Blog
- What to Expect at a Sentencing Hearing
Jan 20, 2019
When the sentencing hearings of Bill Cosby or Larry Nassar occurred, everyone saw the headlines. Through photos, videos and recordings, media coverage gave the country a closer look at this integral part of our criminal justice system. But there’s a lot more to know when you’re the one on trial. If you’ve been convicted of a crime, here’s what you can expect at a sentencing hearing in Pennsylvania. What is a Sentencing Hearing? When a...Read More - What Does it Mean to Get a Federal Crime Expunged?
Jan 8, 2019
Being a convicted felon is a label that many will have to live with the rest of their lives. A criminal record is something potential employers, educational institutions and housing facilities all have access to, creating significant challenges in your future. But what if there was a way to have your record wiped clean? Well, there is. It’s a process called Expungement. What Does it Mean to Get a Crime Expunged? An expungement is a...Read More - Differences Between Theft, Robbery & Burglary in Pennsylvania
Dec 17, 2018
The holidays are the most joyful time of year; however, all the good cheer, great food and gift giving may be a distraction from the risks the season can also bring. Break-ins, porch pirates and pickpockets are more popular than ever this time of year as the hustle and bustle of the holidays can leave us vulnerable to thieves. While theft, robbery and burglary are often used interchangeably, they’re actually very different offenses when defined...Read More - The Most Common Crimes Around the Holidays
Dec 5, 2018
The holiday season is universally anticipated as a time of joy, family gatherings, generosity, and celebration. Yet, beneath the festive lights and seasonal cheer, the period from late November through the New Year presents a distinct set of social pressures and environmental stressors. The combination of financial strain, increased alcohol consumption, crowded shopping environments, and the frantic pace of “getting everything done” can lead even well-intentioned individuals to act rashly. In Pennsylvania, law enforcement agencies...Read More - Will Dismissed Charges Show Up on my Record?
Nov 20, 2018
Being arrested is one of the most stressful situations a person can experience. Not only is it an embarrassing process, but can also lead to an array of subsequent consequences in your work and personal life. And even if your charges are eventually dismissed due to insufficient evidence or a not guilty verdict, you may still not feel complete relief. Will these dismissed charges show up on my record and background checks? Will they affect...Read More - What are the Types of Probation in PA?
Nov 5, 2018
When you’re convicted of a crime, probation is commonly part of the sentence. But the terms of probation are not one-size-fits all. And with the punishments for breaking probation being so severe in Pennsylvania, it’s crucial to have the most experienced Philadelphia criminal defense attorney helping you understand the specific conditions of your probation. If you read our blog on probation violations, then you know that a probation sentence allows an offender to remain in...Read More - Everything You Need to Know About Disorderly Conduct in PA
Oct 5, 2018
While most disorderly conduct charges are considered a summary offense (or the most minor type of criminal offense in Pennsylvania) it doesn’t make facing the penalty any less scary. If you or someone you know has been charged with disorderly conduct in PA, here’s everything you need to know to handle your situation and minimize the resulting consequences. What Does Disorderly Conduct Mean? Disorderly conduct is a criminal charge that doesn’t pertain to any one...Read More - What Factors Can Reduce My Criminal Charges in PA?
Oct 2, 2018
Anyone arrested for a serious crime hopes for a positive outcome if they’re convicted. But few actually know what factors are taken into consideration to determine a criminal sentence. Fortunately, Pennsylvania law requires judges to recognize various facts and situations unrelated to whether or not the defendant is actually guilty of a crime, but that could be grounds for a more lenient punishment. Mitigating vs. Aggravating Factors Judges are required to consider two types of...Read More - What are Grounds for Harassment Charges in PA?
Sep 20, 2018
When you hear the term “harassment,” many people think of calling someone incessantly or using defamatory words. And while these certainly qualifies under the legal definition of harassment in PA, there are many more types of conduct that constitutes harassment which you may not realize. Or if you are aware and want to learn how to file harassment charges in PA, then you’ve also come to the right place. Here’s what you need to know...Read More - What’s at Risk If You Violate Your Probation in PA
Sep 7, 2018
From intensive supervision and shock probation to unsupervised probation, there are so many different types of probation that one can serve, but each state has their own specific consequences when you violate your probation. If you’re currently on probation, you should know what’s specifically at risk if you violate your probation in PA. So What Is Probation? Probation can be defined as an alternative to imprisonment for someone who is convicted of or pleads guilty...Read More