claiming insanity.
• Suffering entrapment by law enforcement.
• Having an alibi for the location and time when the crime was allegedly committed.
• Suffering from a mistaken identity.
• Suffering a violation of your constitutional rights while you were being arrested or were in the custody of police.

At Louis W. Emmi Attorney at Law, we are here to review your situation, identify any weaknesses in the prosecution’s alleged evidence, and ultimately determine which avenue of defense addresses the circumstances of your case. You can trust our team to do whatever it takes to ensure you are defended against criminal charges in Pittsburgh.

Common Pittsburgh Criminal Attorney FAQs

Where do I go for my preliminary hearing in Pittsburgh?

In Allegheny County, your preliminary hearing is typically held at the Pittsburgh Municipal Court building on First Avenue or at a local Magisterial District Court depending on where the alleged incident occurred. Having a local attorney who knows the specific procedures of these neighborhood courts is critical for negotiating charges early.

What is a “Preliminary Hearing” in Allegheny County, and do I need a lawyer for it?

A preliminary hearing is the “gatekeeper” stage of the PA criminal process where the judge determines if there is enough evidence to move your case to the Court of Common Pleas. This is often the best time to have our lawyer negotiate a dismissal or a reduction of charges before they are formally filed in the higher court.

How much does a criminal defense lawyer in Pittsburgh cost?

Legal fees in Pittsburgh vary based on the severity of the charges (misdemeanor vs. felony) and the complexity of the case. Our firm offers a free initial consultation to review your charges and provide a transparent, flat-fee or hourly quote so you know exactly what to expect before hiring.

What is the ARD program in Allegheny County, and do I qualify?

The Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program is a pre-trial diversionary program in Pennsylvania, common for first-time DUI or non-violent offenders. If completed successfully, your charges can be dismissed and your record expunged. We can review your eligibility and advocate for your admission into the program with the District Attorney’s office.

Can I get a bond reduction if I’m being held at the Allegheny County Jail?

Yes. If bail was set too high during your preliminary arraignment, your attorney can file a Motion for Bond Modification. This hearing takes place in the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas, where we argue for a lower amount or a non-monetary release based on your ties to the Pittsburgh community.

What happens at a “Formal Arraignment” at the Allegheny County Courthouse?

The Formal Arraignment takes place in Room 519 of the Allegheny County Courthouse (or via video). You are formally advised of the charges against you and your rights. If you have already hired an attorney, we can often “waive” your appearance so you don’t have to take time off work to attend this procedural step.

How do I clear my criminal record in Pennsylvania?

In PA, you may be eligible for an expungement (complete removal) or limited access (sealing) of your record depending on the outcome of your case or the passage of time. Summary offenses can often be expunged after 5 years, while ARD completions are eligible almost immediately.

Should I talk to Pittsburgh police detectives if they call me?

No. You should never give a statement without an attorney present, even if you are innocent. Anything you say to law enforcement in Zone 1-6 or Allegheny County detectives can be used to build a case against you. Politely decline to answer and contact us immediately.

What is the difference between a Misdemeanor and a Felony in PA?

In Pennsylvania, misdemeanors carry a maximum of up to 5 years in prison, while felonies are more serious and can carry decades of prison time. Both will result in a permanent criminal record in the Unified Judicial System (UJS) portal unless defended or expunged.

Do I have to go to trial at the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas?

Not necessarily. Many cases are resolved through plea negotiations or pre-trial motions to suppress evidence. However, if a fair deal cannot be reached, we are prepared to represent you in a jury or non-jury trial before an Allegheny County judge to fight for an acquittal.

Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer and Receive Open and Honest Communication

We pride ourselves on maintaining open and consistent communication with our clients. Whether we meet at our office or engage in a Zoom or FaceTime meeting, when necessary, we like to be face to face with our clients as we explain the process and examine our options. We believe that good communication can place us in more favorable positions in the long run.

To hire a criminal defense lawyer, learn more about our firm or the services we provide, or to schedule your free consultation, call our Pittsburgh office at 412-341-8477 or use our online contact form.

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