Southwest Criminal Lawyers

My name is Michael Worgul. I was born and raised right here in Pittsburgh, and it’s probably no surprise that I’ve settled down here too. I went to Duquesne University for my college and law degrees; right after being admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar in 2004, I joined Arthur Bloom & Associates, LLC, a small private practice. I later joined the Allegheny County Office of Conflict Counsel for two years, representing indigent criminal defendants who needed legal help. I’m a member of the Allegheny County Bar Association, Criminal Litigation section, as well as a member of the Pennsylvania State Bar...

We have handled hundreds of criminal and civil litigation matters throughout southwestern Pennsylvania and northern West Virginia.

My name is Samir Sarna, and I am a Partner at Worgul, Sarna & Ness, Criminal Defense Attorneys, LLC. I moved to Pittsburgh in 2007 to attend the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. While in Pittsburgh, I met my wife, fell in love with the city, and decided to settle down here and dedicate my legal career to defending the rights of those accused of committing crimes.

After graduating law school, I clerked at the Office of the Public Defender for Allegheny County and later became an Associate Counsel at the Allegheny County Office of Conflict Counsel. Serving at...

My practice is concentrated in criminal defense and personal injury litigation — including wrongful death, auto accidents, fall downs and other personal injury actions. I also handle general civil litigation matters, such as contract and landlord/tenant disputes. I've litigated scores of civil and criminal matters, including approximately 40 jury trials as of 2021. I've successfully litigated such trials in both federal and state court. Over a four year span, I was able to obtain total acquittals in six out of nine trials during this time period. I've had the chance to handle several high profile criminal cases, such as: a...

Jennifer Price is a special education attorney in the Pittsburgh metro area who has received awards for her legal skills and advocacy. She was a former prosecutor for the Allegheny County Office of the District Attorney in both the adult and juvenile divisions, where she prosecuted cases major felonies. As a special education attorney, she believes in making sure every child has an opportunity to succeed both in school and in life. Her boutique law firm provides disability law-related legal services in special educational law, guardianships, and special needs trusts. With over 10 years of experience, Jennifer Price...

I'm a criminal trial and appellate lawyer. I try cases to juries and, if necessary, I take my clients’ cases up on appeal, as far as necessary, to ensure that they've received a constitutionally guaranteed fair trial and adequate due process.

Not all lawyers are both trial and appellate lawyers; the roles are different and require different skill sets. But I believe that my doing both enables me to stand out from the hundreds of criminal-defense attorneys who are all offering either one thing or the same thing. In this dual role, my trial...

Jill Devine has been practicing law for more than 30 years. She worked as a government lawyer at the state, county and local levels before entering private practice. Jill is a trial lawyer engaged in the general practice of law. She is active in her community and volunteers at her church. Before becoming a lawyer, Jill was a news reporter for The Pittsburgh Press newspaper.

Joseph Alexander Paletta was born and raised in the Pittsburgh area. After graduating cum laude from Washington & Lee University in Virginia in 1982, he returned to Pittsburgh, achieving his Juris Doctor from Duquesne University Law School in 1985. His father, Leonard J. Paletta, was a highly respected trial lawyer in Pittsburgh in the 1950s, ‘60s, and ‘70s, and was the inspiration for Joseph becoming a lawyer. In fact, a Paletta has maintained a law office in the Frick Building, the heart of the Pittsburgh legal community, for almost 50 years.

Attorney Paletta has been engaged in the...

Stephen S. Stallings is an experienced trial lawyer with over two decades of public and private experience providing counsel in False Claims Act/qui tam matters, white collar defense, commercial and securities litigation, FCPA, corporate compliance and internal investigations. He frequently serves as lead trial counsel in complex federal cases.

Mr. Stallings served for over seven years as an Assistant United States Attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice, where he prosecuted fraud and public corruption matters through investigation, indictment, trial and appeal in the U.S. Attorney's Offices for the Southern District of Florida in Miami and the Western District of...

Steven C. Townsend is a graduate of Indiana State University (B.A. Criminal Justice) and University of Pittsburgh School of Law (J.D., Civil Litigation Program). He serves as a Criminal Justice Act Panel Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania District Court and was a member of the Conflict Attorney Panel for Beaver County.He is a speaker and instructor for the Pennsylvania Bar Institute’s Criminal Law Update, which is held each year to inform update and inform other members of the bar of recent and important changes in criminal law and he serves on the Veteran’s Court Task Force. He...

Since 1997, R. Anthony DeLuca has worked in the area of criminal justice. He handles all types of criminal defense cases, but focuses on matters involving DUI, involuntary manslaughter and white collar crimes.

Attorney DeLuca has prior experience as a prosecutor, Assistant District Attorney, for the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office. He moved to defense because he saw the need for experienced, quality representation for people in the criminal justice system. Attorney DeLuca has a down-to-earth, personable approach to his practice of law. He's truly is on the side of his clients.

Outside of work, Anthony spends quality time with his wife...

Attorney Benjamin F. Goodwin, Esquire was born, raised, and educated in Southwestern Pennsylvania. For nearly a decade, Attorney Goodwin has strived to practice law with the same virtues that Southwestern Pennsylvania and its people have come to embody- integrity, tenacity, and above all things hard work. Attorney Goodwin has represented countless individuals and has a proven track record of excellence successfully trying numerous cases to a jury verdict. He is a partner of Goodwin Como, P.C.

With almost two decades of experience in family law and criminal defense, Attorney Tibbott focuses on strategic communication to bring clients freedom and peace during one of the most difficult times in their lives.

Attorney David J. Shrager is a widely known, decorated criminal defense lawyer and native Pittsburgher. His Pittsburgh-based law firm focuses exclusively upon defending individuals throughout Pennsylvania charged with felony and misdemeanor criminal offenses at both the state and federal levels. Such offenses include DUI, drug crimes, sex crimes, theft crimes, assault crimes, white-collar crimes and more. Attorney Shrager was selected to Super Lawyers 2017 – 2023. He is a member of the Allegheny County Bar Association, Pennsylvania Bar Association, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. You’ll find his name often quoted in...

David S. Shrager is an attorney devoted to providing tough defense and aggressive representation to criminally accused individuals throughout Western Pennsylvania. He is a member of numerous associations including the Washington County Bar Association, the Allegheny County Bar Association, the Pennsylvania Bar Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the American Bar Association. Mr. Shrager is known for the exceptional services he provides, and has even been included in the 2014 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers® list. To learn more about the services offered by Attorney Shrager, be sure to contact his firm, The Law Offices of David S. Shrager, today.

I grew up in suburban Pittsburgh in a blue collar family where I was instilled with working class ethics and values that continue to embody me today — and that I recognize and appreciate in many of the people I represent in the criminal court system.

I am dedicated to fighting for the rights of my clients to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures, to fair and speedy trials, to just punishment, and to not be coerced into self-incrimination. I believe passionately that the basic principles regarding the rights of people accused of crimes are worth upholding and...

With over 20 years of experience, William R. Bickerton has fought for defendants throughout Pennsylvania. Let's face it: Even a traffic ticket isn't "just a ticket" since it can increase your car insurance rates or leave you with a driver's license suspension. Attorney Bickerton understands the effects that being charged with a crime can have on your life and fights hard to get the best results for his clients and protect their reputations.

Justin J. Ketchel is a top Pittsburgh criminal attorney who has over a decade of experience successfully navigating the criminal justice system in Western Pennsylvania. He is senior attorney and owner of Ketchel Law, a criminal defense law firm, located in Downtown Pittsburgh, serving Allegheny County and other counties in Western Pennsylvania. Attorney Ketchel has won numerous trials for his clients and has built a reputation as one of the best defense attorneys in Pennsylvania. His number one goal is to get his clients' cases dismissed. Throughout every step of the process, he will fight for a not-guilty verdict or a severe reduction...

Lisle T. Weaver is an Associate Attorney at Farrell Weaver & Okun. In 2016, Lisle began working in criminal defense with Thomas N. Farrell. Since then, Lisle has practiced in every type of criminal proceeding: preliminary hearings, grand jury, trials, death penalty trials, post-sentence motions, appeals to the Pennsylvania Superior Court, appeals to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, post-conviction relief petitions, federal habeas corpus, expungements, and pardons. He has also successfully argued before the Pennsylvania Superior Court. Lisle received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Pittsburgh graduating magna cum laude. While at the University of Pittsburgh,...

David T. Leake is the owner of the Law Office of David T. Leake, Esq. located in downtown Somerset. Attorney Leake opened his office after working for Joseph B. Policicchio, an attorney with 40 years of experience in Somerset, who transferred his law practice to Attorney Leake. His office occupies an entire building on Center Street and he has a full time paralegal/secretary/public notary on staff with over twenty years of experience to assist him as well as an assistant paralegal. Attorney Leake has extensive courtroom experience as his practice focuses mainly on courtroom litigation. He has presented countless cases before...

I have successfully represented many clients in all Commonwealth Courts and the Federal Bankruptcy Court in various steps of the legal process, including Preliminary Hearings, Arbitration, Child Support Hearings, Motions, and Trials. I take great pride in my ability to learn from the past and use what worked for the future. Unlike some attorneys, I am not afraid of the courtroom and will do what is necessary to provide you with the best possible advocacy. Go to http://mbeckerlaw.com

Attorney Dana Jo-Ann Richardson has been a proactive advocate for her clients since entering the Bar in 2007. Her ambitions in the pursuit of law began at Duquesne University School of Law, where Dana was a class representative in the Student Bar Association, and where she became a finalist in the prestigious Carol Los Mansmann Appellate Advocacy Competition. Upon graduating from Duquesne University and receiving her Juris Doctorate in 2007, she sat for the bar examination and was admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar that year. While a law student at Duquesne, Dana was hired by the law firm...

Frank Walker is one of the most sought-after criminal defense attorneys in Western Pennsylvania. He stands by his motto of delivering real talk, real experience, and real results. Fearless in the courtroom and tenacious when fighting for his clients, Attorney Walker is highly regarded in criminal defense circles. He has handled many high-profile crimes and serious offenses, developing a proven track record of victories. In addition to criminal defense, Attorney Walker also focuses his practice on civil litigation. Attorney Walker is active in the community and frequently gives talks on education, leadership, and legal matters.

Pittsburgh Attorney Andrew O. Stiffler is a 2013 graduate of Duquesne University School of Law, where he graduated in the top 25% of his class, and was awarded the Leo J. Loughren Endowed Scholarship. While in law school, Attorney Stiffler was a member of the Appellate Moot Court Board as well as the Louis L. Manderino Honor Society.

In both 2011 and 2012, he represented the University in the American Bar Association Arbitration Competition. During the Spring of 2011, Pittsburgh Attorney Andrew O. Stiffler was awarded the Excellence in Legal Writing Award, an accolade given to the student with the...

Experienced business start-up attorney and consultant.

Ashley dedicates her experience and skills to those clients wishing to achieve their own independence through entrepreneurial endeavor. She has formed business entities, drafted operating agreements, negotiated purchase and sale agreements, vendor contracts, and employee documents. She not only understands the legal requirements and ramifications of various transactional relationships, but also the practical necessities typically required to close.

A zealous attorney dedicated to persuasively advocating on behalf of his clients.

Thomas N. Farrell is the Managing Partner of Thomas N. Farrell and Associates and has over 30 years of experience in criminal law. Tom is a graduate of Duquesne University School of Law and was admitted to practice law in Pennsylvania in 1991. Tom began his criminal law career as an Assistant District Attorney with the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office. As an Assistant District Attorney, Tom tried cases, handled appeals, and was the head of the Post-Conviction Unit. Tom left the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office to become a Deputy Attorney General for the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General working...

Justin received a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and Information Technology from Monmouth University in West Long Branch, NJ, graduating magna cum laude. While at Monmouth, Justin was involved in many groups and organizations, in particular, the Pre-Law Society, Political Science Club and Debate Team, where he debated at West Virginia University. Justin received his Juris Doctorate degree from University of Pittsburgh School of Law. While in law school, Justin was part of the Environmental and Energy Law Society and the Moot Court Board where he organized and graded participants in the Negotiations Competition, Murray S. Love Trial Competition, and the...

Amy B. Levenson Jones, Esq., brings extensive litigation expertise spanning criminal and complex commercial cases accumulated over decades. With a background in practicing law for over ten years in New York and Washington, DC, Amy has now returned to her hometown of Pittsburgh, PA. Her legal representation has reached clients nationwide, appearing before federal and state courts, as well as participating in arbitration and administrative tribunals. Amy is known for being a determined and adept advocate, particularly for clients facing serious criminal charges.

Attorney Dave Zuckerman is a former Assistant District Attorney who has prosecuted and defended those accused of felony, misdemeanor and summary offenses in Allegheny County and the surrounding counties in Western Pennsylvania.