Pennsylvania Animal Cruelty Investigations: From Complaint to Courtroom 2026

Kim has nearly 50 years experience in criminal law. He started his career as a county prosecutor before becoming a federal prosecutor and then switched sides to represent those accused of crimes. He is a preeminent practitioner in the area of DUI/DWI law. He is frequently called upon to speak to other lawyers and law enforcement groups on DUI law. He was also a member of the National College of DUI Defense Attorneys. His extensive trial experience coupled with his knowledge of the scientific aspects of a DUI prosecution make him a formidable advocate for his DUI clients. For a professional who has tried over 300 murder cases and other crimes ranging from motor vehicle violations to serial murder, Kim now consults with attorneys who defend those accused of DUI-related crimes. Many of his DUI cases have been published by the highest courts of Pennsylvania, but most of his clients never make the news. His 1983 serial murder prosecution has been embodied in a book released in 2022. Because Kim knows the prosecutors, the judges, and the rules that govern, he works hard and effectively to resolve cases before they get to trial. Also, this litigator has been defending and teaching laws pertaining to those who are accused of using alcohol and/or drugs in conjunction with driving. Family ties are important to this attorney whose congenial demeanor belies a toughness in court that wins acquittals for his clients. A native of Pittsburgh who once tried out for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Kim Riester spent his early working years as an assistant district attorney for Allegheny County. His attention to detail led the District Attorney to put him in charge of complex litigation involving homicide prosecutions, investigating grand juries, and electronic surveillance, and no one was surprised when Kim was loaned to the U.S. Attorney. In 2010-2016, he was appointed as a Special Prosecutor for Animal Cruelty prosecutions and has taught a variety of topics in this area, including emergency veterinary medicine as a former assistant veterinary technician, trained animal rescuer, and trainer. As a graduate of Adrian College and the Duquesne University Law School, Kim Riester is a noted lecturer at the about Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and Motor Vehicle Law for the Pennsylvania Bar Institute, the Department of Transportation, and Pennsylvania Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, and formerly for the Pennsylvania State Police, City of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County Police Academies. In addition to courtroom experience, Attorney Riester prepares extensively commencing with the initial client conference. From the preliminary hearing stage through appeals, he has a reputation of being exceptionally thorough. The motions filed on behalf of his clients are, perhaps, unsurpassed in factual detail, legal analysis, and decisional authority. These motions provide each client with a unique assertion of their statutory and constitutional rights.. We plan for all eventualities from conviction followed by appeal, to acquittal followed by expungement of the criminal history/records. Being personable with the clients, as well as the members of the judicial system, he has an extensive history of favorable outcomes. Experience and knowledge, coupled with specialized training and interaction with members of the Pennsylvania and National College of DUI Defense as well as other experts, leads us make this difficult experience less traumatic, so that clients can lead successful lives. Kim no longer appears in court but assists other attorneys with ever aspect of their cases. Kim resides in the North Hills suburb of Pittsburgh with his wife, a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh. Kim and his wife have two children. Their son is a graduate of Louisiana Tech University and resides in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Their daughter, a graduate of Slippery Rock University, currently resides in Robinson Township, Pa.