Category Archives: Criminal Defense
When Evidence Is Not Fool-Proof
Eyewitness testimony, fingerprints, and ballistics test results all enjoy a popular reputation for being evidence that is unassailable. All three of these forms of evidence, however, have their weaknesses. Eyewitness testimony. Although it seems counterintuitive, eyewitness testimony is actually very flimsy. Most eyewitnesses end up testifying from memory to events that they saw while not… Read More »
Save Your Confession for Church
Why you should never confess to a crime without a lawyer present Prosecutors love to try cases where the defendant has already confessed to the crime during a police interrogation. Often, a confession saves the prosecution the time and effort of having to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt. Young people are especially vulnerable… Read More »
Victims of Circumstance
Can you be convicted based solely on circumstantial evidence? Many people believe that if there are no eyewitnesses to a crime and no DNA evidence then there can be no finding of guilt. That belief is wrong. Circumstantial evidence can be enough to convict someone of a crime even if there is no direct evidence…. Read More »
Six Tips to Help Your Loved Ones Safely Use the Internet
The recent arrest of ten men involved in child pornography in Berks County should be a warning for adults and children alike. For parents of young kids such news can be especially frightening. But minors are not only victims online. Sometimes minors can be perpetrators as well. Sharing photos of oneself or others, known as… Read More »
New Megan’s Law Casts a Wider Net
A man interferes with his wife’s visitation rights, a teenage girl has sex with her younger boyfriend, and an amateur photographer takes pictures of young girls in the park. Will these people have to register under the new Megan’s Law that just went into effect in Pennsylvania? The answers can be frightening. The new law… Read More »
What to Do if You are Falsely Accused of Child Molestation
Child molestation is an emotionally charged crime that sparks public anger and cries for justice. The anger stems from growing public awareness of how personally devastating sexual abuse can be to children. Reaction is often swift and decisive to keep our children safe. In many states, professionals like teachers, social workers and healthcare providers are… Read More »
Do I Need a Lawyer if I Know I am Innocent?
While it is unfathomable, it is possible to find yourself under arrest for a crime you did not commit. As you grapple with the reality of your unfortunate and unfair circumstances, you must focus on your defense. Even though you know you are innocent, the justice department is overburdened with cases. In your traumatized and… Read More »
What is Manslaughter?
Not all cases of homicide rise to the level of murder. Murder involves premeditated killing and typically results in a mandatory prison sentence. In legal terms, premeditated thoughts are known as malice aforethought. Sometimes the death of a person actually results from an accident or the reckless conduct of a person with no malice aforethought…. Read More »
Debt to Society
Collateral consequences for a criminal record He was convicted of possession of cocaine. A half-gram earned him a felony conviction, six months probation and a $100 fine. That was 25 years ago. Darrell Langdon, a 52-year-old father of two, was offense-free, raised two boys as a single parent, and worked hard ever since. In 2010,… Read More »
Evidence
Just the Facts — and What We Do with Them The ongoing story of former Pennsylvania State football assistant Jerry Sandusky is known around the country. Facing approximately 50 counts of child sex abuse, the grand jury findings of fact in the case give stark testimony why Mr. Sandusky is facing trial on June 5… Read More »
