Accomplished Pittsburgh Attorney Develops Comprehensive Strategies to Combat Criminal Charges

Motivated Pennsylvania lawyer offers exceptional representation in criminal defense matters

The repercussions of a criminal conviction can follow you forever. At The Law Office of Ryan M. Tutera in Pittsburgh, I provide aggressive and attentive criminal defense representation to clients throughout the Westmoreland County, Greensburg, Latrobe and Monessen area. Having years of experience practicing law within the criminal justice system, I have real-world knowledge of the law and the various criminal justice systems gained through experience with the most complex of cases, including major felonies, violent offenses and internet crimes. I will carefully review the facts of your case and fight relentlessly to protect your rights.

What are the penalties for a DWI conviction?

Pennsylvania has harsh DWI penalties and retaining an attorney to contest these charges is extremely important. Sentencing hinges on factors such as blood alcohol content (BAC) and the number of prior offenses. Even first-time offenders with a BAC just over the legal limit face at least six months of probation, fines and mandatory substance abuse treatment. Any subsequent offenses include a minimum one-year driver’s license suspension, aggravating factors such as a higher BAC could result in substantial prison time and significant fines. Thankfully, an arrest is not a conviction, and I will use every legal option to get your charges reduced or dismissed.

How are drug crimes classified?

Law enforcement is under immense pressure to stop drug use in the U.S. and, as a result, aggressively arrest many individuals for perceived offenses. There are many drug-related offenses a person can be charged with committing, and some of the most common include:

  • Possession of a controlled substance
  • Possession of drug paraphernalia
  • Sale and manufacture of a controlled substance
  • Falsification of a prescription

Many drug offenses are sentenced harshly, so mounting the strongest possible defense is critical. I keep my clients involved in every step of the legal process and will tirelessly work in pursuit of a positive result in your case.

What is a homicide?

Criminal homicide is the unlawful killing of another person, and offenses are charged as either murder or manslaughter. Pennsylvania has three degrees of murder, all felonies, that encompass intentional killings (first degree), death during the commission of a felony (second degree) and malicious acts that lead to another’s death (third degree). Any murder charge is extremely serious and can result in decades in prison, or even the death penalty for first degree murder convictions.  

Manslaughter refers to killings provoked by passion or circumstances where the defendant believed their actions were justified (voluntary) and negligent or reckless acts that result in death (involuntary). Manslaughter convictions are not punished as severely as murder cases, but trigger serious incarceration should be vigorously challenged. I am skilled at picking apart the prosecution’s claims and will deliver the best available legal arguments to support your defense.

What is the legal definition of extortion?

Extortion is a crime that involves obtaining goods, money or services through force or coercion. This can include threatening a person’s reputation, damaging property or inflicting physical harm. These cases can be brought in state or federal court and are potentially quite complicated due to the large number of people involved and the high legal requirements to prove guilt. Extortion is a very serious accusation, and I will tirelessly fight until your case is decided.

Contact a responsive Pennsylvania law firm to schedule an initial consultation

At The Law Office of Ryan M. Tutera, I zealously represent clients throughout the Westmoreland County, Greensburg, Latrobe and Monessen area in a variety of criminal defense matters. Call 412-566-2660 or contact me online to schedule an initial consultation at my Pittsburgh office. My firm offers 24/7 availability.