Pennsylvania Criminal Defense

If you’ve watched many courtroom movies or TV shows, you’ve probably seen an indignant lawyer stand up and yell, “Objection! Hearsay!” dozens of times. But what actually is hearsay? What is...

In Pennsylvania, Protection from Abuse orders (PFAs) are meant to end abuse, stalking, harassment, and threats. To receive one, a victim must apply for one through the court system and present evidence showing that these types of...

We recently reported on a proposed ordinance in the town of Sunbury, PA that would prohibit people convicted of violent felonies from renting a house or apartment. In Part II of this report, we’ll take a more in-depth look...

When two people who have a child or children together decide to divorce or break up, one of the most difficult aspects concerns custody. Adding allegations of abuse into the mix complicates matters even further. What happens when...

The number of people in American prisons has increased by a whopping 500% since 1982—but not because the crime rate has spiked. Rather, policy change and sentencing guidelines are to blame for what can only be described as a...

The owner of a North Philadelphia pharmacy has been sentenced to three and a half years in prison after being found guilty of charges relating to healthcare fraud and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. Mitchell...

In 1997 President Clinton signed into law the Adoption and Safe Families Act. Designed to address what was perceived as chronic problems with the nation’s child welfare system, the ASFA required states to establish...

Relationships between couples are complex and highly emotional, especially during and after the divorce process. While no one can support acts of violence between partners, it is not uncommon for spouses to make accusations of...

Prevention From Abuse Orders – or PFAs – are the Pennsylvania equivalent to what the media commonly calls restraining orders or protective orders. Pennsylvania courts will only issue PFAs under certain circumstances, generally...

It can be overwhelming and frightening if you’re facing criminal charges in Pennsylvania. But if the police claim to have cell phone video footage of you committing a crime, you’re probably concerned about whether the...

Learning that you are suspected of having abused your partner’s children is one of the most upsetting things that can happen to anyone, and no matter where the accusation is coming from, it can have a seriously detrimental...

We all know that domestic violence is a problem. Family violence can sometimes have tragic endings, so Pennsylvania law takes domestic violence seriously. However, sometimes a mistake in the heat of the moment can have harsh...

How many text messages do you think are sent each day? The global total tops out at 23 billion—that’s 270,000 each minute! And that’s not counting the communication that takes place via messaging apps like WhatsApp,...

Recent press reports that Pennsylvania public transit authorities are installing or considering installing increasingly sophisticated, artificial-intelligence-based metal detection and video surveillance systems. Video cameras...

Recent press indicates a soaring incidence of parents leaving their children unattended in vehicles in casino parking lots while the parents gamble. Public officials report a staggering 60% increase in such incidents just in the...

In 2012, the infamous child sex abuse trial of Penn State football coach, Jerry Sandusky, took place. During the proceedings, it was revealed that an assistant coach had witnessed the coach molesting an underage boy a decade prior...

Many family issues, like divorce or child custody battles, can lead to exaggerated, or even false, claims of domestic violence. Pennsylvania statutes don’t define the term “domestic violence” exactly, instead, they allow...

Pennsylvania’s General Assembly continues to consider amending current laws to make criminal history expungements more widely available to more minors convicted of misdemeanors or felonies. The proposed legislation, Senate...

Caregivers and conservators of aging loved ones serve a vital role in elder care. Managing day-to-day healthcare, emotional support, and finances means you have a majority stake in their well-being. Such a position can be arduous...

Domestic violence crimes in Pennsylvania are serious, and laws are stringent concerning any allegations. Even being accused of domestic violence can cause severe disruptions to everyday life and family ties, as alleged offenders...