COVID-19: Court Closures & Legal Info in Pittsburgh

COVID-19 has impacted the lives of many in and around Pittsburgh. As the situation continues to evolve, Worgul, Sarna & Ness, Criminal Defense Attorneys, LLC wants to reassure our clients and the community that we are taking this situation seriously, and putting safety measures in place that prioritize the health and well-being of our clients and staff. We also want to ensure you get the answers and consummate legal guidance you expect.

As a firm, we are carefully monitoring and adhering to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Pennsylvania Department of Health, other government agency guidance, and staying abreast of any changes or updates.

Our partners and staff have been advised on the practical measures to help stem the tide of COVID-19, including regular hand washing, the use of hand sanitizer, frequently disinfecting commonly touched areas, and social distancing whenever possible. At this time, our firm is operating normally, but remotely which involves communicating via phone and e-mail to limit in-person interaction.

You can always reach our team by calling (412) 281-2146 or contact us online.

Our Attorneys are Available & Working

The team at Worgul, Sarna & Ness, Criminal Defense Attorneys are working hard to address your needs and questions.

Clients do not have to worry about their cases being lost in the shuffle as our law firm is regularly scheduling remote case management meetings. Our attorneys have access to all pending cases and are actively working to resolve matters favorably.

We Will Keep You Informed

Worgul, Sarna & Ness is closely monitoring all client deadlines, court closures, and will continue to keep you updated, should something change.

If things continue to progress, we will explore all available options to provide you with the best possible representation. This may include using video depositions and testimony, e-document filing, and other tools should the need arise.

Pittsburgh Court Closures

Courts across Pennsylvania are shut down on a county-by-county basis, and the federal court for the Western District of Pennsylvania is operating on an emergency basis for the foreseeable future.

If you have a case scheduled in any of the following, reach out to your attorney to discuss how the closure affects you:

• Pennsylvania Supreme Court
• Pennsylvania Superior Court
• Allegheny County Court
• Beaver County Court
• Dauphin County Court
• Armstrong County Court
• Washington County Court
• Westmoreland County Court
• Butler County Court

Pending Charges & Those in Custody

If you are involved in an active criminal case, you should carefully monitor the court website and call to find out what is expected of you. Do not miss any hearings or other court-mandated requirements without confirmation from your lawyer.

No one wants accusations and criminal charges hanging over their heads for any longer than necessary. Being charged with a crime is stressful enough, and to have that process extend longer than it should just add to the stress. We are making sure that whenever possible – we are striving to avoid unnecessary delays for clients in custody and to expedite resolutions for those impacted by COVID-19.

As part of our proactive remote operations, we are filing emergency motions to try and release various low level incarcerated inmates.

You Can Always Count on Us

Your case and the dedicated service Worgul, Sarna & Ness provide will not be impacted despite this uniquely challenging time. To that end, we are being flexible with payment plans to serve our clients’ economic needs at this time.

We appreciate your patience and we will continue to keep you up to date.

We are actively working to move current cases towards resolution and taking consultations for those seeking our services once everything is running normally.

We remain available at (412) 281-2146.

We’re All In this Together

We hope that you and your families are safe. Thank you for your patience and flexibility. We truly appreciate your choice in deciding to work with an attorney who will fight for you no matter what. We look forward to continuing to work together to resolve your current and future legal issues.