1. Shrager Defense Attorneys
Practice Focus: Criminal defense including DUI/DWI, drug crimes, sex crimes, theft crimes, assault crimes, white collar crimes, and federal offenses.
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, summary offenses, federal crimes, DUI/DWI, drug possession and trafficking, sex offenses, violent crimes, theft, assault, white collar crimes.
Legal Services: Trial defense, preliminary hearings, pretrial hearings, suppression motions, plea negotiations, bail hearings, appeals, federal court representation.
Background: David J. Shrager has been practicing criminal defense for over 25 years, following his father who established the firm in 1967. He graduated magna cum laude from the University of Pittsburgh with a B.A. in 1995 and earned his J.D. with honors from the University of Miami School of Law in 1998 on a Deans Honor Academic Scholarship, where he served as Assistant Editor of the Inter-American Law Review. Pennsylvania Bar ID: 83395. Admitted: April 22, 1999. Status: Active with no pending disciplinary proceedings. He practiced at Reed Smith’s Litigation Department before joining the family firm. He was appointed Judge of the Pennsylvania Court of Judicial Discipline by the Governor of Pennsylvania (2015-2019). He is a member of the Allegheny County Bar Association, Pennsylvania Bar Association, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. The firm has over 300 five-star client reviews on Google and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Selected to Super Lawyers from 2017 through 2025.
Location: 437 Grant Street, Suite 617, Frick Building, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Contact: (412) 969-2540 (David Shrager’s cell, available around the clock) | Office: (412) 261-6198 | https://www.shragerdefense.com
Consultation: Free initial consultation available around the clock, seven days a week.
2. Worgul, Sarna & Ness, Criminal Defense Attorneys, LLC
Practice Focus: Criminal defense and DUI/OVI defense including drug crimes, violent crimes, sex crimes, theft, assault, domestic violence, and federal charges.
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, federal crimes, DUI/DWI, drug offenses, sex crimes, assault and battery, domestic violence, theft, white collar crimes, juvenile offenses, underage drinking.
Legal Services: Trial defense, preliminary hearings, bail hearings, suppression motions, plea negotiations, appeals, expungement, record sealing, ARD program representation.
Background: The firm was founded by Michael Worgul in 2008. Worgul attended Duquesne University for undergraduate and law degrees and was admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar in 2004. He worked at Arthur Bloom & Associates before serving two years with the Allegheny County Office of Conflict Counsel representing indigent criminal defendants. Partner Samir Sarna graduated from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law in 2010, clerked at the Allegheny County Public Defender’s Office, and served as Associate Counsel at the Allegheny County Office of Conflict Counsel. He has taken over 20 trials to verdict since 2010. Both attorneys are admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania. The firm has over 25 years of combined trial experience, more than 500 five-star Google reviews, and has handled over 30 jury trials. Selected to Super Lawyers.
Location: 332 Fifth Avenue, 1st Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Contact: (412) 281-2146 | https://www.pittsburghcriminalattorney.com
Consultation: Free initial consultation; offices also in Beaver County, Butler County, Washington County, and Greensburg.
3. Zuckerman Law Firm, LLC
Practice Focus: Criminal defense and DUI defense, including felonies, misdemeanors, drug crimes, assault, theft, firearms violations, and traffic offenses.
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, summary offenses, DUI/OVI, drug possession, firearms violations, assault, theft, underage drinking offenses, traffic violations.
Legal Services: Trial defense, preliminary hearings, plea negotiations, suppression motions, appeals, ARD program representation, license preservation, expungement.
Background: David Zuckerman is a former Allegheny County Assistant District Attorney who achieved an 80% conviction rate on jury trial litigation during his time as a prosecutor. Before prosecuting, he served as a law clerk conducting legal research and opinion drafting for a Pennsylvania criminal court judge. He founded the Zuckerman Law Firm to provide criminal defense representation. Nick Milardo is an associate attorney at the firm. Both Zuckerman and Milardo have been recognized by Pennsylvania Super Lawyers as “Rising Stars,” an honor awarded to only 2.5% of criminal defense attorneys. The firm has represented over 3,000 clients in state courts throughout Western Pennsylvania. Zuckerman has been selected to America’s Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys in Pennsylvania and has received the American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys “10 Best” Client Satisfaction Award from 2015 through 2025. Over 140 independent five-star ratings on Google, Avvo, and related sites. Member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association and Allegheny County Bar Association.
Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Contact: (412) 447-5580 | https://www.zuckermanfirm.com
Consultation: Free consultation available.
4. Ketchel Law
Practice Focus: Criminal defense and DUI/OVI defense across Allegheny County and Western Pennsylvania.
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, DUI/DWI, drug offenses including marijuana possession, assault, theft, domestic violence, weapons charges, federal crimes.
Legal Services: Trial defense, preliminary hearings, suppression motions, plea negotiations, appeals, ARD program representation, PFA hearings, probation violation defense.
Background: Attorney Justin J. Ketchel founded Ketchel Law and has over a decade of experience in criminal defense. The firm maintains familiarity with Pittsburgh-area courthouses, judges, and district attorneys throughout Allegheny County and Western Pennsylvania. Attorney Tom McKinley is also associated with the firm. The firm handles cases at every stage from investigation through trial and appeals. Justin Ketchel personally handles all aspects of his cases throughout the entire process.
Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (Serving Allegheny County and Western Pennsylvania)
Contact: (412) 456-1221 | https://ketchellaw.com
Consultation: Free initial consultation available.
5. Phil DiLucente & Associates, LLC
Practice Focus: Criminal defense including DUI, sex crimes, drug crimes, white collar crimes, and gun and weapons charges, from preliminary hearing through trial.
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, DUI/DWI, drug offenses, sex crimes, violent crimes, white collar crimes, weapons charges, domestic violence.
Legal Services: Trial defense, preliminary hearings, bond hearings, suppression motions, plea negotiations, federal court representation.
Background: Phil DiLucente & Associates has more than 90 years of combined legal experience among its attorneys. The firm was founded by Phillip P. DiLucente. The team includes Kenneth J. Nolan, Nicole D. Nino, Anthony M. Mariani, and Anthony J. Donofrio. The firm handles criminal defense and personal injury matters throughout Western Pennsylvania. The attorneys provide representation at all stages of the criminal justice process.
Location: Grant Street, Downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Contact: 1-800-GET-PHIL | https://www.getphil.com
Consultation: Free consultation available.
Criminal Defense Regulations in Pennsylvania
Bar Admission Requirements: Attorneys must pass the Pennsylvania Bar Examination or qualify under UBE transfer provisions, complete character and fitness review, and be admitted by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. The Pennsylvania Disciplinary Board maintains public records of all licensed attorneys including status, admission date, and disciplinary history. Attorneys must maintain professional liability insurance of at least $100,000 per occurrence and $300,000 in aggregate annually.
Public Defender System: The Allegheny County Public Defender’s Office provides representation to indigent defendants in criminal matters. The Allegheny County Office of Conflict Counsel handles cases where the Public Defender has a conflict of interest. Eligibility is determined based on financial inability to afford private counsel, assessed at arraignment.
Specialty Certifications: Pennsylvania does not have a state bar-administered criminal law specialist certification. Attorneys may hold certifications from national organizations such as the National College for DUI Defense (NCDD) or membership in selective organizations like the National Trial Lawyers.
Attorney Advertising Rules: Pennsylvania attorneys must comply with the Pennsylvania Rules of Professional Conduct Rules 7.1 through 7.5 governing advertising and solicitation. All communications must be truthful and not misleading.
Attorney-Client Privilege: Pennsylvania Rule of Evidence 503 protects confidential communications between attorneys and clients made for purposes of legal consultation.
Continuing Legal Education: Pennsylvania requires attorneys to complete 12 hours of CLE annually, including at least 1 hour of ethics and 1 hour of professionalism/substance abuse education.
Arraignment Procedures: In Allegheny County, defendants are arraigned before a Magisterial District Judge within 72 hours of arrest. At arraignment, charges are read, bail is set, and preliminary hearing dates are scheduled.
Discovery Rules: Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure Rule 573 governs discovery. The prosecution must disclose any evidence favorable to the defendant (Brady material), witness statements, and expert reports. Defense discovery obligations are more limited.
Speedy Trial Requirements: Pennsylvania Rule of Criminal Procedure 600 requires trial to commence within 365 days of filing criminal charges. Excludable delays include defense continuances and delays caused by the defendant.
Bail and Pretrial Release: Pennsylvania uses a percentage bail system where defendants typically pay 10% of the bail amount to secure release. Bail is set based on flight risk, danger to community, and nature of charges. Allegheny County has implemented bail reform measures to reduce pretrial detention.
Felony Grading System: Pennsylvania grades felonies by degree:
First Degree Felony carries up to 20 years imprisonment and fines up to $25,000 (examples: rape, kidnapping, aggravated assault with serious bodily injury).
Second Degree Felony carries up to 10 years imprisonment and fines up to $25,000 (examples: robbery, burglary of an occupied structure, certain drug trafficking offenses).
Third Degree Felony carries up to 7 years imprisonment and fines up to $15,000 (examples: theft over $2,000, simple assault on a police officer).
Ungraded Felonies have penalties specified by statute for particular offenses.
Misdemeanor Grading: First Degree Misdemeanor carries up to 5 years imprisonment and fines up to $10,000. Second Degree Misdemeanor carries up to 2 years imprisonment and fines up to $5,000. Third Degree Misdemeanor carries up to 1 year imprisonment and fines up to $2,500. Summary offenses carry up to 90 days imprisonment and fines up to $300.
DUI Penalties: Pennsylvania DUI offenses are graded based on BAC tier (General Impairment .08-.099%, High BAC .10-.159%, Highest BAC .16%+ or drugs) and number of prior offenses. First offense DUI at general impairment is an ungraded misdemeanor with no mandatory jail time, probation up to 6 months, and no license suspension for first-time offenders with no accident. Fourth and subsequent DUIs or DUIs with prior homicide by vehicle while DUI conviction are third degree felonies carrying up to 7 years imprisonment.
Death Penalty Status: Pennsylvania retains the death penalty but has had a gubernatorial moratorium on executions since 2015. Capital cases require specialized defense qualifications.
Expungement and Record Sealing: Pennsylvania allows expungement of arrests not resulting in conviction, summary convictions after 5 years without subsequent conviction, and certain offenses upon completion of ARD (Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition). Clean Slate provisions allow automatic sealing of certain records after 10 years. Eligible offenses can be sealed to limit public access while remaining available to law enforcement.
ARD Program: The Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition program is available for first-time offenders, particularly in DUI cases. Successful completion results in dismissal of charges and eligibility for expungement. Program requirements typically include supervision, community service, and treatment programs.
Mandatory Minimum Sentencing: Pennsylvania has mandatory minimum sentences for certain offenses including repeat DUI offenders, firearm violations, and drug trafficking. Recent court decisions have affected enforcement of some mandatory minimums.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happens at a preliminary hearing in Allegheny County?
A: A preliminary hearing in Allegheny County takes place before a Magisterial District Judge, typically within 3-10 days of arraignment. The prosecutor must present sufficient evidence to establish a prima facie case that a crime was committed and that the defendant likely committed it. The burden of proof is low compared to trial. Defense attorneys can cross-examine witnesses and challenge the evidence. If the judge finds probable cause, the case is “held for court” and transferred to the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas for trial. If the prosecutor fails to meet this burden, charges may be dismissed. This is a critical stage for identifying weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
Q: How does bail work in Allegheny County, and can I get a bail reduction?
A: In Allegheny County, bail is typically set at arraignment by a Magisterial District Judge. Pennsylvania uses a percentage system where defendants usually pay 10% of the bail amount to secure release. For example, on $10,000 bail, you would pay $1,000. Factors considered include flight risk, criminal history, nature of charges, community ties, and danger to the community. You can petition for a bail reduction hearing before a Common Pleas Court judge, presenting evidence of employment, family ties, and community connections. Allegheny County has implemented bail reform measures, and some defendants may qualify for release on recognizance (no money required) or unsecured bail.
Q: What is Pennsylvania’s ARD program and am I eligible?
A: ARD (Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition) is a pretrial diversion program for first-time offenders, commonly used in DUI cases. If accepted into ARD, your case is placed on hold while you complete program requirements including supervision, community service, drug and alcohol evaluation and treatment if required, payment of costs and restitution, and sometimes driver’s license suspension for DUI cases. Upon successful completion (typically 6-12 months), charges are dismissed and you become eligible to petition for expungement immediately. Eligibility generally requires no prior convictions, no prior ARD participation, no accident with serious bodily injury, and consent of the prosecutor. The District Attorney’s Office has discretion to approve or deny ARD applications.
Q: What are the penalties for a first DUI offense in Pennsylvania?
A: First DUI penalties in Pennsylvania depend on your BAC tier. For General Impairment (.08-.099% BAC) with no accident, it is an ungraded misdemeanor with no mandatory jail time, possible probation up to 6 months, no license suspension for first-time offenders, a $300 fine, alcohol highway safety school, and treatment if ordered. For High BAC (.10-.159%), penalties include an ungraded misdemeanor, 48 hours to 6 months imprisonment, 12-month license suspension, $500-$5,000 fine, and mandatory treatment. For Highest BAC (.16%+ or drug impairment), penalties include an ungraded misdemeanor, 72 hours to 6 months imprisonment, 12-month license suspension, $1,000-$5,000 fine, and mandatory treatment. First-time offenders may qualify for ARD to avoid conviction.
Q: Can I get my criminal record expunged or sealed in Pennsylvania?
A: Pennsylvania offers several paths to clear criminal records. Expungement (complete destruction of records) is available for arrests without conviction, summary offense convictions after 5 years without subsequent conviction, successful completion of ARD (eligible immediately after completion), and when charges are dismissed or result in acquittal. Record sealing under Clean Slate (limited access, still visible to law enforcement) applies automatically after 10 years for second and third degree misdemeanors with no subsequent convictions, and by petition for certain first degree misdemeanors. Convictions for serious felonies, sexual offenses, and certain violent crimes are generally not eligible for expungement or sealing. The process involves filing a petition with the court and paying filing fees.