Should I Get a Lawyer for My First DUI?
If you’ve been arrested for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol for the first time, it was probably one of the most traumatic experiences of your life. And now, you most likely have a lot of questions. The first one most likely being, “should I get a lawyer?” Even if you boast a perfectly clean driving record going into your arrest, the answer is still YES. Drunk driving crimes...Read More
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What Happens After An Opioid Arrest?
Opioid abuse has become a growing epidemic across the United States, which is why prosecutors are really cracking down on users and prescribers. In just one year (2016-2017), Opioid overdoses increased by 30% across 45 states. If you’ve been arrested due to Opioid use or distribution, it’s important to understand the consequences you could face and your options to help you move on with your...Read More
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Collateral Consequences of a DUI
Drunk driving is Pennsylvania’s second leading cause of accidents and fatalities, behind speeding. For this reason, even a first-degree offense can lead to serious legal repercussions, including substantial fines, mandatory drug, and alcohol counseling, even jail time. While you may be aware of these consequences, you may not realize the long-term collateral damage it also causes. So before...Read More
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6 Do’s & Don’ts For Your Criminal Case
Most people facing criminal charges in Philadelphia for the first time have no idea what to do… and what not to do. A first offense can be scary, which is why having an experienced and knowledgeable attorney guiding you through the process is so important. But there are a few general guidelines to follow to give you and your lawyers the best chance to get you the outcome you deserve. Here are...Read More
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What Is Probable Cause?
Probable cause is one of the most important concepts in deciding when it’s appropriate for the police to arrest, search, or stop an individual for questioning. This Fourth Amendment law rooted in the Bill of Rights has continued to evolve through state and federal decisions over the years, so if you or someone you know if being charged with a crime, it’s important to understand what it means...Read More
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How To Get A Simple Assault Misdemeanor Expunged From Your Record
In many cases of a simple assault misdemeanor, a misunderstanding is to blame for the defendant’s conviction and now they have to live with a criminal record. If you’re wondering if it’s possible to have your criminal record expunged of your simple assault charge, the answer is, fortunately, yes. But like with any expungement, it depends on the specific factors of your case. The best first...Read More
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Why Would Criminal Charges Be Dropped Or Dismissed?
When you’re arrested after committing a criminal offense, your best case scenario is having your charges dropped or dismissed. It’s the closest you can get to making the whole situation “go away.” In order to move on with your life, you’ll want an experienced criminal defense attorney helping you understand the possibility of dropped or dismissed charges in your specific case. So why would...Read More
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Can a Federal Sentence be Reduced?
If you’ve been convicted of a federal crime, the scariest thing is awaiting the sentence you’ll have to serve. The differences between state and federal crimes depend on a variety of factors like what offenses were involved and where the prosecution occurs, all of which will determine the length of the resulting sentence. In most cases, federal offenses will receive much harsher penalties than...Read More
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Can You be Charged with Statutory Rape if They Lie About Their Age?
Statutory Rape is a serious crime in Pennsylvania. Even when the sex is consensual, an adult who engages in sexual relations with a minor faces as many as 40 years in prison and $25,000 in fines. But what if the minor lied about their age? If you were under the impression they were an adult, is it still illegal? Like with many legal queries, it depends on the specific situation. That’s why...Read More
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What’s the Difference Between Rape and Sexual Assault in Pennsylvania?
In many states, the terms “rape” and “sexual assault” are used interchangeably, but in Pennsylvania, there are important differences between the two. The one thing both crimes do have in common, however, is that they can lead to several years behind bars. That’s why it’s important to know how both offenses are classified, so you can handle your case in the most effective way possible. Our...Read More
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Are Sex Offenders Required To Notify Neighbors and Employers?
Most people know that Pennsylvania’s Sex Offender Registry is available to the public online. Thanks to Megan’s Law, law enforcement authorities are required to identify sex offenders to the general public, tracking their whereabouts to protect individuals from victimization within their community. But with this information accessible to anyone at any time, are sex offenders required to notify...Read More
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Does Pennsylvania Have Romeo and Juliet Laws?
It’s not unusual two young adults or teens to become sexually active, but an adult molesting a child is reprehensible. A distinction between the two situations seems obvious, but in many states across the US, there’s a fine line legally between a mutual decision and abusive actions. In many cases, Romeo and Juliet Laws reduce or eliminate the penalty of statutory offenses. If you or someone...Read More
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