The Georgetown Centre,
526 East Bruceton Road
Suite 106,
Pittsburgh, Pa 15236
Phone: (412) 653-2002
Fax: (412) 653-2006

Frequently Asked Questions

1) When the police call and ask me questions, do I have to speak to them without an attorney present?

No, a person has a Fifth Amendment right not to give any information which may even tend to incriminate them in a crime. Even if you are innocent it is always better to have an attorney present for any questioning by law enforcement so that anything you may say doesn't get misconstrued and used against you.

2) When I am being arrested for a crime, if I am innocent do I have the right to resist, argue or explain myself to the officer?

No, guilty or innocent you will always make things ten times worse by arguing, resisting or fighting with a police officer. Stay calm, speak politely, show respect, and never use physical force against an officer even if you are innocent or even if the officer is not polite to you.

3) When police officers or others tell me I don't need an attorney for a particular criminal case, should I believe them?

There are some matters that may be able to be handled by a person if that person gets some legal advice first and then only if there is no risk that incarceration, loss of property rights or other important guaranteed constitutional rights will not be lost. However, there is an old saying in the law that good attorneys live by: "When a person represents themself in Court, they have a fool for a client." Think first, call an attorney with experience first, then decide what to do.

4) When I have a question about my case,
am I bothering my attorney by calling him if it's a "stupid" question?

First and foremost, there are NO stupid questions when it comes to your case. When your personal freedom, reputation and family are at stake, experienced attorneys always try to find the time to answer any questions that you or your family may have. To do otherwise would not be effective representation. However, always keep in mind that your attorney has a life also which should be equally respected when deciding when and where to place your call.

5) Should an attorney guarantee me that I will win my case?

Experienced and well respected attorneys will never guarantee that a particular case will be won. The only way to win cases is through hard work, knowledge of the law, and experience in a particular area of the law. Even then, cases have judges, assistant district attorneys, victims, witnesses and police officers, all of whom have an impact directly on the outcome of a case. Because of that an attorney may only be able to give you a legal opinion as to the potential outcomes for a case. To do otherwise does not serve the interests of a client who should always be made aware of the the best and worst case scenarios as far as outcomes are concerned in their case.

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For True Emergencies Please Do Not Hesitate to Call: 412-760-8446.

 Leave a Message if No Answer Immediately. We will Call Back. 
Stay Calm and Do Not Make Any Statements to Anyone Until We Speak.

 

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