General Tips & Information for Clients

Below I have included general tips and information for Clients to keep in mind throughout the court process.

It is very important to keep in mind that you should NOT discuss any of the facts of your case with anybody other than your Attorney. This means that if anyone, including friends and family ask you about the facts of your case you should not discuss it with them. If Investigators or Detectives of a Police Department contact you in any way, you should immediately inform them that you have an Attorney. It is important that you pass along your Attorney's contact information to the Investigator or Detective and explain that your Attorney advised you that you should not discuss anything without them being present. You should then immediately contact your Attorney and inform them of the situation and pass along the contact information of the person attempting to discuss your case with you. Your Attorney will most likely handle all communication with this person from this point forward.

You should keep your Attorney informed of any new information that you receive on your case. In addition, any new charges or changes in status of a pending case should be reported as well. Should your telephone number or address change, your Attorney will need to know immediately.

Keep a documented log or journal include any photos of events surrounding the events leading up to your case as well as your version of events from the incident resulting in charges. It is best to do this as close to the date of incident as possible so that the information is still fresh in your memory. Photograph anything that relates to your case including vehicle damage, injuries, accident sites, etc. It is important that you are active in the defense of your case. If your Attorney advises you to attend any meetings or do any specific requirements, you must provide written proof of these things being completed.

When appearing in court

Always show the Judge and any Officer of the Court respect. Your appearance should also be neat. Attire is always Business like. This means no shorts, tank tops, or any clothing that is revealing.

Underage Drinking Charges - Do you need an Attorney?

DO I NEED AN ATTORNEY FOR AN UNDERAGE DRINKING CHARGE….

This is a subject that has many parents call our office.

Many individuals who call in explain that they’ve been told by someone who has been through the same thing that they do not need to retain an attorney for Underage Drinking charges - This is not always true. 

Attorney Paletta suggests that you meet with him to discuss the options available in your situation before making a decision on whether having an attorney would be beneficial to you. 

You may have questions such as how will this charge affect my child’s record, schooling and future?  Meet with Lawyer Paletta and gain answers to the questions you may have.

Contact us now to schedule your meeting!

aimee@lawyerpaletta.com

412.391.7999

Driving Without a License - Pittsburgh

Charged with Driving Without a License?

Attorney Paletta represents many individuals who have been charged with traffic offenses including Driving Without a License. 

You should immediately contact our office to schedule a meeting with Attorney Paletta to discuss your situation. 

You should know that it is important that you plead Not-Guilty on your citation and request a Summary Trial date. 

Even if you have already plead Guilty, or have been found Guilty at your Summary Trial, you have the right to file a Conviction Appeal within 30 days, so don’t hesitate to contact our office!

Call or E-Mail us now so we can start helping you!

aimee@lawyerpaletta.com

Paletta Law

"Pittsburgh Defense Attorneys Question Sandusky Strategy"

Attorney Paletta's view:

"Two veteran Pittsburgh defense lawyers questioned the decision by former Penn State University assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky's lawyer to waive his client's right to a preliminary hearing today.

Another Pittsburgh defense attorney, Joseph Paletta, said waiving the hearing "was certainly a reasonable decision under the circumstances."

One reason lawyers will do that is if an accuser doesn't appear or isn't available for the trial, the prosecutor could introduce the transcript of the witness's preliminary hearing testimony "to remedy that unavailability," Mr. Paletta said. Without it, the witness's no-show creates an "automatic win" for the defense at trial, he said.

Another reason supporting a decision to waive the hearing is that the victims' testimony was likely to be ugly and traumatic "with the likelihood that the case would be held for court anyway," he said."


Source: PostGazette, "Pittsburgh defense attorneys question Sandusky strategy" Jon Schmitz, Dec. 13, 2011

Driver's License Suspension

HOW TO FIND ADDITIONAL INFO ON YOUR LICENSE SUSPENSION AND THINGS YOU CAN DO TO PREPARE FOR YOUR MEETING WITH AN ATTORNEY RELATING TO YOUR LICENSE:

Many individuals who contact our office regarding a suspension of their Pennsylvania driver's license have very little information on:

*the time remaining in the suspension period
*the underlying conviction or convictions that may have caused the suspension
*the steps that need taken to lift the suspension and have their license reinstated

To help us and our clients gain insight on the above items, we suggest that they visit the PennDot website and driver and vehicle services to request a copy of their complete drivers history in addition to a copy of their restoration letter.

Once these documents are in our possession, we are able to have a better picture of what needs done to attempt to get the license reinstated. This will also allow us to see specific and detailed information about fines owed and citations that have been unresponded to.

If you have questions such as the ones discussed, you should order these documents and contact us as soon as possible to discuss you case with Attorney Paletta.