Media Pennsylvania Criminal Law Blog
Is my drug use actually a serious addiction?
If you are wondering if you have a substance abuse problem, the unfortunate answer may be “yes.” Of course, all drug use does not necessarily lead to full-blown addiction. Still, no matter in which stage of abuse you are, it is almost always easier to quit now than it...
Cyberbullying 101
Bullying might invoke images of schoolyard conflicts—slammed lockers and scattered textbooks. Cyberbullying, while still somewhat new, takes on a whole other meaning in a whole other playground. For starters, there are no prohibitions against bullying in...
How can the Pennsylvania ARD program help me?
Bad judgment is an unfortunate part of the human condition. However, if you stand in a first-time accusation of certain minor charges, Pennsylvania offers an accelerated rehabilitative disposition (ARD) program, which can dramatically reduce the consequences of your...
Fundamental rights stolen by blanket sex offender registration
If you are facing charges in Pennsylvania for a sex crime, you are likely aware that the mere accusation can ruin your life. Even worse, this can persist long after you have served a sentence if your name is on the publicly accessible sex offender registry. We...
Can a criminal conviction prevent you from becoming a teacher?
These days, parents place a good deal of trust in their children's educators, and with good reason. Teachers often spend more time with children than the parents themselves, so it is important that the people who work in Pennsylvania’s schools are responsible...
Know the facts about mail fraud
Many people may think it does not matter what they send through the mail. However, law enforcement officials see some types of mail as fraudulent. If people face mail fraud charges, it is important for them to understand the fine details of this offense. Know the...
Drug possession penalties depend on the substance category
In recent years, as drug use increased under policies that encourage incarceration instead of rehabilitation and treatment, experts look at addiction as a mental illness. Unfortunately, drug possession laws have not caught up to this perspective. Even a small amount...
IIDs linked to distracted driving
Over the past couple of decades, every state in the country has rolled out laws requiring the use of ignition interlock devices in select cases involving allegedly impaired drivers. Some states require drivers to install and use IIDs after a first driving under the...
How is a felony different from a misdemeanor?
If you are being charged with a federal crime, it is important to understand not only how serious the situation is, but also the terminology that surrounds the process. Being charged with a federal crime holds you to different statutes the a state crime, even though...
A look at the impact of getting a DUI
The outcome of getting charged with driving under the influence in Pennsylvania can be different for everyone depending on how serious the consequences of their actions were. For people who are repeat offenders, the consequences can be significantly more costly and...
