About The District Attorney

Hello, my name is Stephen A. Zappala, Jr. and I would like to welcome you to the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office. Since 1998, I have had the privilege of serving as the District Attorney for Allegheny County residents.

As District Attorney, I am the Chief Law Enforcement Officer for the county and am responsible for seeking justice on a daily basis for the citizens of this county. In addition, I am also charged with protecting the rights of our society and the individuals who make up that society. To that end, I am extremely proud of the staff of attorneys and support personnel who have been brought together to carry out what is oftentimes a broad and complex mission.

The Role of the District Attorney’s Office

The prosecution of crimes in Pennsylvania is delegated to local government officials. Pennsylvania is comprised of 67 counties. Each county has a District Attorney and a Court of Common Pleas. Jurisdiction over crimes committed in a county falls to the Court of Common Pleas. In Allegheny County, as in all counties in Pennsylvania, there is also a minor judiciary. Magisterial District Judges preside in the courtrooms of the minor judiciary, throughout Allegheny County. The first steps of any criminal prosecution take place before the minor judiciary.