Panighetti Law

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Panighetti Law Top-Rated Erie PA Criminal Lawyer specializing in Criminal Law, DUI/DWI, Juvenile Law, Dependency/OCY

A strong defense starts with the right experience, and experience is something you can measure.With more than 20 years i...
10/17/2026

A strong defense starts with the right experience, and experience is something you can measure.

With more than 20 years in the courtroom, including time as a former Erie County Assistant District Attorney, Justin Panighetti brings a perspective to criminal defense that few attorneys can offer. Having prosecuted cases on the other side, he understands how evidence is gathered, how charges are evaluated, and where weaknesses in a case may exist. That insight shapes every defense strategy at Panighetti Law, whether you need a DUI attorney after a weekend stop or a felony defense lawyer for more serious allegations.

What that means for your case:

✔ A criminal defense attorney who knows the local courts and prosecutors in Erie and Harborcreek
✔ Careful review of arrest procedures, testing methods, and police reports
✔ Straightforward answers about your options, including programs like ARD when available
✔ Defense for DUI, drug charges, assault, domestic violence, and juvenile matters

Facing charges this fall does not mean your future is decided. Reach out to Panighetti Law to schedule a free consultation and learn how an experienced DUI lawyer and criminal lawyer can help protect what matters most.

The moments right after an arrest can feel like everything is happening at once, and what you say or do during that time...
10/15/2026

The moments right after an arrest can feel like everything is happening at once, and what you say or do during that time can shape your entire case.

If you are taken into custody in Erie or anywhere in Erie County, remember that you have the right to remain silent and the right to speak with a criminal defense attorney before answering questions. Police procedures, field sobriety tests, and the way evidence is collected all matter, and mistakes made during an arrest can sometimes be challenged in court. An experienced criminal lawyer can review what happened and identify issues that may work in your favor.

Panighetti Law defends clients facing a wide range of charges, from DUI and drug charges to assault, theft, and serious felony matters. As a former Erie County Assistant District Attorney, Justin Panighetti understands how prosecutors build cases, and he uses that knowledge to protect his clients at every stage, whether that means negotiating or preparing for trial. If you need a felony defense lawyer or a DUI attorney in the Erie area, do not wait until your court date is around the corner to get help.

Contact Panighetti Law today to schedule a free consultation and find out where you stand.

Driving while suspended may sound like a simple traffic ticket, but the consequences can depend on the circumstances.Why...
10/14/2026

Driving while suspended may sound like a simple traffic ticket, but the consequences can depend on the circumstances.

Why your license was suspended, your prior record, and the details of the charge can all matter.

Knowing what you’re facing is an important first step.

🌐 panighettilaw.com

A judge’s gavel is a reminder that every criminal case decision can affect your record, license, and future.If you’re fa...
10/13/2026

A judge’s gavel is a reminder that every criminal case decision can affect your record, license, and future.

If you’re facing charges in Erie or Erie County, preparation matters early. Criminal defense attorney Justin Panighetti reviews the evidence, arrest procedures, and details of the stop or investigation to find weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. As a former Erie County Assistant District Attorney, he understands how cases are built—and how to challenge them.

Panighetti Law handles:
• DUI defense (first, second, and third offenses), including guidance on Pennsylvania’s ARD program
• Felony and misdemeanor defense (assault, theft, fi****ms offenses)
• Drug charges (possession and related allegations)
• Juvenile defense for young people and their families

If you’re facing criminal charges, contact Panighetti Law to schedule a free consultation and discuss your next steps.

A harassment charge can involve competing accounts of what happened, and the details behind those accounts can matter.St...
10/13/2026

A harassment charge can involve competing accounts of what happened, and the details behind those accounts can matter.

Statements, witnesses, context, and credibility may all play a role when the facts of a case are examined.
An accusation alone doesn’t explain every circumstance surrounding an incident.

One accusation.
Two sides.
The full story matters.

🌐 panighettilaw.com

A DUI arrest does not have to define your future, but the steps you take in the days right after one matter more than mo...
10/11/2026

A DUI arrest does not have to define your future, but the steps you take in the days right after one matter more than most people realize.

As fall moves in, local enforcement tends to stay active around weekend events, and DUI stops across Erie County often lead to questions about license suspension, field sobriety tests, and whether the ARD program might be an option. Pennsylvania law treats DUI penalties differently depending on blood alcohol content, so two people arrested the same night can face very different outcomes. A knowledgeable DUI lawyer can review the stop, the testing procedures, and the evidence before decisions are made that are hard to undo.

At Panighetti Law, we handle more than DUI defense. Our work as a criminal defense attorney also covers drug charges, assault allegations, domestic violence cases, and juvenile defense for families in Erie, Millcreek, and the surrounding area. Justin Panighetti's background as a former Erie County prosecutor gives him insight into how the other side builds a case, which helps when challenging evidence or negotiating on a client's behalf.

If you or someone in your family is facing a DUI or criminal charge, reach out to Panighetti Law for a free consultation and get straightforward answers about your options.

Fall court schedules in Erie County tend to fill up fast, and missing a hearing date can turn a manageable charge into a...
10/09/2026

Fall court schedules in Erie County tend to fill up fast, and missing a hearing date can turn a manageable charge into a much bigger problem.

As the year winds down, court calendars get crowded and deadlines stack up. For anyone facing criminal charges right now, staying on top of court dates, filing requirements, and probation conditions matters more than ever. A missed appearance can lead to a bench warrant, additional charges, or a revoked bond, even if the original case seemed minor. This is where having a criminal defense attorney managing the details makes a real difference.

✔ DUI charges from summer arrests often reach court in the fall
✔ Probation violations can be addressed before they escalate
✔ Early review of evidence leaves more time to build a defense

Whether you need a DUI attorney for a pending case, a drug charge lawyer reviewing your options, or a felony defense lawyer preparing for trial, timing is rarely on your side. Justin Panighetti's years as a former Erie County prosecutor means he understands how local courts operate and how to keep a case moving in the right direction.

Panighetti Law serves clients in Erie, Millcreek, Harborcreek, and throughout Erie County. If you have charges pending or a court date approaching, contact the firm for a free consultation and get clear answers about your next steps.

Child custody decisions are about more than schedules and paperwork. They can shape a child’s everyday life, relationshi...
10/08/2026

Child custody decisions are about more than schedules and paperwork. They can shape a child’s everyday life, relationships, and sense of stability.

Pennsylvania courts consider multiple factors when determining what serves the best interests of the child, which means every family’s circumstances need to be considered individually.

When family circumstances change, understanding the legal process can help you make informed decisions about what comes next.

Because when children are involved, the details matter.

🌐 panighettilaw.com

Different legal situations call for different approaches, but understanding the process is always a good place to start....
10/07/2026

Different legal situations call for different approaches, but understanding the process is always a good place to start.

From criminal and DUI defense to child custody and juvenile law, Panighetti Law provides guidance based on the facts and circumstances of each case.

Know where you stand. Understand what comes next.

🌐 panighettilaw.com

A harassment charge can involve more than one version of what happened.Statements, witness accounts, context, and credib...
10/06/2026

A harassment charge can involve more than one version of what happened.

Statements, witness accounts, context, and credibility may all become important when the circumstances of a case are reviewed. That’s why the details surrounding an allegation matter.

Being charged doesn’t tell the whole story. Understand the allegation. Know what comes next.

🌐 panighettilaw.com

Address

3820 Liberty Street Suite 203
Erie, PA
16509

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+18148066385

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