Overtaking School Bus Charge Significantly Reduced For Southside Man

A 25-year-old from Southside, Pittsburgh was charged with overtaking a school bus and not stopping when the red lights were activated. The lineman at a local power company did not think he would need a lawyer for this incident until he received a notification from PennDOT telling him he had a 60-day license suspension. With a few points already on his license from previous incidents, it was vital that the man did not get the suspension associated with this charge. Facing a 60-day license suspension, six points on his record, and a $500 fine, he called the attorneys at Worgul, Sarna & Ness, Criminal Defense Attorneys, LLC with a plenitude of concerns.

Pittsburgh criminal defense attorney Attorney Matthew Ness was adamant about not letting his client get a license suspension and understood the problems that would arise if convicted. The same day our client retained our services, Ness filed a summary appeal. Soon after, we went to a hearing at the common pleas court. It was evident the district attorney did not want to make our client any favorable offers. A suspension was likely in the future for our client.

Without wavering in his defense, Ness highlighted the facts of the case at the evidentiary hearing. He argued that it was unlikely the man could see the bus from where he was in traffic. The bus was driving towards our client in the opposite corner. A large truck was in front of our client and obstructed the view of the bus as he drove through the green light at the intersection. Our client proceeded to stop upon seeing police officers motioning.

At the end of the trial, our client was found guilty of a lesser offense with no points. He did not receive a suspension but paid a small fine.

The outcome of an individual case depends on a variety of factors unique to that case. Case results do not guarantee or predict a similar result in any similar or future case.