Category Archives: Criminal Defense
More Asset Forfeiture Leads to Greater Systemic Abuse
The state of asset forfeiture in Pennsylvania has garnered national attention in recent months, with even the U.S. Supreme Court hearing a case related to the issue. It is not unusual for law enforcement to seize property as part of their investigations. However, over the last several years, lawsuits have detailed how police occasionally abuse […]
Can Police Search Your Cell Phone After an Arrest?
Law enforcement officers have the right to search your person upon placing you under arrest. This includes searching the area in your immediate vicinity, along with your pockets, clothing and bags. But if officers pull out your phone, are they allowed to start searching through the data contained on it? Or do they require a […]
What to Do If Asked to Take a Lie Detector Test
If you’ve watched crime dramas on TV, you are probably familiar with the general concept of a lie detector test. Basically, a polygraph works by measuring your body’s physiological response to certain questions asked of you. The general philosophy is that your body will have obvious natural responses if you give an answer you know […]
York County Judge Rules Law Enforcement Overzealous in Property Forfeiture
A judge in York County recently ruled that local law enforcement engaged in a pattern of seizing property with high resale value in criminal cases, even if that property was not linked to drug money or other illegal activities. In the case, a 46-year-old man was arrested in March 2016 for selling heroin to a […]
Supreme Court Property Forfeiture Ruling Not Expected to Affect Pennsylvania
A February decision by the U.S. Supreme Court on a drug distribution case in Indiana will apparently not affect the methods used by police and district attorneys in Pennsylvania when it comes to property forfeitures of defendants in criminal cases. The Supreme Court issued a unanimous ruling in Timbs v. Indiana, finding that the Eighth […]
What You Need to Know if Charged with Aggravated Assault of a Police Officer
When you have been placed under arrest, it is in your best interests to be calm and cooperative, even if law enforcement officers are not treating you with the respect you deserve. Lashing out and striking an officer will only make matters worse. You may be charged with additional crimes, such as aggravated assault of […]
Can Police Question a Minor About Potential Involvement in a Crime?
There is nothing preventing a police officer from approaching a minor to ask whether he or she was involved in a crime. However, just like an adult is under no obligation to answer police questions, neither is a child. A child may refuse to answer questions and request the presence of a parent or attorney […]
What is Covered in Pennsylvania’s Underage Drinking Laws?
Every state has a set of alcohol laws that regulate the distribution and sale of alcohol. In some cases, specific counties and localities set their own rules regarding hours of sale and service, but it is typically the states that address issues like underage drinking. Underage drinking laws do not just stop at minors being […]
