A conviction for the criminal charge you are currently facing can potentially have a lasting effect on numerous aspects of your life. DO NOT RISK your job prospects, education, driving privileges and potentially your freedom by calling on an inexperienced attorney.
Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Pittsburgh
A conviction for the criminal charge you are currently facing can potentially have a lasting effect on numerous aspects of your life. Do not risk your job prospects, education, driving privileges and potentially your freedom by calling on an inexperienced attorney. Instead, turn to our seasoned criminal defense lawyers at DRK Attorneys. Located in Pittsburgh, our criminal defense firm serves clients throughout western Pennsylvania.
Our firm is built entirely of former prosecutors who spent years in courtrooms presenting cases that range in severity from theft and DUI to federal fraud charges and murder. When you hire DRK Attorneys, you bring the following advantages to your defense:
- Prosecutorial Background: Every criminal defense attorney at our firm previously served as an assistant district attorney. For example, Randall Ricciuti handled wiretap cases, insurance-fraud prosecutions, drug investigations, and homicide trials during his twelve years in the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office.
- Insights into Charging Decisions: Prosecutors review evidence before filing criminal charges. Since we’ve done that work ourselves, we can identify weak evidence quickly. For instance, we know that inconsistencies in officer reports or late forensic results often signal openings for targeted motions.
- Decades of Criminal Trial Experience: Our Pittsburgh criminal defense attorneys have questioned hundreds of witnesses, including police officers, lab technicians, and civilian witnesses. This experience lets your criminal defense attorney prepare cross-examinations that press factual gaps rather than rely on broad arguments.
- Skilled Evidence Review: We examine videos, recordings, and reports to locate details and information that can shift a case toward charge reduction or, ideally, dismissal. For example, a missing timestamp on footage or an incomplete chain of custody for seized items can lead to the suppression of incriminating evidence.
- Experience-Driven Negotiation: During plea discussions, prosecutors evaluate their chance of winning at trial. We aim to point out flaws in their case, such as contradictions between officer statements and video footage or gaps in forensic documentation. When a prosecutor sees that some or all of their evidence is faulty, they often agree to reduced charges or even decline to continue with the case.
When you hire us, you get an experienced legal team that’s supported many people in your situation. Our criminal lawyers know how to identify evidentiary issues as well as rights violations, and use them to press for reduced charges or dismissal. That’s the defense we bring to your case. To get started, call 412-281-6869.
Meet Our Pittsburgh Criminal Defense Attorneys
At DRK Attorneys, all three of our criminal defense lawyers are former assistant district attorneys.
- R. Anthony DeLuca has worked in criminal justice since 1997, handling DUI, involuntary manslaughter, and white collar crimes like embezzlement. As a Pittsburgh criminal defense attorney, he brings his experience and insights to the forefront.
- Randall T. Ricciuti served as a prosecutor with the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office from 1996 to 2008, supervising grand jury proceedings and wiretap investigations involving white collar crimes, drug cases, DUIs, homicides, organized crime, and government corruption.
- Daniel J. Konieczka, Jr. spent 23 years as a prosecutor handling felony narcotics, firearms, and violent crimes, including homicide, robbery, rape, and assault. He also served as head of both the Violent Crime and Firearm Unit and the Felony Narcotics Unit.
As criminal trial lawyers, we have fought for our clients in state and federal courts. If you’re facing DUI charges, drug crimes, white collar offenses or other criminal accusations, we fight hard for your future. We believe everyone in the criminal justice system has a right to solid defense, and that conviction drives what we do.
How may we assist you?
Criminal Defense Is What We Do
As former prosecutors, we understand criminal law from both sides and all angles. While we handle a wide variety of legal matters, our focus is on criminal defense, especially when it involves:
Drug Charges – Pennsylvania aggressively prosecutes drug offenses ranging from simple drug possession to trafficking and distribution. Our drug attorneys apply defense strategies like challenging search and seizure procedures, questioning evidence handling, and examining arrest protocols.
Violent Crimes – Violent crime charges include assault, robbery, homicide, kidnapping, domestic violence, and sex crimes. These felonies have severe penalties, but we evaluate witness credibility, physical evidence, and police investigation methods to build your defense.
Firearm Charges – Firearms violations include illegal possession, carrying without a license, possession by prohibited persons, and gun crimes during felonies. We aim to challenge probable cause for searches, question proof of ownership, and examine permit validity.
DUI – Pennsylvania imposes harsh penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Repeat offenders face mandatory incarceration, ignition interlock devices, and longer license suspensions. Our Pittsburgh DUI lawyers challenge breathalyzer accuracy, field sobriety test administration, and traffic stop legality.
Juvenile Crimes – Juvenile charges usually range from property and retail theft and vandalism to assault and drug offenses. Serious crimes can result in transfer to adult court. Early intervention and strong legal representation can prevent charges from derailing a young person’s future.
Federal Fraud Charges – These federal crimes involve schemes to deceive for financial gain, including mail fraud, wire fraud, bank fraud, healthcare fraud, and securities fraud. We force the government to prove intent to defraud as well as deliberate misuse of interstate communications or facilities.
White Collar Crimes – White collar crimes include felony offenses like embezzlement, tax evasion, insurance fraud, identity theft, mortgage fraud, and money laundering. We aim to challenge evidence, question the intent ascribed to you, and examine investigative procedures to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
Drug Charges
Violent crimes, including
manslaughter & murder
Firearm charges
DUI
(Driving while drunk)
Juvenile crimes,
including theft
Federal fraud
charges
White collar crimes,
including mortgage
fraud tax evasion
You Are Our Number One Priority
We moved to criminal defense so we could provide honest, supportive, effective counsel to individuals like you. We know you are worried about your criminal charges and the potentially life-altering criminal consequences you are facing. We will strive at all times to provide you with the utmost in personal attention and client service. This includes providing you with the trust, respect, and care that you deserve. We absolutely stand by the statement, “innocent until proven guilty,” and will never treat you like a criminal. Schedule your free legal consultation with a Pittsburgh criminal defense attorney by calling 412-281-6869 or contacting our Western Pennsylvania office online.
Criminal Defense FAQS
What Happens During My First Legal Consultation With DRK Attorneys?
Your initial consultation is free and confidential. We’ll discuss the charges against you, review any documentation you have, and explain the legal procedures you’ll face. Our attorneys will assess the strengths and weaknesses of your case, outline potential defense strategies, and answer your questions honestly. We’ll explain our fees, what to expect throughout the legal proceedings, and how our prosecutorial experience benefits your defense. You’ll leave with a clear grasp of your options and next steps.
How Does Your Experience as Former Prosecutors Help My Defense?
As former assistant district attorneys, we know exactly how prosecutors build cases, what evidence they need, and what mistakes they make. We’ve handled hundreds of trials from the prosecution side, so we anticipate their strategies before they happen. We know which procedural requirements they must follow, how to identify when they’ve missed critical steps, and where weaknesses exist in their case. Our relationships with judges and court personnel also help us prepare better for trial.
Can You Get My Charges Dismissed?
Dismissal is always our primary goal, and our case results show it. We pursue every avenue, including challenging evidence, questioning procedures, and identifying violations of your rights, to seek dismissal. Many cases get dismissed due to illegal searches, improper arrests, mishandled evidence, or insufficient proof. However, we can’t guarantee dismissal in every case. If dismissal isn’t possible, we fight aggressively to reduce charges, minimize penalties with alternative-to-jail programs, or win at trial. We’ll give you honest assessments throughout.
How Much Will My Defense Cost?
Legal fees vary based on your case’s complexity, the charges you face, and whether it goes to trial. We discuss fees transparently during your free consultation and work with clients to arrange payment plans when possible. While defending against criminal charges requires investment, the cost of a conviction, such as jail time, prison terms, fines, lost employment, and a permanent record, far exceeds quality legal representation. We’ll explain all costs upfront so you can make an educated choice.
Should I Talk to the Police Before Hiring an Attorney?
No. Anything you say to the police can be used against you in court, even seemingly innocent statements. Politely decline to answer questions and immediately request an attorney. You have constitutional rights to remain silent and to legal counsel: use them. Don’t try to explain your side or convince officers of your innocence. Be respectful, comply with lawful orders, but say nothing about your case until we’re present to protect your rights.
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