PKN Law - Pittsburgh Criminal Defense Attorneys

Call Directions Website Contact the business

PKN Law - Pittsburgh Criminal Defense Attorneys Pittsburgh Criminal Defense Attorney Patrick K. Nightingale, Esquire

10/15/2026

The death penalty is legal in Pennsylvania, yet executions remain on hold. How is that possible? Capital punishment is governed by complex constitutional protections, and the decision to impose a death sentence involves far more than the underlying criminal charge. Aggravating and mitigating circumstances can make a critical difference.

10/08/2026

A state trooper knew intimate details from my client's cellphone four days before obtaining a search warrant. That one mistake exposed a serious constitutional violation and changed the course of the case.

Police officers must follow the law, too. At PKN Law, we examine every detail to protect our clients' rights and challenge illegally obtained evidence.

10/02/2026

A federal criminal trial can take some unexpected turns. In a recent large-scale drug trafficking trial in the Western District of Pennsylvania, the lead agent had pled guilty in connection with a road rage incident and retired from the Federal Bureau of Investigation before the case reached trial. The government still needed him as a witness, which made his first moments on the stand especially memorable.

Serious criminal cases require preparation, attention to credibility, and the willingness to examine every government witness closely. If you are facing state or federal criminal charges, you can schedule a consultation with PKN Law at (412) 454-5582 or patricknightingale.com.

09/30/2026

Nearly 30 years in the criminal justice system has produced some memorable cases. Early in my career as a prosecutor, reports of clothing disappearing from a laundry led to surveillance, a suspect, and eventually a search warrant.

09/17/2026

Can criminal charges be challenged before trial? In Pennsylvania, a petition for a writ of habeas corpus can test whether the Commonwealth has enough evidence for a case to continue.

This can be especially important in constructive possession cases. To discuss your case, contact PKN Law at PatrickNightingale.com or (412) 454-5582.

09/16/2026

You do not have to be holding an item to face a possession charge in Pennsylvania. Prosecutors may rely on constructive possession, which means they must present evidence that a person had the power to control the item and intended to exercise that control.

09/15/2026

The police find a stolen fi***rm on one person and narcotics on another. You are simply standing nearby. Then you discover that you have been charged with possession too. How is that possible?

The answer involves an important concept in Pennsylvania criminal law that can dramatically affect a possession case. If you are facing criminal charges, schedule a consultation with PKN Law at (412) 454-5582.

09/11/2026

Federal sentencing is not just about a number on a Guidelines chart. In a recent federal fi***rm case, my client was facing a substantial sentence, but careful preparation, a mitigation specialist, and strong evidence of family support helped us present the complete person standing before the Court.

The Court imposed a 48-month sentence below the advisory Federal Sentencing Guidelines range, and with time already served, my client is expected to return home to his family in approximately six months.

Every case is different, and past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Effective sentencing advocacy requires preparation, attention to detail, and a clear understanding of what information may matter to the Court.

09/10/2026

A major federal change could have important consequences for Pennsylvania medical ma*****na patients accused of driving under the influence. In April 2026, ma*****na covered by qualifying state medical ma*****na licenses received Schedule III treatment under federal law.

Pennsylvania law presents additional questions, especially when prosecutors rely on a blood test or inactive ma*****na metabolites rather than evidence showing that a driver was actually impaired.

Address

304 Ross Street, Suite 400
Pittsburgh, PA
15219

Telephone

+14124545582

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when PKN Law - Pittsburgh Criminal Defense Attorneys posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to PKN Law - Pittsburgh Criminal Defense Attorneys:

Shortcuts

Share

Category