(Philadelphia) – Fortunato N. Perri, Jr. of McMonagle Perri McHugh Mischak Davis gave a presentation moderated by partner Brian J. McMonagle at the 2024 Joint Annual Conference of the Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (PACDL) and the Public Defender Association of Pennsylvania (PDAP), held in April in Harrisburg. The talk reviewed their trial strategy for a recent high-profile criminal defense case in Philadelphia in which they prevailed for their client.
The case, Commonwealth v. Bologna, involved a police officer accused of injuring a college student with a baton during the 2020 civil unrest protests in Philadelphia. In 2021, Bologna was cleared of the charges when McMonagle, Perri and Charles M. Gibbs argued that the actions did not amount to a crime, after which charges were refiled by the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office. Then, in February 2024, Bologna was declared not guilty of assault and possessing an instrument of crime after Perri argued the case in front of a jury, who deliberated for less than one hour.
In the conference presentation, Perri discussed the intricacies of the case, including evidence introduction, effective cross-examination of experts, use of character evidence and pathologist testimony, as well as the trial strategy involving witnesses.
Brian McMonagle has had enormous success in defending high-profile cases involving professional athletes, politicians, physicians, celebrities, judges, prosecutors, and others. Fortunato Perri has represented similar well-known clients, with a record of over one thousand acquittals. Like his colleagues, Charles Gibbs is known for his meticulous preparation and clever trial advocacy in his criminal defense cases.
Since its founding in 1988, the PACDL has provided education, resources and more to members of the Pennsylvania criminal defense bar. The PDAP provides tools, strategies, support, training and information to promote best practices in public defender offices throughout Pennsylvania.
Formed in 1995, McMonagle Perri McHugh Mischak Davis is a nationally known criminal defense, personal injury and family law firm based in Philadelphia. The firm consistently litigates high profile cases resulting in acquittals and/or million-dollar awards/settlements. Practice areas include criminal defense, personal injury and family law. For more information, visit www.mpmpc.com or call (215) 981-0999.