Defendants in criminal cases of all kinds take plea deals all the time – and prosecutors encourage them. For the defendant, a plea deal can mean an end to the uncertainties about the criminal process and a new path forward. It can also be a wise decision when the...
Call it the “CSI effect,” or call it a general willingness to believe that science can give people the answer to anything, but people tend to think that genetic evidence – especially DNA – is absolute. It’s really not all that simple. DNA evidence can be wrong. ...
Maybe you’ve seen the dramatic headlines (or the even more dramatic videos) of officers writhing in agony after accidental exposure to fentanyl during a drug bust. A lot of drug addicts (and a few dealers) are now serving additional prison time as a result of these...
Domestic violence is considered a crime of abuse in Pennsylvania. According to Pennsylvania Statutes, Title 23, Sections 6102 and 6113, some of the crimes that a suspect may be charged with stemming from such an incident include stalking, assault, sexual abuse or rape...
The right to bear and own firearms is one of the most basic civil rights protected by the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The language of the Second Amendment sometimes makes people think that no laws or restrictions whatsoever impact their use or...
A conviction on your record can have a significant impact on your life, including limiting your ability to secure employment, government benefits, student loans, vote and possess a firearm. You may face stiff penalties if you're convicted of a gun offense for...
Out of the charges that you could face involving weapons, the most common gun charge is one for possessing a firearm when you are prohibited against doing so by law. A gun charge is significant and may lead to penalties such as imprisonment and fines, so it’s worth...
Thousands of crimes occur every year in Pennsylvania. Some of these offenses go unsolved without anyone held accountable, while others result in the prosecution of someone the police suspect of involvement. Those accused of a crime have the option of defending...
Many people come to regret a crime in the months and years after committing it because of how it affected their future. Having a criminal record can be debilitating because it can prevent you from getting a job, gaining access to housing, and having the right to do...