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Can Police Racial Profiling Be a Defense to Criminal Charges?

Racial profiling is one of the more insidious practices used by law enforcement. Police can legitimately fight crime using “criminal profiling” — that is, looking for suspects based on characteristics Read More

Pot Smell Alone Doesn’t Give Police Probable Cause to Search for Marijuana

The distinctive odor of marijuana smoke or residue is a strong indicator of possession of the drug, whether on a person, in a vehicle or on physical premises. That odor 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 Read More

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 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 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 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 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 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 Read More

Pennsylvania Supreme Court Restricts Vehicle Searches by Police

A recent Pennsylvania Supreme Court decision limits the power of police to search vehicles after pulling them over. Unless they have a warrant, officers must demonstrate both probable cause and Read More

Viewing 11 - 20 out of 44 posts

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