Call for a consultation: 412-899-3817

An Experienced Pittsburgh Attorney Who Protects The Rights Of The Criminally Accused

Twenty-Year Pittsburgh Criminal Defense Attorney Fighting Your Toughest Charges

The hardest part of a criminal charge is the moment you realize you have lost control of your own life. Every step is decided by a system that doesn’t know you.

For over 20 years, I have been the attorney clients turn to when everything is on the line. My name is Ryan M. Tutera, and I dedicate my entire practice to criminal defense in Allegheny County and the Greater Pittsburgh area.

As a criminal defense lawyer, I represent the accused, making my allegiance clear – I am only on your side. I have built my reputation on delivering a determined defense in the courtrooms where the stakes are highest. I know what it takes to protect your rights, your reputation and your freedom.

Focus On Serious Defense: The Cases I Handle

My practice is focused on providing comprehensive, relentless defense in both high-stakes felony and serious misdemeanor cases in Pennsylvania and federal courts. I handle complex charges, bringing deep knowledge to your defense strategy.

I develop strong defense strategies across a full range of serious criminal charges, including:

When the consequences are severe, you need a lawyer whose practice is defined by these complex cases.

Understanding Your Charge: Where The Fight Begins

To build an aggressive defense, you must first understand the battlefield. I take the time to walk clients through the specific charges they face, identifying exactly what the prosecution needs to prove and where we can challenge their claims.

Criminal Homicide

Criminal homicide is the unlawful killing of another person, classified in Pennsylvania as either murder (intentional, felony-related or malicious acts) or manslaughter (voluntary or involuntary).

Any murder charge is extremely serious and carries the most severe penalties, demanding immediate and rigorous investigation into self-defense claims, police procedure and evidence reliability.

Drug Crimes

Drug offenses are charged based on the substance, the quantity and the alleged intent (e.g., simple possession of a controlled substance vs. sale and manufacture). Many drug offenses are sentenced harshly, particularly felonies.

Because law enforcement is under immense pressure to make arrests, mounting the strongest possible defense against improper searches or profiling is critical to achieving a positive result in your case.

DUI/DWI

Driving under the influence (DUI) penalties are harsh in Pennsylvania. Consequences escalate based on blood alcohol content (BAC) and prior offenses, often including probation and license suspension, even for first-time offenders.

An arrest is not a conviction. I will tirelessly examine every aspect of your stop, field sobriety tests and BAC evidence to seek a reduction or dismissal of your charges.

Extortion

Under Pennsylvania law, extortion is often charged as theft by extortion, involving the intentional act of obtaining property from another person by making specific threats, such as exposing secrets or accusing them of a crime. These cases can be complex and are sometimes pursued in federal court.

Extortion is a very serious accusation, and I will tirelessly challenge the elements of coercion and intent that the prosecution must prove to uphold the charge.

Twenty Years Of Relentless Effort In Local Courtrooms

The law matters, but so does the knowledge of how the local system actually works. After 20 years, I came to know the people, the procedures and the tactical nuances of the courts in Allegheny, Westmoreland and surrounding counties.

Here is the commitment I make to your defense:

  • Local system knowledge: I understand the judges, the jury pool and how Pittsburgh-area prosecutors build their arguments. This is the grounded, local knowledge your defense needs.
  • Aggressive strategy: My aim is always a positive outcome, whether that is a dismissal, an acquittal or a strategic plea agreement. I use every legal option, from challenging police procedures to presenting a powerful case at trial.
  • Deep case review: I pull apart the prosecution’s claims, scrutinize the evidence and deliver the most fitting legal arguments to support your defense.
  • 24/7 availability: Clients face crises day and night. When you hire me, you get my unwavering dedication and a commitment to being accessible when you need me most.

I put two decades of trial experience into building the strongest possible case for every client I represent.

Take The First Step: Schedule Your Private Consultation

You deserve an attorney who is prepared to fight as hard as your future demands. I offer a private, in-depth consultation to fully review the facts of your case and outline the exact strategy we will use to push back against your charges.

Your defense starts now. Call me at 412-899-3817 or contact me online. At The Law Office of Ryan M. Tutera, I zealously represent clients throughout the Pittsburgh area, including Westmoreland County, Greensburg, Latrobe and Monessen.