Saturday, October 15, 2016

Commonwealth v. J.G. (Preliminary Hearing - Simple Assault, Resisting Arrest, Drug Charges)

Commonwealth v. J.G.
(Preliminary Hearing - Simple Assault, Resisting Arrest, Drug Charges)
Mother of Defendant contacted Attorney Paletta upon learning that her son was charged with the following:
        18 § 2701 §§ A3 - Simple Assault - Misdemeanor 2
        18 § 5104  - Resist Arrest/Other Law Enforce - Misdemeanor 2
        35 § 780-113 §§ A31 - Poss Of Marijuana  - Misdemeanor
        35 § 780-113 §§ A32 M Use/Poss Of Drug Paraph - Misdemeanor
 
Outcome:
       Attorney Paletta gained the consent of the District Attorney and Police Officer to the following agreement: Defendant was to complete certain requirements and provide proof of completion. Upon successfully completing these requirements, and Defendant entering a Guilty Plea to a Summary Disorderly Conduct, which would be moved to lower court, all original charges would be Withdrawn.

                    Defendant completed all requirements. All four charges, (two Misdemeanor-2's and two Misdemeanors) were Withdrawn, Defendant plead guilty to a Summary Disorderly Conduct which was moved to a lower court-making the original charges Expungable.

Commonwealth v. D.M. - (Preliminary Hearing - Possession of Marijuana)

Commonwealth v. D.M. (Preliminary Hearing)
Charge/Violation:     35 § 780-113 §§A31 - Possession of Marijuana - (Misdemeanor)
                                35 § 780-113 §§A32 - Use/Poss of Drug Paraph - (Misdemeanor)
                                                               
Case Summary:
            Robinson Township Police served an Arrest Warrant on Defendant at Defendant's residence. Upon serving the Warrant, police allegedly observe a small water-bong and 4 small bags of Marijuana sitting in plain-view on a bedroom dresser. Defendant then states that the Marijuana and bong belong to him and signs a consent to search form. Officers search Defendant's bedroom and find no further contraband. Defendant contacted Attorney Paletta for representation.
Disposition:  
        At the Preliminary Hearing before District Judge Swearingen, Defendant entered a Plea Bargain to a Summary Disorderly Conduct offense which was moved to a lower court. The original charges that Defendant was charged with - two Misdemeanor - Possession charges, were WITHDRAWN and are now eligible for an Expungement.

Commonwealth v. M.B. - (Preliminary Hearing - Possession)

Commonwealth v. M.B. (Preliminary Hearing)

Charge/Violation: 35 § 780-113 §§A16 - Int Poss Contr Subst By Per Not Reg - (Misdemeanor)
                                                               
Case Summary:
            Pittsburgh Police charged Defendant with Possession of a Controlled Substance.  In fear of losing his job and causing problems in his career, Defendant contacted Lawyer Paletta for representation at the Preliminary Hearing of this case.
Disposition:  
        At the Preliminary Hearing in Pittsburgh Municipal Court, an agreement was made - that required Defendant to complete 25 hours of Community Service;  upon successful completion of all requirements, the charges would be Withdrawn.

        The Preliminary Hearing was continued and a Status Conference was to follow in 90 days. At the next Preliminary Hearing/Status Conference, Attorney Paletta presented proof to the District Judge and the Assistant District Attorney that Defendant had successfully completed the 25 hours of Community Service.  The Assistant District Attorney completed and submitted a full Withdrawal form to District Judge Ricciardi.

        THE CASE AGAINST DEFENDANT WAS WITHDRAWN and now eligible for an Expungement.


Commonwealth v. J.W. (DUI)

Commonwealth v. J.W. (D.U.I. Charges)

Client was pulled over by Coraopolis Police after traveling the wrong direction on Fourth Avenue. According to the Criminal Complaint, Officers noticed a strong odor of alcohol while speaking with Client.  Officers administered Field Sobriety Tests and Client was transported to Sewickley Valley Hospital for blood tests.
Client was charged with:
75§3308§§B - One way roadways and Rotary Traffic Islands
Following the Preliminary Hearing before District Judge Mary P. Murray, Attorney Paletta requested that the District Attorney's Office consider Client for admission into the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (A.R.D.) Program.
At the Formal Arraignment, Client was offered admission into the A.R.D. Program.  Client accepted the terms and conditions of A.R.D., which were as follows:  12 months non-reporting probation, Drug & Alcohol evaluation, Safe Driving Classes, and a 60 day license suspension. With successful completion of all terms and conditions of the program, all charges Client was charged with are to be expunged.  There is no conviction or Guilty Plea to any charges, including the D.U.I.