• 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

• posted: Jun. 14, 2021
• Matthew R. Zatko
• Medical Malpractice
• MCARE Act,  policy exclusions,  professional liability insurance,  statute of limitations

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 Read More

• posted: May 14, 2021
• Matthew R. Zatko
• Defamation
• blogging,  libel,  online posting,  public figure,  slander,  social media

In the 30 years since it was first launched to the public, the World Wide Web has given people an unlimited forum to air information and opinions publicly to wide Read More

• posted: Apr. 14, 2021
• Matthew R. Zatko
• Criminal Defense
• automobile searches,  exigent circumstances,  search warrants

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