Panighetti Law defends people charged with crimes in Erie County, from summary offenses and misdemeanors to felonies. Before opening his defense practice, attorney Justin Panighetti spent more than five years as an Erie County Assistant District Attorney (2009–2015), so he knows how local prosecutors build cases and where those cases tend to be weak.
I was fortunate to serve as an Assistant District Attorney in Erie County from August 2009 until January 2015. In that position, among numerous other duties and experiences, I prosecuted approximately sixty jury trials to verdict, securing conviction in a high percentage of cases. These jury trials consisted of defendants charged with, among other more minor offenses, Homicide, Robbery, Firearm Possession, Felony Drug Possession and Delivery, Burglary, Aggravated Assault, Simple Assault, Theft and Driving Under the Influence.
While serving as a prosecutor I held a primary role in the Erie County Gun Task Force, I handled a high percentage of the felony drug cases, and I interacted on a daily basis with all members of law enforcement and the judiciary at both the Magisterial District Judge and Common Pleas Court level. This significant and detailed experience as a prosecutor has allowed me to get tremendous results for my clients because, quite frankly, I’ve been in the shoes of the representative from the Commonwealth. This gives me tremendous insight into the appropriate approach regardless of the unique circumstances of your case.
This experience also allowed me the opportunity to join Gene Placidi and Jeff Veitch as a criminal defense attorney at Melaragno, Placidi, Parini & Veitch in January 2015. I have since moved on and created my own criminal practice, Panighetti Law. Since leaving the District Attorney’s Office, I have served as a criminal defense attorney in Erie, Crawford, Warren and Mercer counties. In that capacity I have defended numerous clients facing felonies relating to a variety of charges including but not limited to gun and drug possession, aggravated assault, and theft.
I have also successfully defended clients facing misdemeanors such as simple assault, terroristic threats and driving under the influence. In many circumstances I have also represented clients charged in the summary cases of underage drinking, harassment, public intoxication, disorderly conduct and driving while suspended.
This wide array of cases coupled with my extensive experience as a prosecutor put a unique skill set and combination of experience at my fingertips when representing future clients. I hope one of those future clients is you.
Be sure to take a moment to review the page relating to the specific offense you are charged with as well as the Criminal Law Frequently Asked Questions.
If you need a criminal defense attorney in Erie, PA, contact me on 814-806-6385 or send an email on justin@panighettilaw.com.
Which courts and counties does Panighetti Law handle?
Justin Panighetti defends clients in Erie County, including the Magisterial District Courts and the Erie County Court of Common Pleas, and has also handled criminal cases in Crawford, Warren, and Mercer counties.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor or summary charge?
Not always, but even lower-level charges can bring jail time, fines, license consequences, and a public record. A lawyer can often negotiate a reduced charge, a dismissal, or a program such as ARD that avoids a conviction.
What happens at a preliminary hearing in Pennsylvania?
A Magisterial District Judge decides whether the Commonwealth has enough evidence for the case to move forward to the Court of Common Pleas. It is often the first chance to challenge the evidence, question witnesses, and negotiate, so having a lawyer there matters.
Why does prosecutor experience matter in a defense lawyer?
Justin Panighetti spent more than five years as an Erie County Assistant District Attorney and tried about sixty jury trials to verdict. That experience shows him how local prosecutors evaluate cases, what they need to prove, and when they are likely to negotiate.
