Michele santicola

 I spent the first 10 years of my legal career as a Deputy Attorney General.  My passion for helping others was a perfect fit in the Public Protection Division.  In that role, I took on companies that preyed upon vulnerable senior citizens.  I sued car dealers who sold lemons to unsuspecting buyers.  I went after contractors who did shoddy work or even flat out stole from Pennsylvania consumers.  I also traveled to local senior citizen centers and community events, speaking out and educating people so that they would not fall victim to fraud.

In 2019, I was elected Magisterial District Judge. I proudly serve the communities of Coraopolis and Crescent, Moon, Neville Townships. In that role, I have presided over preliminary arraignments, preliminary hearings and summary trials in criminal cases.  I evaluate and grant or deny applications for search and arrest warrants.  I preside over traffic and building code violation hearings.  I hear Landlord Tenant disputes and civil cases.  I issue emergency Protection From Abuse orders.  Many important issues come before me on a daily basis.  I have presided over thousands of cases and regularly rule on evidentiary issues and interpret and uphold the law.  I preside over Homicide cases at the Pittsburgh Municipal Court.  I am the ONLY candidate who as been a prosecutor, a defense attorney AND a Judge.  I believe this experience has prepared me well for a seat on the Court of Common Pleas.  

In 2020, the Chief Justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court appointed me to a seat on the Criminal Rules Committee.  The committee is comprised of Judges and attorneys from all over the Commonwealth.  We meet several times throughout the year to help write and revise the Rules of Criminal Procedure.  The Supreme Court recently elevated me to Vice Chair of the Committee.  This vote of confidence by the Court is one of the highlights of my career.   

I am the ONLY candidate who has been a prosecutor, defense attorney AND a Judge.  I believe this experience makes me uniquely qualified to serve on the Court of Common Pleas.  I need your support to get there.  I humbly ask for your vote on May 20, 2025.