District Attorneys support the lawful use of test strips to lower opioid overdoses HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association (PDAA) today commended Governor Wolf and state legislators for a new state law that ensures the lawful use of fentanyl test strips to detect the presence of the deadly drug. In January, Dauphin County District Attorney Fran Chardo, who is PDAA’s legislative
Read full post hereHARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association (PDAA) today commended state lawmakers for their bipartisan support of legislation that would help crime victims seek compensation in the civil justice system. The bill (House Bill 2525) would grant crime victims the ability to seek relevant criminal investigative information when they bring an action against a defendant in civil court in the Commonwealth.
Read full post hereCARLISLE – Cumberland County District Attorney Sean McCormack this week unveiled the county’s newly improved forensic laboratory, which will allow law enforcement to use advanced technology to investigate crimes. “So many cases have been solved using cutting-edge technology,” McCormack said. “Combine that with the talented forensic analysts and it allows me to prioritize cases and take them to court, allowing the
Read full post hereHARRISBURG – Dauphin County District Attorney Fran Chardo and PDAA Executive Director Greg Rowe today testified before the House Judiciary Committee in support of expanding “Clean Slate” legislation. “The rationale in support of Clean Slate remains strong: Recidivism rates are lower among those who are employed after they are released,” Chardo said. “Record sealing helps lead to better opportunities for employment,
Read full post hereHARRISBURG, PA – The Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association (PDAA) today announced its elected officers for the 2022-23 business year. The election took place during the PDAA’s annual business meeting. President: Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele Vice President: Adams County District Attorney Brian Sinnett Secretary/Treasurer: Clinton County District Attorney David Strouse PDAA elected Chester County District Attorney Deborah Ryan to serve on the
Read full post hereSTATE COLLEGE – The Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association (PDAA) is teaming with the Penn State Law Career Services Office to inform students about the many opportunities for becoming a prosecutor. PDAA invites anyone interested in a law career to attend the live-streamed event. A public service career isn’t for everyone. However, for those with a passion for protecting and helping their
Read full post hereHARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association (PDAA) today commended the state Senate for advancing a bi-partisan bill to expand the definition of institutional sexual assault to include sexual assault by caregivers on care-dependent people. The bill now heads to the state House of Representatives for consideration. PDAA Executive Director Greg Rowe explained that the definition of institutional sexual assault currently
Read full post hereHARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association (PDAA) and Duquesne University School of Law are teaming up to inform college students and law school students about opportunities for a public service career as a prosecutor. On March 15, Duquesne University School of Law will host a panel discussion featuring county district attorneys, including Duquesne Law alumni, who will discuss their roles
Read full post hereSCRANTON – Lackawanna County District Attorney Mark Powell has been appointed by the state Supreme Court to a three-year term on the Pennsylvania Continuing Legal Education Board, which oversees accreditation of all CLE programs and the awarding of credits that attorneys in the state are required to earn annually to maintain their law licenses. “Having been active my entire career in
Read full post hereHARRISBURG – Dauphin County District Attorney Fran Chardo, PDAA’s legislative chair, today testified before the House Judiciary Committee in support of efforts to ensure the lawful use of fentanyl test strips. “We support such legislation for one simple reason: It will literally save lives,” Chardo said. Fentanyl is 50 times more potent than heroin. It also is inexpensive to manufacture. Chardo said the
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