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
Read full post hereAcross 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
Read full post hereHARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association (PDAA) is offering the longstanding “Drugs Kill Dreams” program in Armstrong County to all counties across Pennsylvania, giving local officials another tool to address the opioid crisis in their communities. The Drugs Kill Dreams program was created in 2000 by Magisterial District Judge J. Gary DeComo of Armstrong County. Since then, thousands of young
Read full post hereHARRISBURG, PA – The Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association (PDAA) issued a letter to Governor Josh Shapiro and state lawmakers urging them to take action on issues that will better protect communities. “Prosecutors need the right tools to promote public safety and prevent violence, protect and support victims of all ages, keep illegal drugs off the streets and away from our kids,
Read full post hereHARRISBURG, PA – The Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association (PDAA) today announced the appointment of Erie County District Attorney Elizabeth Hirz to the PDAA Executive Committee, which oversees the policies, actions and operations of the association. In addition, Clearfield County District Attorney Ryan Sayers and Lebanon County District Attorney Pier Hess Graf were appointed to the Board of the Pennsylvania District Attorneys
Read full post hereThe Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association issued the following statement about Act 58 of 2025: Pennsylvania’s prosecutors commend the General Assembly and Governor Josh Shapiro for acting quickly and unanimously to pass HB 1615. The bill closes a loophole created by the Pennsylvania
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The Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association (PDAA) today issued the following statement on the death of Lehigh County Judge William H. Platt, a former Lehigh County district attorney who served as PDAA president in 1984. “PDAA sends our condolences to the family of former Lehigh County District Attorney William H. Platt. Judge Platt distinguished himself as a dedicated public servant, serving as
Read full post hereThe Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association issued the following statement regarding the shooting that resulted in the deaths of three York County law enforcement officers and wounded two others on September 17, 2025: We express our sincere condolences to the families of the York County law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty and our heartfelt best wishes
Read full post hereThe Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association (PDAA) today issued the following statement on the death of Bucks County Judge Alan M. Rubenstein, a former Bucks County district attorney who served as PDAA president in 1992. “PDAA sends our condolences to the family of former Bucks County District Attorney Alan M. Rubenstein. Judge Rubenstein had a long career as a public servant, serving
Read full post hereHARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association (PDAA) this week elected Dauphin County District Attorney Francis Chardo as President of the association for the 2025-2026 business year. Chardo serves on the PDAA Executive Committee and the Board of Directors of the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Institute (PDAI), the education and training arm of PDAA. “I have served as part of the Pennsylvania
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