Category Archives: Criminal Defense
Tampering with Evidence: An Overview
Tampering with evidence of a crime is strictly illegal in all states. But what exactly does this sort of tampering entail? A person may be charged with tampering with evidence of a crime if he or she knowingly falsifies, conceals, destroys or alters evidence (such as a record, document or object) in any way with […]
It’s a Crime to Leave the Scene of an Accident
Hit-and-run laws require all drivers involved in a collision to stop, identify themselves and provide any needed assistance. These laws exist to ensure anyone who is injured in a car accident receives the proper medical assistance and the appropriate financial compensation for damage to themselves or their property. These laws affect everyone involved in an […]
Pennsylvania Man Gets 6.5 Years in Prison for Mortgage Fraud
A man from West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to six-and-a-half years in prison and three years of probation for his role in running a massive mortgage fraud scheme. He was convicted on counts of conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud. The 50-year-old man pleaded guilty to the charges in August. He had previously owned […]
Expect Higher Costs for Refusing a Breathalyzer Test in 2018
Senate Bill 533 officially took effect January 11. The law mandates certain changes to some of Pennsylvania’s driving under the influence (DUI) laws, including a new fee for people who refuse to submit to a blood alcohol content (BAC) test. These changes come in the wake of a 2016 U.S. Supreme Court decision that police […]
PA Supreme Court: Nearby Drugs Not Enough Reason to Seize Cash
In a December decision, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that prosecutors who attempt to seize money as profits of selling illegal drugs must do more than simply demonstrate the cash and drugs were located in the same place. The case involved a New Jersey man who claimed to have hidden $34,440 from a personal injury […]
Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Cardholders Prohibited from Owning Firearms
The Pennsylvania State Police recently released a reminder to state residents that it is illegal to possess both a firearm and a medical marijuana card. Even though some states have legalized marijuana for medical and recreational usage (or just medical, as in Pennsylvania’s case), the drug is still illegal at the federal level. Federal firearm […]
Driver Who Had License Suspended After Drug Conviction Sues to Repeal Pennsylvania Law
Russell Harold, a 52-year-old man from the Philadelphia area, has seen his fair share of legal troubles over the past few years. He was arrested in Philadelphia for drug possession when police caught him with prescription pills and marijuana in his pocket. He was sentenced to two years of probation, along with a two-year driver’s […]
How Do Police Officers Get Search Warrants?
Generally, police officers may only search your home or property if they obtain a search warrant or if you provide consent. A search warrant is a legal document that a neutral judge or magistrate must sign to legally authorize officers to conduct a search. Any officer seeking a warrant must provide facts establishing probable cause […]
Common Criminal Issues Related to the Discharge of a Weapon
Americans have a constitutionally protected right to bear arms. However, there are laws and ordinances in states, cities and other local municipal governments that regulate how these firearms may be used. Below are a few common examples of laws related to the discharge of a weapon: Unlawful discharge: Unlawful discharge is the most general category […]
