Category Archives: Criminal Defense
How Your Immigration Status Can Complicate Your Criminal Case
Many legal residents and undocumented immigrants do not understand the significant impact of their immigration status on their criminal case. Because certain criminal convictions can result in removal or exclusion from the U.S., criminal cases involving those with immigration issues must be handled differently than other types of cases. Some plea agreements that would be […]
Why a Private DUI Defense Attorney Can Make a Difference in Pennsylvania Cases
Many people charged with driving under the influence radically misjudge the need for a private DUI defense attorney. Anyone who watches crime dramas is familiar with the portion of the Miranda warning that advises of the right of indigent defendants to have an appointed attorney. It is important to understand that the right to an […]
Proposed New Legislation to Reduce Penalties for Teen Sexting
While vast improvements in communication technology offer many benefits, some of these innovations lead to new types of criminal violations. Many parents do not suspect that text messaging can result in their kids facing criminal charges, but prosecutors in Pennsylvania and around the country are becoming extremely aggressive about pursuing sexting activity as child pornography. […]
Does DUI Law Unfairly Discriminate against Women?
There is a common misperception among many that driving under the influence and driving under the influence (DUI) arrests are skewed toward men. This myth is perpetuated by the stereotype of men visiting the bar after work to blow off steam or watch a game. In 2009, CNN reported that women arrested for DUI increased […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
Social Media and Criminal Charges
By March of this year, Facebook had over 901 million active users worldwide. In the three months prior, an average of 300 million photographs were uploaded to Facebook each day. Twitter claims to have over 200 million users. MySpace, LinkedIn, and other social media sites mean connectivity is everywhere. Gossip, plans, thoughts, questionable statements — […]
