Uncategorized Archives - Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association - PDAA

Oct
29, 2026

PDAA Congratulates Former Lackawanna County DA Mark Powell on Appointment as Chairman of the Pennsylvania Continuing Legal Education Board

The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania has appointed former Lackawanna County District Attorney and current Court of Common Pleas Judge Mark Powell as chairman of the Pennsylvania Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Board for 2027. Judge Powell has served on the Board since 2022. The CLE Board oversees the accreditation of continuing legal education programs and administers the credits Pennsylvania attorneys must earn

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Oct
21, 2026

Meet PDAA’s New Director of Policy and Legislative Affairs Chelsea A. Robbins

The Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association (PDAA) is proud to welcome Chelsea A. Robbins as its new Director of Policy and Legislative Affairs. During her years as a Senior Deputy District Attorney in Dauphin County, Robbins witnessed firsthand how public policy decisions affect the day-to-day work of prosecutors. "Many laws are enacted with good intentions, but do not always take into account

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Aug
15, 2026

PDAA Offers Condolences for Former Lehigh County District Attorney Jim Martin

HARRISBURG (August 15, 2026) - The Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association (PDAA) issued the following statement upon the death of Jim Martin, former Lehigh County District Attorney and president of PDAA in 2007: “PDAA sends our condolences to the friends, family, fellow prosecutors, and the many people whose lives were impacted by Jim Martin, former Lehigh County District Attorney, who died this

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Aug
10, 2026

Meet PDAA Summer Intern Ainsley Steele

Ainsley Steele is a recent graduate of Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut, where she earned her degree in Public Policy & Law. She is spending summer 2026 interning with the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association and learning a lot, she says. Q: What drew you to apply for an internship with PDAA? PDAA does so much to support district attorneys, and I wanted

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Aug
6, 2026

PDAA congratulates Ande Gonzalez for earning the “Distinguished Faculty Award”

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association (PDAA) congratulates Ande Gonzalez, Chief of Appeals and Legal Services for the Lancaster County District Attorney’s Office, who recently received the “Distinguished Faculty Award” for his outstanding instruction and presentations. Gonzalez is a frequent instructor and speaker for the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Institute (PDAI), the education and training arm of PDAA. He also serves

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Jul
27, 2026

Armstrong County District Attorney Katie M. Charlton Elected President of PDAA

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association (PDAA) recently elected Armstrong County District Attorney Katie M. Charlton as president for the 2026-27 business year. Charlton previously served as the association’s vice president. “I have the utmost respect for the members of the PDAA, who dedicate themselves to the common goals of seeking justice and serving our communities,” Charlton said. “Serving as

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Jul
24, 2026

PA General Assembly Misses Deadline on 2nd Degree Felony Murder Fix; PDAA Says Collaboration Must Continue

HARRISBURG (July 24, 2026) – Despite proposals advancing in both chambers, the Pennsylvania Senate and House of Representatives were unable to reach agreement on legislation responding to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s decision in Commonwealth v. Lee before the court‑imposed deadline. In response, the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association (PDAA) issued the following statement: We are concerned that legislation addressing the issues raised in

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Jul
15, 2026

PDAA Urges Legislative Action on 2nd Degree Felony Murder: “The Clock is Ticking”

HARRISBURG – As the July 24 deadline rapidly approaches, Pennsylvania’s prosecutors are putting pressure on the General Assembly to enact legislation to address the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s decision regarding second-degree murder in Commonwealth v. Lee. The Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association says legislative inaction is dangerous because: As Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday said, “Failing to act would leave our communities and

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Apr
20, 2026

PDAA President Fran Chardo Speaks at the 2026 Crime Victims’ Rights Rally

HARRISBURG – PDAA President and Dauphin County District Attorney Fran Chardo spoke on April 20, 2026, at the Annual Crime Victims’ Rights Rally in the State Capitol, which was hosted by the Crime Victims Alliance of Pennsylvania. This year’s theme was “Everyone Knows Someone.” Here are his remarks: Good morning. I have the great privilege to serve crime victims of the Commonwealth

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Apr
3, 2026

The Women Prosecutors Network Strengthens Connections, Builds Camaraderie, and Advocates for Victims

Across Pennsylvania, more women are joining the ranks of district attorneys’ offices. They bring extraordinary skills, deep compassion, and unwavering determination to the pursuit of justice. Their leadership makes communities safer, helps victims feel heard and supported, and ensures accountability in every corner of the Commonwealth. To create a space where women can learn from, support, and encourage one another, the

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