Tag Archives: criminal defense attorney
Pennsylvania Senate Passes Bill to Change Definition of Crime Victim
The most recent session of the Pennsylvania state legislature featured some contentious debates over various pieces of legislation and issues. Perhaps the most important development of the session was the passage of Senate Bill 897. The new law expands the definition of a victim of a crime to include nonprofit organizations, businesses and other entities. […]
Private Money Flooding Pennsylvania to Fight Opioid Crisis
The opioid crisis has been the subject of considerable national attention over the last several years. The issue has been especially pressing locally, as Pennsylvania is one of the states with the highest numbers of opioid overdoses. It’s perhaps unsurprising that there has been a lot of debate among law enforcement officials and the state […]
How Does Bail Work in Pennsylvania?
When you are arrested and put in jail, your first thought is likely to question how you can get out — and quickly. In most cases, the fastest way to get yourself out of jail is by posting bail. Bail can be posted in the form of cash, a bond or property you give to […]
What Does it Mean to Plead No Contest?
It’s quite rare for a defendant to plead guilty without reaching a deal with the prosecution. Usually, the defendant will plead guilty and give up the right to a trial in exchange for either of the following: Accepting a conviction for a lesser offense Lessening the punishment for the offense the defendant was charged with […]
What to Know About Reckless Driving Charges
Motor vehicles are potentially dangerous even when operated in a safe manner. Therefore, the law does not look kindly on people who engage in reckless or unsafe driving habits. Anyone charged with reckless driving may face significant penalties, including suspension of their license, fines and, in some cases, jail time. Reckless driving is any form […]
Common Defense Strategies Used in Wire Fraud Cases
Wire fraud is a crime that involves a person intentionally using an interstate communications device, such as a phone or a computer with internet, as part of a scheme designed to defraud another party of something of value. Unlike other crimes, there are no “accidents” when it comes to wire fraud. There must be an […]
Pennsylvania Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for Mortgage Fraud
A Pennsylvania man will spend five years in a federal prison after pleading guilty to multiple counts of fraud. He was convicted of scamming mortgage lenders out of approximately $13 million. The 47-year-old man was also ordered to pay restitution of more than $12.7 million and forfeit another $4.2 million in proceeds from the fraud. […]
Grand Jury Report of Sexual Abuse in Pennsylvania Catholic Church Shocks Churchgoers, Vatican
Likely the biggest news in Pennsylvania this month has been the grand jury report outlining the sexual abuse committed by more than 300 predator priests across six state Catholic dioceses. More than 1,000 child victims are described in the report. It’s expected that there are thousands more whose records were lost or who never came […]
Activists Push for Pennsylvania to Stop Suspending Licenses for Non-Driving Offenses
In recent months, activists and those in the legal community have pushed Pennsylvania lawmakers to create legislation that would stop the suspension of licenses for individuals charged with offenses unrelated to driving. Currently mandatory license revocation applies to serious non-driving offenses such as drug crimes and failure to pay child support, but it can also […]
Why You Need a Lawyer When Facing Criminal Charges
In almost any circumstance in which you have been charged with a crime, it is in your best interest to retain an attorney. This is especially true if you could face harsh penalties like prison or jail time or significant fines. It is extremely difficult for the average person to competently handle his or her […]
