Author Archives: Matthew R. Zatko
What You Need to Know About Pennsylvania Theft Crimes
Theft is generally defined as taking someone else’s property without their permission and with the intent to permanently deprive them of that property. In Pennsylvania, common forms of theft include theft of services, theft by deception and theft by unlawful taking. The degree of the crime depends on the value of the property stolen and… Read More »
Students Face Criminal Charges for Vandalizing School Property in TikTok Challenge
The emergence of TikTok as a popular social media hangout for adolescents has led to unlawful behavior in response to “challenges” posted by other users. School-aged individuals have been recording themselves licking ice cream and putting it back on a store’s freezer shelf, damaging property or physically harming teachers and other students. These actions can… Read More »
Governor Vetoes Legalization of Concealed Carry Without a Permit
On December 2, 2021, Governor Tom Wolf vetoed a bill that would have allowed any resident of Pennsylvania to carry a concealed firearm without undergoing a background check or obtaining a permit to carry. Wolf’s rationale for the veto was that passing a law that would allow people to carry guns without prior screening does… Read More »
What To Do if There’s a Warrant Out for Your Arrest
Learning you are wanted by law enforcement is an unwelcome discovery, but ignoring the warrant and hoping it just goes away is not a wise choice. Warrants never expire and you can be taken into custody in any state in the country, even if you are pulled over for a minor infraction like having a… Read More »
Pennsylvania Considers Allowing Concealed Carry of Firearms Without Licenses
Legislation now moving through the state House of Representatives and Senate would make it easier for qualified Pennsylvanians to carry concealed firearms. Under current law, individuals must go through a background check upon purchase of a firearm. Then, they must apply for a concealed carry license and pass another background check. The concealed carry background… Read More »
Bill Would Restore Mandatory Minimum Gun Sentences in Pennsylvania
In 2015, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that mandatory minimum sentences for most offenses, including those relating to firearms possession, are unconstitutional. However, a proposal by a freshman representative from Philadelphia has reignited debate over the issue and has shown that plenty of lawmakers and citizens seem to support mandatory minimums for weapons crimes. In… Read More »
Pros and Cons of Living Trusts vs. Wills
Every adult, whether wealthy or not, should have a will or a living trust so that they can make clear how they want their estate distributed when they die. There are pros and cons to using a living trust versus a will. If you have a will, it must go through probate when you die…. Read More »
Pennsylvania’s Expanded “Move Over” Law: Potential Penalties and Liabilities
Like many states, Pennsylvania has a law in effect that requires drivers to slow down or move over one lane when vehicles are stopped on the side of the road. The original purpose of the “move over” law was to protect emergency responders and road service workers who stop on the shoulder or in the… Read More »
Self-Defense Argument Leads to Dismissal of Assault Charges in Bedford County Activist Shooting
A recent case in Bedford County, Pennsylvania shows the effectiveness of a justification defense in a criminal assault prosecution. My firm won dismissal of the most serious charges faced by a local man who fired a shotgun at a group of activists that were trespassing on family-owned property. On the evening of August 24, 2020,… Read More »
In Medical Malpractice Cases, Insurers Pay — Doctors Don’t
For people who have been injured or who have lost a loved one due to medical malpractice, an important question that arises is how to recover the monetary damages that are due. In Pennsylvania, compensation for a medical malpractice injury comes principally from a professional liability insurance company. Under the MCARE (Medical Care Availability and… Read More »