Category Archives: Criminal Defense
Why Would the Police Pull You Over When You Didn’t Do Anything Wrong?
You are driving on a Pennsylvania highway and you notice a police car following you, even though you’re not speeding, driving erratically or otherwise violating traffic laws. Suddenly, the police car’s lights are flashing. As you’re pulling to the side of the road, you’re thinking, “What did I do wrong?” The answer may be nothing…. Read More »
What Types of Charges Can Get You on the Sex Offender Registry, and for How Long?
Pennsylvania’s Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA), popularly known as Megan’s Law, has been on the books since 1995. SORNA requires that certain designated adult and juvenile sex offenders register with the Pennsylvania State Police. People on the registry must report periodically to the State Police and provide information about changes in employment or… Read More »
Good People Make Bad Decisions: Why ARD Is Designed for You
A person who has gone their entire life without getting into legal trouble might one day get behind the wheel after too many drinks, use recreational marijuana or make another poor decision that leads to a low-level criminal charge. Fortunately, Pennsylvania has a specific remedy. The Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program offers people who make… Read More »
Civil Forfeiture: What Happens When Cops Seize Money from Your Car After a Stop?
If you’re pulled over in Pennsylvania for a motor vehicle violation, such as speeding, running a stop sign or reckless driving, you may think that the worst punishment you face is a traffic citation. But if police officers question you and reasonably suspect you are carrying drugs, they have the right to search your vehicle… Read More »
How Can Someone Be Punished if They Violate a COVID-19 Stay at Home Order?
Across the country, stay-at-home orders have strained law enforcement and tested how far states and municipalities are willing to go to enforce the orders. These directives have triggered controversy and confusion, as standards sometimes differ from town to town or county to county. In certain instances, people who have violated government edicts designed to reduce… Read More »
Digital Sex Crimes: How Texts and Posts Can Get You into Trouble
While it’s not breaking news that people are on their phones nonstop these days, it may be news to many that there’s a chance the texts and images they send to friends or share in social media violate federal and state obscenity laws. That’s why it’s important to know the potential consequences of your electronic… Read More »
What Happens If You Violate Your Probation?
In Pennsylvania, judges have wide latitude in setting the terms of probation, a period of correctional supervision that serves as an alternative to incarceration. It is similar to parole, which is supervision after release from jail or prison. In both cases, violation of the terms and conditions can land the individual in jail. This happens… Read More »
Why Hire a Local Criminal Defense Attorney?
When you are facing criminal charges, you are best served by a criminal defense attorney familiar with the local court system and its judges and procedures. Local attorneys not only have valuable inside knowledge but are also known to police, prosecutors and judges in the vicinity. They also are members of your community with reputations… Read More »