"Dusting for fingerprints" might not be the only evidence collection process that police perform, but it is the one that most people are familiar with. Law enforcement personnel take great care to find fingerprints at a Pennsylvania crime scene because the recovered...
What are the differences between theft, burglary and robbery?
Some of the serious crimes that occur in Pennsylvania involve stealing someone else’s personal property. However, there are three chief types of these offenses, namely, theft, burglary, and robbery. It’s important to understand the differences. What is theft? Theft is...
Why is it dangerous to invest in a Ponzi scheme?
Placing your hard-earned money in an investment with the expectation of receiving your funds back and an additional high return can be enticing, especially if the results will be lucrative. Learning about this type of opportunity and investing should be considered and...
What constitutes a violation of Pennsylvania gun laws?
In Pennsylvania, it is important to understand the laws that regulate firearms. Issues such as what type of gun is illegal in any circumstance, who can and cannot own a gun, whether there is a gun license requirement and more are important to know about. These laws...
What are typical cybercrimes?
Not every criminal case in Pennsylvania involves face-to-face encounters. Mail and wire fraud could involve someone performing illegal activities from a remote location. The same may be true regarding cybercrimes. News reports about cybercrimes are increasing since so...
What do you know about the criminal expungement process?
Perhaps you made some poor decisions in your youth, or maybe you committed a college crime such as disorderly conduct, vandalism, alcohol-induced violence, drug possession or underage drinking under the influence. Either way, you want to put your criminal record...
How can chain of custody errors taint evidence?
The evidence the prosecution brings against you in any criminal case can make the difference between acquittal and serving time in prison. If you fight a criminal charge in court, you should know that the evidence the prosecution presents is not tainted by errors...
Does plea bargaining need reform in the U.S. criminal justice system?
In the majority of criminal cases, the prosecutor will offer a plea bargain to the defendant. The plea bargain is a deal that the prosecutor wants to strike with you to get you to plead guilty. A plea bargain may reduce the charges against you or offer a reduced...
Defense options for cyberbullying charges
The internet plays a significant role in the social life of young children and teens. Unfortunately, online communication can go sideways quickly. What starts as a poorly worded joke or prank can turn into a criminal court case. We often represent clients accused of...
Understanding zero tolerance for underage DUI
Colleges and universities recognize that students who are 18 or older are adults. However, although your child may be a legal adult, drinking under the age of 21 is still illegal. Almost 30% of all traffic fatalities in Pennsylvania are alcohol-related, and statistics...
