To say that race is a contentious issue in our society is a gross understatement. There are numerous federal and state laws passed with the intent to protect people who find themselves in situations in which race is a relevant but unfair factor. Racial profiling continues to exist despite the protections guaranteed by law.
Marijuana and other drugs, legal and illegal, have long been factors in arrests for driving under the influence (DUI). Driving high may be more complicated to prove than evidence of a blood alcohol level (BAC) over the legal limit, but the presence of drugs in a driver’s bloodstream is sufficient for a DUI arrest based on impaired driving.
It is never easy for those charged with or convicted of crimes, even misdemeanor offenses, to avoid having a criminal record follow them. It negatively affects personal relationships, education and employment opportunities, and even housing.
If you are facing a DUI charge, you have likely felt a moment of panic, not expecting what will unfold in the coming days, weeks, or months. Many people choose to resolve DUIs by simply pleading guilty to the least severe offense to avoid jail time and other penalties.
According to recent statistics from the National Children's Alliance, approximately 1 in 5 children are sexually solicited online before the age of 18. Soliciting or asking a minor to partake in a sexual act during a conversation is a serious offense in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. If convicted, the defendant could be facing a lengthy prison sentence, massive fines, registration ...
Imprisonment is among the most common sentencing options for defendants convicted of a crime in Pennsylvania. According to recent data from the Prison Policy Initiative, there are approximately 170,000 unique jail admissions in Pennsylvania each year. The purpose of imprisonment is to deprive the defendant of their liberty and protect society against crime.
Pennsylvania is on the verge of adopting stricter laws concerning child custody designed to strengthen standards of awarding custody in a divorce case and of protecting the child once in custody. Senate Bill 78, which is now before the state legislature, is commonly referred to as Kayden’s Law.
If you’re being investigated or have been charged with a crime in or around Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, your future is at stake. If convicted, you’ll carry a criminal record with you for a minimum of 10 years, potentially ruining your chances at landing great job opportunities and making it difficult for you in many other pursuits in life, including professional licensing.
Under Pennsylvania law, assault and battery crimes involve physical attacks, offensive physical contact, or threats of attacks. Even fights that appear entirely harmless may ultimately lead to an arrest with the defendant facing serious assault charges.
In Pennsylvania, the Courts of Common Pleas hear appeals in civil and criminal cases from the minor courts, while the Supreme Court hears direct appeals from lower court decisions. Through this process, legal errors made in a minor court can be resolved or overturned.
