Former Erie County Assistant District Attorney
Erie PA Criminal Defense & DUI Attorney
Exceptional Results Require Exceptional Representation
Former Erie County Assistant District Attorney
Criminal Defense Attorney in Erie PA
Justin Panighetti is an Erie, PA criminal defense and DUI attorney who spent more than five years prosecuting cases as an Erie County Assistant District Attorney before opening Panighetti Law.
The right experience matters. Finding the right criminal defense attorney isn’t an easy decision. Having been on the other side of the courtroom, I know how local prosecutors build their cases, where those cases tend to be weak, and how to use that insight to get the best possible result for you.
- Erie County Assistant District Attorney, 2009–2015
- About sixty jury trials prosecuted to verdict
- Handled felony drug cases and served on the Erie County Gun Task Force
- Licensed Pennsylvania attorney since 2009 (#307620)
- Defending clients in Erie, Crawford, Warren, and Mercer counties
Practice Areas
How We Defend. How We Help.
Criminal Defense
From misdemeanors to serious felonies, I build strong defenses to protect your freedom and your future.
Learn About Criminal Defense →DUI Defense
Aggressive DUI representation to challenge evidence and protect your license and your rights.
Learn About DUI Defense →Child Custody
Fighting for what matters most. I help protect your relationship with your children.
Learn About Child Custody →Juvenile Law
Experienced representation for juveniles and families facing delinquency or dependency issues.
Learn About Juvenile Law →Why Choose Panighetti Law?
Experienced. Local. Relentless.
You're not just a case file — you're a person with a future, and a former Erie County prosecutor now fighting to protect it.
- Former Erie County Prosecutor
- Personalized Attention & Clear Communication
- Aggressive Defense Strategies
- 20 Years of Legal Experience
Case Types We Handle
Assault
Theft
Drugs
Firearms
DUI / OVI
Homicide
Burglary
Disorderly Conduct
Expungement
Juvenile Offenses
Driving Suspended
And More
Charged or Under Investigation?Don't talk to police. Call your lawyer.
Erie Lawyer You Can Count On
My hard-earned experience has led me to be a fiercely competitive yet practical criminal defense attorney who started a law firm in Erie PA. I will do everything in my power to provide you with the type of representation and outcome you expect.
I value honesty. I will always tell you the truth. That means what I tell you may not always be what you want to hear. That said, I promise it will always be what you need to hear in order to assure I get you the best possible results in light of all the inherent factors in your case. I promise to do that from the moment we meet. I won’t simply tell you what you want to hear to get you to hire me. You will know I have your back from beginning to end. Together we will get you through your case and to the other side with the best possible result.
Visit my office in Erie, PA or schedule an appointment at 814-806-6385 or send an email on justin@panighettilaw.com for more information.
Our Goals
You and I share two similar goals: To get you the best possible outcome and to do so in a manner you are happy with. Until we meet those two goals, I believe my job isn’t over.
Client Reviews
Google review“Justin is a great attorney. He is very attentive, keeps you up to date on everything that is going on and respects your values and inputs, and he has the knowledge to recommend and guide you for the best possible outcome. I would recommend him to anyone who may need a lawyer in the future.”
Google review“Rare combo: highly knowledgeable, responsive, and realistic! Exceptional communication and follow-through. Justin Panighetti answered texts and calls promptly, returned emails fast, and made sure I understood what to expect at every stage. He’s down-to-earth and easy to talk to. I always felt informed and supported throughout a stressful legal process. If you want a lawyer who is actually reachable and proactive, this is who you want!! 1000% recommend him!”
Google review“I couldn't and wouldn't have got a better outcome in my case if it wasn't for Justin. He really stands for everything he says and will do everything in his power to make sure you are truly satisfied with the outcome. I will forever be grateful for the work and time he put in for me. I would recommend him to anyone needing representation. Literally the best attorney in Erie Pennsylvania!”
Google review“Attorney Panighetti showed outstanding determination and commitment in achieving a highly favorable outcome in our case. His negotiation skills led to an exceptional plea agreement for my son, delivering results that exceeded expectations. I am extremely grateful for his effort, dedication and the care he showed throughout the process. He is highly knowledgeable, professional and consistently focused on achieving the best possible results. I would strongly recommend him!”
Google review“Justin gives it straight and doesn't sugar coat anything. He was my second attorney after firing my first one and wish I would of called him first. Every time I talked with him I felt better each time about my situation and did the same for my family. He is someone who cares, does not judge, and knows what he is doing. Like I said I wish I would of called him first. I recommend that he should be the first one anyone should call and he will be the only attorney I ever call.”
Google review“I found Justin based off his Google reviews, and each one describes him and his services accurately. I am actually surprised he has 4.9 stars instead of a perfect 5. Justin was attentive and responsive throughout the entirety of my case and made me feel like it was his top priority. Justin did everything within his power to get me the best outcome possible, and he delivered. He was open and honest with me during every difficult discussion we had. I will refer anyone seeking legal advice, regardless of situation, to seek Justin Panighetti first. He will work tirelessly to ensure you get a favorable outcome once everything is settled. 10/10 recommendation.”
Reviews from Google. Every case is different, and past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions Related to Driving Under the Influence (DUI). Please visit our DUI FAQ page for more extensive information.
What is the legal blood alcohol limit (BAC) for driving under the influence (DUI)?
For most adult drivers, the limit is 0.08%. A BAC of 0.08% or higher within two hours of driving is enough for a DUI charge. The limit is 0.04% for commercial drivers and 0.02% for drivers under 21 and school bus drivers. You can also be charged below these limits if alcohol made you unable to drive safely.
What punishments does a DUI charge carry in Pennsylvania?
The penalties that you will receive depend on two things: your BAC at the time of the arrest and whether or not you have a prior record of DUIs. This framework also relies on three “impairment tiers,” which pertain to different levels of BAC readings.
These impairment tiers are as follows:
- Tier 1: BAC of between 0.08% and 0.099%
- Tier 2: BAC of between 0.10% and 0.159%
- Tier 3: BAC of 0.16% and higher
Those who fall under Tier 1 are usually sentenced to probation, fines, and community service. They are also often required to attend Alcohol Highway Safety School. First-time offenders who fall under Tier 2 face 48 hours to 6 months in jail, a $500 to $5,000 fine, and a 12-month license suspension. First-time Tier 3 offenders, including drug DUIs and test refusals, face 72 hours to 6 months in jail, a $1,000 to $5,000 fine, and a 12-month suspension. Penalties increase for second and later offenses.
Will I lose my drivers’ license if convicted of a DUI?
A DUI conviction may result in a temporary suspension of your driver’s license; however, this happens on a case-by-case basis.
For example, repeat offenders of a DUI conviction that falls under the Tier 1 impairment system – which means that their BAC was 0.099% or lower – may have their license suspended for at least 12 months. Again, though, this depends on your specific case.
Will my DUI charges be dropped if I complete the ARD Program?
Yes. If you are accepted into ARD and complete all of its conditions, the DUI charges are dismissed and you can petition to have the record expunged. Admission is at the District Attorney’s discretion.
Can I ask for a blood or urine test in lieu of a breath test?
No, unless you have a proven medical condition that says otherwise. If not, then you are required to submit to whatever test the police officer has chosen to carry out or face penalties for refusing.
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