Year: 2022
The importance of federal probation
Federal probation is the attempt to reduce the rates of recidivism among the country’s most serious offenders. Repeat offenders in Pennsylvania contribute to high rates of drug misuse, fraud and violations of securities laws. One role of the United States Sentencing Commission is to review, monitor and report on the...
What are the elements of burglary?
Pennsylvania residents who find themselves arrested for burglary need to act fast. The charges can quickly work against you. Understanding the elements of burglary might help in your defense. What is burglary? Burglary is a theft crime that involves illegally entering a property or structure with the intention of committing...
How to challenge the results of a breath test
If you have been arrested and charged with DUI in Pennsylvania, it is important to know your rights. Before anything, keep in mind that you have the right to challenge the results of a breath test. A DUI conviction can have serious consequences, so it is important to understand your...
Beware of police interrogation techniques used in Pennsylvania
If you are arrested in Pennsylvania, be prepared for a long and intense interrogation process. Police and prosecutors in this state use several techniques to try and extract a confession from suspects. In some cases, these methods can be quite persuasive – even coercive. If you are not aware of...
Consequences for probation or parole violations in Pennsylvania
Following the terms of your probation and parole is important to maintain your freedom and keep the consequences reduced. Violations of probation and parole in Pennsylvania could come with extra fines, jail time and a reversal of your probation or parole. Technical violations Probation and parole come with conditions that...
The troubles with hair analysis evidence
Compelling evidence could lead to a conviction in a Pennsylvania criminal courtroom. Video footage, blood samples, and eyewitness testimony may come together to paint a picture of guilt. Hair samples might enter into evidence, sometimes swaying guilty verdicts. However, like other examples of forensic evidence, a hair analysis is not...
Probation troubles in PA court
Anyone convicted of a crime in Pennsylvania may face serious consequences for the illegal activity. Not all offenders are violent, and some may have a clean record. So, probation becomes an alternative to jail time. However, the Keystone State’s criminal justice system is imperfect, and someone on probation may get...
How underage drinking charges could impact your college student
It happens all too often; your college student was at a party and the police showed up and made multiple underage drinking arrests or citations. You receive a frantic call from your child worrying about their future and the potential ramifications of the incident. Here is some information to help...
What is drug scheduling?
Drug crimes are taken seriously in Pennsylvania. It’s important to understand the concept of drug scheduling and what it means. What is drug scheduling? Different types of drugs are categorized into schedules per the Controlled Substances Act of 1970. The Drug Enforcement Administration or DEA is responsible for determining the...
Types of field sobriety tests to check driving impairment
There are three major types of field sobriety tests that police officers use to determine a driver’s sobriety in Pennsylvania. The Standard Field Sobriety Test (SFST) is a series of three tests: the horizontal gaze nystagmus, the walk-and-turn and the one-leg stand. Horizontal gaze nystagmus test The horizontal gaze nystagmus...
Expert witnesses do hurt cases in Pennsylvania
Expert witnesses are a crucial part of criminal defense. They (are expected to) offer an unbiased, expert opinion on the case that can help to sway the jury in favor of the defendant. However, not all expert witnesses are created equal. Some experts are more credible than others, and some...
Older persons and intoxicated driving risks
State law establishes a legal threshold for someone to be an intoxicated driver. That said, someone’s BAC could be lower than .08 and may still be unable to operate a vehicle safely. Even one drink could make someone a danger to other drivers on Pennsylvania roads. Ultimately, several factors, including...
What is considered admissible evidence?
During a criminal case, both the prosecution and the defense rely on evidence to prove or disprove a claim made by either party. For consideration by the court, the evidence must be reliable, relevant and free from prejudice. Evidence that unfairly creates an unfavorable opinion of the opposing party could...
Pennsylvania DUI legislation
All states take a specific approach to prosecuting driving under the influence, and Pennsylvania is no different. New legislation has actually classified levels of DUI into three categories instead of two that many states use with respect to filing aggravated charges. Penalties are enhanced at 0.10 BAC level as opposed...
Your Philadelphia DUI Case: The Basics
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious criminal matter in Pennsylvania. It is not necessary to have consumed alcohol shortly before driving either, as the laws in Pennsylvania have been enhanced to allow impaired driving charges for both prescription and illegal drugs. And all drivers understand...