Category Archives: Criminal Defense
Should Juveniles Be on the Sex Offender List?
In 2006, the federal government passed the Adam Walsh Child Safety and Protection Act, which made funds available to states that adopted its recommendations. In 2012, Pennsylvania qualified with the Sex Offender Registration Notification Act (SORNA). Under SORNA, any sex offender over the age of 14 must submit to registration requirements for at least 25 […]
How Earned Time Programs for Inmates Are Helping Pennsylvania
Earned time is a concept taking shape in many states across the country to achieve important goals within state correctional systems, including: Reducing recidivism Managing growth in prison populations Improving living and working conditions in state prisons Controlling costs of incarceration Maintaining public safety In 2008, Pennsylvania enacted legislation allowing some inmates to shave as […]
Pennsylvania’s Castle Doctrine Allows You to Stand Your Ground
In 2011, Pennsylvania governor Tom Corbett signed legislation amending the commonwealth’s laws of self-defense to strengthen the Castle Doctrine for home invasions and “stand your ground” for altercations in public places. There are many misconceptions about the principle behind “stand your ground,” especially in light of the George Zimmerman/Trayvon Martin case during which the media […]
When Does a Person Lose the Right to Self-Defense?
This is a tricky question. Naturally, a person does not have the right to self-defense when acting unlawfully and threatening harm to an innocent party. A person cannot claim self-defense after robbing another at gunpoint if the victim also pulls out a weapon. However, are there circumstances where a victim who initially has a right […]
Balancing the Costs of Incarceration with the Goal of Rehabilitation
The United States seems to go through periods when the government cracks down on crime, arresting people and seeking imposition of jail time for even minor offenses. Then it swings to the other side, and we see those who should be incarcerated receive probation. To avoid overcrowding of jails and to keep costs reasonable, a […]
How Does Probation Work?
The possibility of going to jail is the biggest concern for most people charged with serious crimes. Being convicted of a crime and having a sentence with jail time imposed is frightening and life-changing. Your freedoms are eliminated and, while in jail, you are required to adhere to a strict set of rules and policies. […]
Hitting the Jackpot — Another Form of Addiction
There are drug courts for people with drug addiction issues. There are mental health courts for people with mental health problems. People convicted of domestic violence and driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol attend treatment programs as part of their probation in an effort to rehabilitate them. The addiction that receives little […]
Methods of Getting Out of Jail After Arrest
Anyone arrested for a criminal offense has the right to have bail set at a reasonable amount. A judicial officer sets bail based on a number of factors: Someone’s prior convictions, or lack of a criminal history Seriousness of the offense Person’s prior history of making court appearances or failing to return to court The […]
Five Things You Need to Consider When Choosing a Criminal Defense Lawyer
There are two kinds of law — civil and criminal. Civil law deals with disputes between private citizens over money or property; these disagreements are usually resolved through lawsuits, mediation, money damages and court orders. Criminal law, on the other hand, involves the power of the state to impose incarceration, fines, and other restrictions on a […]
Identity Theft
Identity theft is a popular crime in the United States, in part due to such easy access to personal information. If someone possesses or uses the identifying information of another person without that person’s consent to further an unlawful purpose, it is considered identity theft under Pennsylvania law. Although identity theft is most often a […]
