• posted: Jun. 15, 2020
• Matthew R. Zatko
• Criminal Defense
• investigations,  plea deals,  trials

Courtroom trial dramas on TV make for compelling entertainment, but they bear little resemblance to how the criminal court system actually works. Criminal cases work through the system in a Read More

• posted: May 14, 2020
• Criminal Defense

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 Read More

• posted: May 14, 2020
• Matthew R. Zatko
• Criminal Defense
• COVID-19

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 Read More

• posted: Apr. 15, 2020
• Matthew R. Zatko
• Criminal Defense,  Sex Crimes
• electronic communications,  felony,  images of minors,  obscene material,  revenge porn

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 Read More

• posted: Jan. 15, 2020
• Matthew R. Zatko
• Criminal Defense
• criminal records,  expungement,  plea bargains

Arrests and criminal charges, even if they did not result in a sentencing or jail time, can lead to unpleasant repercussions. Your job prospects, housing and even child custody can Read More

• posted: Sep. 15, 2019
• Matthew R. Zatko
• Criminal Defense
• hearing,  incarceration,  parole,  probation,  revocation,  violation

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 Read More

• posted: Aug. 15, 2019
• Matthew R. Zatko
• Criminal Defense
• judge,  prosecutor

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 Read More

• posted: Jun. 15, 2019
• Matthew R. Zatko
• Criminal Defense,  Drug Crimes
• cocktail,  DDRD,  drug dealers,  drug delivery resulting in death,  heroin

Under Pennsylvania law, “Drug Delivery Resulting in Death” (DDRD) is considered a homicide, carrying a potential prison sentence of 40 years — and higher if the victim is under 13. Read More

• posted: May 15, 2019
• Matthew R. Zatko
• Criminal Defense
• bar fight,  misdemeanor,  mutual consent,  scuffle,  self-defense,  simple assault

Here’s a common scenario. You go out for a night of fun with your friends. One drink turns into three and three drinks turn into six. Before you know it, Read More

• posted: Apr. 15, 2019
• Matthew R. Zatko
• Criminal Defense,  DUI,  Drug Crimes
• impairment,  tetrahydrocannabinol,  THC

Medical marijuana is legal in the state of Pennsylvania but it is illegal to operate a vehicle under the influence of the drug, regardless of why you took it. According Read More