Blog: Criminal Defense
- How Long Can the Police Detain You Without a Charge?
Oct 5, 2020
Probable cause must be established for police to arrest an individual. Detainments, however, only require reasonable suspicions. The difference between being arrested and being detained is that the former means you are being formally charged with something, while the latter means you are being held. It is a temporary measure, usually done so that an investigation can take place. When appropriate, police may conduct a frisk search for weapons or other contraband they believe you...Read More - How to Avoid a Charge For Resisting Arrest
Sep 23, 2020
Encounters with law enforcement are rarely pleasant. Even when there are no other charges or accusations are brought against you, it’s still possible to be charged with resisting arrest. This extends to baseless charges; you can still be charged for resisting arrest even when you’ve done nothing wrong. Attitude and Behavior The quickest way to end up with a charge for resisting arrest is belligerent behavior. Sometimes law enforcement agents will berate or antagonize people...Read More - How to Avoid Incriminating Yourself
Sep 7, 2020
There’s no such thing as a friendly interrogation by the police. If you’ve been accused of a crime or your name has come up in an investigation, you have the responsibility to make sure that you don’t incriminate yourself. Below are a handful of ways to avoid doing so when speaking with the police. Don’t Volunteer Information The best way to avoid incriminating yourself is to stick to the questions that you are asked by...Read More - The Difference Between State and Federal Crimes
Sep 2, 2020
Being charged with a crime is never a positive life experience, but the level of the charge can make a major difference in the total impact a conviction may bring. One of the primary differences in criminal charges is the government level of filing. Anyone facing serious criminal charges on either side is fighting an uphill battle, but many defendants fare better in state cases than federal cases for the most part. Also, many charges...Read More - What is Criminal Homicide?
Jul 15, 2020
There is no offense more serious than a criminal homicide. This crime involves taking another human’s life, and so it involves the most serious penalties under Pennsylvania law. There are three main categories of homicide: murder, manslaughter, and justifiable homicide. We will help you to better understand the various types of charges you may face if you have been involved in a criminal homicide in Pennsylvania. Murder If the death of a victim was intentional...Read More - What is the Difference Between Aggravated Assault and Attempted Murder?
Jul 15, 2020
You get into a gun fight and, while someone gets into a violent fight, stabbing another person and they are charged with aggravated assault. What’s the difference between the two? There is often a fine line between aggravated assault and attempted murder, but both can yield very serious consequences. Here, we will go over the key traits of both aggravated assault and attempted murder crime so that you can better understand the charges and penalties...Read More - What are the Consequences of Parole Violation?
Jun 17, 2020
In Pennsylvania, parole is a conditional release, meaning certain offenders are allowed to serve the remainder of their jail sentence out in the community if they abide by certain conditions. While anyone who has served the minimum of their sentence can get parole, it is considered a privilege and not a right. As a result, if parole conditions are violated at any time, you may face very serious consequences. What Constitutes a Parole Violation? There...Read More - What are the Charges for Disorderly Conduct in Pennsylvania?
May 12, 2020
Disorderly conduct is a fairly common charge, but there are some grey areas due to its board legal definition. Maybe you got a little too rowdy at a sporting event, had too much to drink while out with friends, or got too heated in a disagreement; did you cross the line? We are here to help you better understand what behavior or actions constitute disorderly conduct, the consequences involved, and what you need to do...Read More - Common Questions About Gun Charges in PA
Jan 13, 2020
A gun charge is a serious crime in Pennsylvania. It will raise the stakes in any criminal case, and even a first-time offense can lead to significant jail time. There are a number of defenses the Bill Brennan team has successfully used in cases involving weapons and firearms, but it is important to understand your rights to help you avoid a criminal record and the serious consequences that follow a gun charge. Here are a...Read More - What Happens if You’re Arrested for Domestic Violence in PA?
Jan 6, 2020
As one of the most disruptive events someone can experience, domestic violence often causes overwhelming feelings of uncertainty and fear. As the term “domestic” implies, your home, your relationships, and those closest to you are all affected, and without taking the proper steps after an arrest, the consequences can drastically change your life forever. If you or someone you know has been arrested for domestic violence, here is what you need to know about what...Read More