Pittsburgh Criminal Defense Lawyer

Criminal Defense Attorney in Pittsburgh, PA

Being charged with a crime in Pittsburgh can mark the beginning of a stressful ordeal. Pittsburgh’s criminal courts are not known for showing leniency, which is why having legal representation is crucial for protecting your rights and freedom. A Pittsburgh criminal defense lawyer can scrutinize the prosecution’s evidence and take other steps to see that you do not face the most serious consequences under the law.

Criminal Defense Dedicated to Safeguarding Your Rights and Future

When your freedom is on the line, you need legal representation that gets results. Ryan R. Smith Law Offices represents clients facing criminal charges in Pittsburgh. Our founding attorney has the highest peer-reviewed rating possible and is an active member of the National Association for Criminal Defense Lawyers and the Allegheny County Bar Association.

As a criminal defense attorney, he understands the stress that can accompany a criminal charge and will do what it takes to clear your name of wrongdoing. Navigating a criminal case requires a clear understanding of the law and effective legal strategies that can lead to favorable outcomes for clients. Trust our law firm to deliver on these and other important aspects of your case.

Understanding Criminal Charges in Pittsburgh

Crime remains a persistent public safety concern in Pittsburgh. Data from 2025 shows that homicides dropped to an eight-year low, falling 37% in the first half of the year to 17 cases, down from 27 the year before.

Reports of rape and aggravated assault rose slightly, with 59 rapes compared to 55 last year, and 464 aggravated assaults compared to 446. The city’s average annual crime rate is 21.05 per 1,000 residents.

When someone is arrested in neighborhoods like Shadyside, Homewood, or Pittsburgh’s South Side, they are typically booked at Allegheny County Jail (950 Second Avenue) before being released on bail or held without bail.

Common Crimes in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh sees the same types of crimes that occur across the state. DUIs are a common reason locals end up spending the night in county jail. Assaults are another common type of crime that can arise from disputes with strangers or family members. When an attack involves relatives or romantic partners, the offense may be classified as domestic violence.

Drug crimes are also commonplace and can leave suspects facing misdemeanor or felony charges, depending on what types of drugs were involved and whether they were bought for personal use or distributed for sale. Serious felony offenses can include homicides, sexual assault, and theft of large amounts of money.

Effective Legal Defense Strategies

An effective defense involves any strategy that prevents the prosecution from proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. A defense attorney can examine the evidence to find weaknesses or inconsistencies that could prevent the prosecution from proving their case.

Defendants can work with their attorney to argue that they were misidentified. If the victim has a motivation to harm the reputation of the suspect, the defense can argue that no crime occurred and the allegations are false. Self-defense is a viable defense strategy for assault cases.

Why You Should Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

If you are facing a criminal charge in Pittsburgh, your first step should be to hire a criminal defense lawyer with extensive experience in criminal defense. The criminal courts can be very unforgiving to defendants who do not have strong legal representation.

An attorney can protect your rights, fight your charges, and take steps that could potentially lead to reduced or dropped charges. With their understanding of criminal defense laws, a Pittsburgh criminal defense attorney can find weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.

In other cases, they can negotiate favorable terms for a plea bargain that allows you to avoid serious consequences under the law. However, your case resolves, having strong legal representation greatly improves your chances of achieving a favorable outcome in court.

FAQs

Q: Can a Felony Be Reduced to a Misdemeanor?

A: Yes, a felony can be reduced to a misdemeanor when you work with a criminal defense attorney who understands how to chip away at the prosecution’s case. When prosecutors no longer have the evidence they need to prove a felony, they may seek a reduced charge. Defense lawyers play an active role in this process by finding inconsistencies and weaknesses in the prosecution’s case that can lead to reduced charges.

Q: Who Has the Burden of Proving Guilt?

A: In criminal court, the prosecution has the burden of proving guilt. This means that the defendant is presumed to be innocent throughout the criminal case. If the prosecution cannot prove that the defendant is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, the defendant stands a strong chance of avoiding a conviction. Even with the burden placed on prosecutors, defense attorneys play a critical role in supporting defendants and advocating for the rights of clients.

Q: Can I Talk Directly With Prosecutors?

A: Talking directly with prosecutors or even law enforcement without an attorney could be a costly mistake. Prosecutors are focused on securing convictions, and they do not have your interests in mind. An attorney can represent you through the criminal case to ensure you do not say something that incriminates yourself. A defense attorney can speak on your behalf in court so your side of the story is heard.

Q: How Do Plea Deals Work?

A: Plea deals are offered by prosecutors in exchange for an admission of guilt to a crime. In some cases, the deal allows the defendant to admit to a lesser charge. Other offers may require defendants to plead guilty to their current charge in exchange for reduced penalties. A plea deal must be reviewed and approved by a judge before it becomes final.

Q: Do First-Time Offenders Get Off Lightly?

A: First-time offenders do not always get off lightly in court. While there are sometimes advantages to not having a prior criminal record, the penalties you face are largely determined by the type of crime you are charged with and whether there are aggravating factors tied to your charge. Your lawyer can use a clear criminal record to leverage a favorable plea bargain agreement if that is the path you want your attorney to pursue.

Facing Criminal Charges? Contact Ryan R. Smith Law Offices Today

If you or someone you know has been arrested, you will require immediate, efficient, and sound legal counsel. The founding attorney at Ryan R. Smith Law Offices has successfully defended clients in criminal matters for many years. He has won acquittals for clients in jury trials, and he has helped clients avoid significant jail time through ingenious and determined pre-trial motions practice. Mr. Smith is a zealous advocate for his criminal clients, never losing sight of the ultimate goal of the client’s freedom and livelihood. Contact our office today to secure legal representation that knows how to fight for your rights.