Top Rated Criminal Defense Attorney in Pittsburgh, PA

When residents of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, require the services of an experienced criminal defense attorney, Michael J. DeRiso, owner and founder at DeRiso, DeRiso & Jeffries, LLC provides aggressive legal support. In both state and federal courts, he has substantial experience in both.  He has a proven track record of success in both State and Federal court.  He is of the few that have obtained multiple acquittals in Federal Court in multiple jurisdictions.  He advocates for people facing serious allegations of Homicide, drug and weapons charges, sex offenses, and other major and violent crimes. He has successfully represented clients in homicide cases, including Death Penalty certified cases.

In Federal Court, he handles large scale drug offenses/conspiracies, gun charges, and white collar matters.  He also represents numerous doctors, health care professionals, and pain clinics against allegations of prescription abuse, health care fraud, drug delivery resulting in death, and standard of care issues.

Family conflicts often lead to emotional and psychological strain. Mr. DeRiso and his firm offers compassionate representation for those going through matters, such as divorce, child custody and support, business valuation and property and complex asset division, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, and domestic violence.

Injuries that are caused by the negligence of another create both physical and financial hardships and may lead to permanent disabilities or death that leave family members without a means of support. Clients of Mr. DeRiso receive the benefits of his commitment to excellence and attention to detail in negotiating for a fair settlement or taking cases to trial.

Mr. DeRiso accepts clients throughout Beaver, Butler, Allegheny, Cambria, Washington, Westmoreland, Armstrong, and Indiana counties. He has practiced in multiple Federal districts across the country. 

In preparation for his career, Mr. DeRiso earned a Bachelor of Arts in accounting from Washington & Jefferson College. He went on to graduate from Widener University Law School with his Juris Doctor. Since then, he has practiced law for 25 years, serving as Assistant District Attorney for Allegheny County’s District Attorney's Office.  He has handled many high-profile cases in his career. He has taught at California University of Pennsylvania and University of Pittsburgh School of Law. He has coached softball and baseball in his community.