Tag Archives: criminal defense attorney
Internet Privacy — What You Need to Know
Admit it: When did you ever read through a privacy statement on a website? Americans visit an average of 1,462 different websites annually. To read all of the privacy statements connected with each would take 10 days a year — if you are a fast reader able to get through a lot of legalese. The […]
Kill Switch Technology and Your Smartphone
In 2012, 1.6 Americans had their smartphones stolen. Almost one out of three robberies involves a smartphone, costing Americans $30 billion. There is even an expression to describe the theft of iPhones, iPads and iPods: Apple picking. Yet it is a crime that could be ended instantly. It’s called a “kill switch.” This new technology, […]
Once You Have Served Your Time
Although some states have permanent or conditional limitations on the ability of ex-felons to participate fully in our democratic society, Pennsylvania does not prevent ex-felons from voting. Only felons who are still incarcerated are prohibited from voting. Once released, on either parole or probation, the right to vote for Pennsylvania residents is automatically restored. In […]
New DNA Testing Coming to Pennsylvania
The United States Supreme Court, in a 5-4 decision, has ruled that police can constitutionally collect DNA samples, along with fingerprints, at the arrest of suspects charged with serious crimes. Additionally, the Pennsylvania Senate has just passed legislation to strengthen the state’s DNA laws, similar to the statute validated in Maryland v. King. First year […]
Four Tips to Keep Your Child from Becoming a Bully
It seems like every week there is another story about a schoolyard bully torturing his prey, sometimes to the point where the victim commits suicide. Schools, victims’ rights groups and community groups are creating awareness of the problem and asking adults to get involved. Many of tomorrow’s criminals begin as today’s bullies, so curbing your […]
Probable Cause or Reasonable Suspicion
What’s the difference? A driver is steering his Chevy Camaro down the highway within the speed limit late on a Saturday night. Can a police officer pull him over to make sure he is not drunk? Can a suspicious-looking person peering into car windows while holding a long screwdriver be arrested for attempted burglary? The […]
Judge or Jury: Five Factors to Consider
Under Pennsylvania’s constitution, both the accused and the prosecution are entitled to request a jury trial for certain criminal charges. If both sides waive their right to a jury trial, a judge presides instead. Consider these factors when deciding whether to fight your case in front of a judge or jury. 1. The burden of […]
A Heroin and Prescription Drug Epidemic in Pennsylvania
Three steps you can take to protect your family There was a recent article about heroin addiction in The Mercury that might scare any parent of an adolescent or young adult. Law enforcement officers are reporting an increase in the use and abuse of heroin and related prescription drugs across all social classes in Reading […]
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 […]
Boating Under the Influence
Pennsylvania has hundreds of miles of navigable waters and over 300,000 registered boats. The Commonwealth also had almost $2 billion in retail alcohol sales in 2011. When you put these statistics together, you can understand why state authorities consider boating under the influence (BUI) a problem. In 2011, the last year for which statistics are […]
