Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen A. Zappala, Jr. has recommended Deputy District Attorney Michael Pradines to serve on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s Criminal Procedure Rules Committee beginning in 2025.
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s Criminal Procedure Rules Committee is responsible for developing and maintaining general rules regarding criminal court practices and procedures throughout the Commonwealth. Individuals who serve on the board must demonstrate an extraordinary knowledge of the Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure, as well as be experienced in Pennsylvania criminal practice.
With over 25 years of experience at the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office, Pradines has proven to be a dedicated, strong leader driven to seek justice for crime victims.
“I’ve been a prosecutor for DA Zappala for approximately 23 years,” said Pradines. “I’ve always considered the position a privilege. It is a noble profession, and the leadership in our office has always instilled the highest expectations for ethical conduct and appreciation for the rule of law.”
DA Zappala is confident that Pradines will succeed in this new role as a proud representative of this office.
“Mike [Pradines] is an outstanding member and supervisor in his role of defending and seeking justice for older adults and sexual assault victims,” said DA Zappala. “We are very pleased that he will continue to serve the Commonwealth further.”
“It’s a great honor to be recommended by DA Zappala for the Criminal Procedure Rules Committee,” said Pradines. “I appreciate his confidence in me, and look forward to serving with many distinguished and respected colleagues from prosecutor’s offices, the criminal defense bar and the judiciary of Pennsylvania.”
Starting his career at the office in 1997 as a homicide paralegal until becoming licensed as an attorney in 2001, Pradines has served in various units, expanding his experience throughout. Through his work in General Trial, he was promoted as an assistant district attorney in the Elder Abuse and Crimes Persons Unit where he handled serious crimes committed against older adults, including 25 homicides.
Pradines used his knowledge of elder abuse to further awareness in the community by participating in many events such as seminars, symposiums and trainings for police and medical responders.
In 2021, Pradines received a promotion to deputy district attorney of the Community Impact Unit. His responsibilities include supervising a team of attorneys and paralegals for trial and assisting in overseeing the prosecution of an average of over 3,000 cases a year. In the same year, he also assumed the role of the office’s Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) director where he supervises and oversees all aspects of cases involving first offenders eligible for diversion from trial.
Pradines sees the Criminal Procedure Rules Committee as an opportunity to expand his knowledge of the criminal justice system and make him a better mentor for the future generation of prosecutors.
“I embrace this position on the committee with excitement,” said Pradines. “I hope this experience will give me an even greater understanding and appreciation for the governing rules. It will also assist in the advice and mentorship I provide to young attorneys under my supervision.”
DA Zappala acknowledges a seat on the PA Supreme Court Rules Committee is a great achievement and an important one.
“On behalf of the entire office, I’d like to congratulate him on this prestigious accomplishment,” said DA Zappala. “I look forward to his continued success and commitment to ensuring a fair and just system.”
Likewise, Pradines remains loyal to the Pennsylvania Constitution and will work diligently to uphold the law.
“It’s my sincere hope that as a committee member, I will represent our office in ensuring that the rules that apply to criminal cases are fair to the prosecution and the accused,” said Pradines.
Committee members are appointed by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and serve a term of six years. Pradines will continue the longstanding representation of the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office on the committee, following Deputy District Attorney Brian Catanzarite’s selection in 2022.