Pittsburgh DUI and Traffic Lawyer
Nearly every year the largest percentage of new criminal cases that are filed in Pennsylvania is made up of DUIs and other traffic offenses.Caseload Statistics of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania, 2018.
While the vast majority of crimes under Pennsylvania’s Vehicle Code (Title 75) are summary offenses that only result in fines or points on a person’s license, these crimes represent the most serious offenses under the Vehicle Code that are commonly filed each year.
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Homicide by vehicle while DUI
- Aggravated assault by vehicle while DUI
- Homicide by vehicle
- Aggravated assault by vehicle
- Fleeing or attempting to elude police
- Driving while operating privilege suspended
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Traffic Crime
Case Results
Previous Convictions Vacated.
Client was previously given a 1-2 year state sentence for a 4th DUI offense. Following the filing of a PCRA, the Commonwealth agreed to a new trial and later nolle prossed (dismissed) the case. (Allegheny County)
Client was previously given a 1-2 year state sentence for a 4th DUI offense. Following the filing of a PCRA, the Commonwealth agreed to a new trial and later nolle prossed (dismissed) the case. (Allegheny County)Previous Convictions Vacated.
Suppression Of Evidence.
Following the closure of a suppression hearing, the court suppressed contraband taken from client’s vehicle based upon developments in Pennsylvania Supreme Court caselaw, which was presented by way of a supplemental motion. (Fayette County)
Following the closure of a suppression hearing, the court suppressed contraband taken from client’s vehicle based upon developments in Pennsylvania Supreme Court caselaw, which was presented by way of a supplemental motion. (Fayette County)Suppression Of Evidence.
Vacated/Remanded.
The lower court dismissed client’s post-conviction claim seeking a new trial on the basis that his attorney rendered ineffective assistance for failing to argue an obvious defense to the fleeing-and-eluding law. The crux of the claim centered on how the word “markings” was to be interpreted in order for the defense to apply. Did “markings” include a “unmarked” police vehicle’s “lights and siren”? In a published opinion, the Superior Court said that it did not, answering an issue of first impression, and vacating the lower court’s order. In a concurring/dissenting opinion, Judge Bowes opined the client should’ve been entitled to a new trial immediately. The case is Commonwealth v. Durrett King, 2018 PA Super 239. (Aug. 29, 2018)
The lower court dismissed client’s post-conviction claim seeking a new trial on the basis that his attorney rendered ineffective assistance for failing to argue an obvious defense to the fleeing-and-eluding law. The crux of the claim centered on how the word “markings” was to be interpreted in order for the defense to apply. Did “markings” include a “unmarked” police vehicle’s “lights and siren”? In a published opinion, the Superior Court said that it did not, answering an issue of first impression, and vacating the lower court’s order. In a concurring/dissenting opinion, Judge Bowes opined the client should’ve been entitled to a new trial immediately. The case is Commonwealth v. Durrett King, 2018 PA Super 239. (Aug. 29, 2018) Vacated/Remanded.
Testimonials
Extremely prepared, Ryan went above an beyond to research everything he possibly could regarding this case.
Extremely prepared, Ryan went above an beyond to research everything he possibly could regarding this case.
Mr. James responded promptly and professionally to all our inquires.
Mr. James responded promptly and professionally to all our inquires.
[Ryan] thoroughly explained and prepared us for every step of the process.
[Ryan] thoroughly explained and prepared us for every step of the process.
I found [Ryan] to be very compassionate, thorough, knowledgeable and aggressive in the courtroom.
I found [Ryan] to be very compassionate, thorough, knowledgeable and aggressive in the courtroom.
Ryan spent a lot of time with me showing me what the laws really say and gave me a excellent consultation.
Ryan spent a lot of time with me showing me what the laws really say and gave me a excellent consultation.