Pennsylvania Criminal Defense

Within the last couple of years, Pennsylvania has made great strides in reforming its criminal justice system after decades of taking a “tough-on-crime” approach to criminal legislation. But despite the state’s valiant...

From the late 1600s to the early 1800s, many United States cities operated what is known as “debtors’ prisons.” These facilities were designed with the sole intention of jailing negligent monetary borrowers...

With a new year comes change. And in the very beginning of 2019, certain Pennsylvania residents who have a criminal history may be starting the new year with a clean state. A few weeks ago the state’s “Clean Slate” law...

Pennsylvania’s stance on firearms has always been evident: gun rights are to be fiercely protected. This sentiment is echoed throughout the state’s legislative, political, and social history. But a few months back,...

You can avoid a lot of problems by finding a designated driver to take you home after a night of partying and drinking. But if you need any more incentive, a new Pennsylvania law that came into effect a few weeks ago may convince...

Just because probation is a less severe sentence than incarceration, doesn’t mean that it isn’t a pain. Between binding conditions, overzealous probation officers, and overall living a life under a magnifying glass, it...

People respond differently to being charged with a criminal offense. Some understand the gravity of a potential criminal record and prepare to prevent a conviction, while others run from their legal issues or ignore them in hopes...

Probation is a standard part of a sentence for most convicted crimes. The terms of probation, however, vary depending on the offense. A probation sentence typically allows an offender to remain in the community, but they’ll...

Some states categorize driving under the influence (DUI) as a traffic violation. But states like Pennsylvania crack down on DUI offenders by making it a criminal offense. This means that even the first time you make a mistake, you...

Pennsylvania is pretty progressive when it comes to enforcing alternative sentences to incarceration. One of the most traditional options for defendants is house arrest. When a defendant is put on house arrest, their house...

A criminal record has impactful and lasting consequences. Not long after creating one, people find out just how much an even seemingly minor criminal conviction on their record affects their life. Even after serving a sentence,...

Issuing a protection from abuse (PFA) order is similar to other processes. The filing party, or the “petitioner,” is responsible for filling out the appropriate paperwork, attending a hearing about their case, and then waiting...

The thought of attending court is intimidating for many first-time offenders. The pressure of being asked questions, facing judges and a jury is so overwhelming that some defendants decide to skip their court date altogether. For...

Pennsylvania’s civil remedy for abuse is a protection from abuse (PFA) order, also known as a restraining order. It’s designed to deter different forms of abuse, or the fear of this abuse, towards an individual and/or...

The state of Pennsylvania has been pretty progressive in comparison to other states for implementing programs that serve as alternatives to incarceration. There is an abundance of diversionary programs available that are tailored...

If you’ve been charged with a criminal charge in Philadelphia, Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, Montgomery County, or any other county in Pennsylvania, you will eventually be required to attend court. The...

Numerous colleges and universities have made Philadelphia their home. Engrained in college culture is party life. With many local bars and clubs located just walking distance from campus, it comes as no surprise that underage...

People who have been subjected to physical, sexual, or emotional abuse from a spouse, romantic partner, or a family member are entitled the right to put an end to their suffering by protecting themselves. A crucial step in doing...

Protection from abuse (PFA) orders are civil court actions designed to deter abuse, or the fear of abuse, towards an individual and/or children. It consists of remedies specific to the circumstances of a domestic violence case to...

Knowledge is power, and when one’s circumstances are made difficult by a Pennsylvania criminal record, understanding what information the Pennsylvania Board of Pardons will consider in evaluating a request for clemency is...