• posted: Apr. 20, 2022
• Matthew R. Zatko
• Criminal Defense
• marijuana,  illegal search,  possession,  medical 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

• posted: Jan. 17, 2022
• Matthew R. Zatko
• Criminal Defense
• concealed carry,  constitutional carry,  premit

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

• posted: Jan. 13, 2022
• Matthew R. Zatko
• Criminal Defense
• misdemeanors,  felonies,  theft crimes,  retail theft

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

• posted: Jan. 13, 2022
• Matthew R. Zatko
• Criminal Defense
• tiktok,  vandalism,  criminal trespass,  criminal mischief

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

• posted: Dec. 15, 2021
• Matthew R. Zatko
• Criminal Defense
• criminal defense,  law enforcement,  warrant

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

• posted: Nov. 15, 2021
• Matthew R. Zatko
• Criminal Defense
• background check,  concealed carry,  point-of-purchase

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

• posted: Oct. 15, 2021
• Matthew R. Zatko
• Criminal Defense
• federal charges,  mandatory minimum sentences,  violent crime

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

• posted: Sep. 15, 2021
• Matthew R. Zatko
• Estate Planning
• estate planning,  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 Read More

• posted: Aug. 15, 2021
• Matthew R. Zatko
• Personal Injury
• car accidents,  move over law

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. Read More

• posted: Jul. 15, 2021
• Matthew R. Zatko
• Criminal Defense
• 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