Legal Blog | Page 16 of 24 | Worgul, Sarna & Ness, Criminal Defense Attorneys, LLC

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Crimes of Opportunity in Pennsylvania

When thinking of well-known crimes, such as theft or murder, most people imagine hatred, violence, and intense planning. However, many crimes are not premeditated, making them the result of impulsive bad decisions. Although these crimes may not be as malicious…

What to Do if Charged With Selling Drugs to Minors in Pennsylvania

Since the war on drugs was declared in 1971, drug crimes have received punishments that are normally assigned for serious felonies. This is especially true for specialized drug crimes, such as selling drugs to minors and drug crimes that take…

Expansion of Sealing Criminal Records in Pennsylvania

Criminal convictions can continue to cause problems professionally and personally long after you have satisfied any criminal penalties. A pre-employment background check that reveals your prior conviction can make finding new employment extremely difficult. Additionally, the availability of personal information…

Some First Time Offenders Now Required to Use Ignition Interlock Device in Pennsylvania

States are implementing more strategies to address the issue of drunk driving, which include different kinds of penalties. In 2016, Pennsylvania enacted Senate Bill 290, which will require all Pennsylvania residents who are repeat DUI offenders to have an ignition…

Is It Worth Going to Trial for a DUI?

When you’ve been arrested and charged with a DUI, you may be facing very serious penalties if you receive a conviction. These penalties include jail terms, fines, suspension of a driver’s license, mandatory classes, and others. Depending on the circumstances…

What is Theft by Unlawful Taking?

Under Pennsylvania law, theft by unlawful taking is a criminal offense that is defined based on the kind of property involved. The manner in which the theft was committed and the value of the property allegedly stolen influences the kind…

Are Too Many People Being Sent to Allegheny County Jail?

Incarceration rates have risen to unsustainable levels across the United States, and it seems that Allegheny County is not exempt from this trend. According to a news story published last November, the incarceration rate in Allegheny County Jail is rising…

PA Law Seeks to Limit Access to Police Body Cam Videos

Police body cameras have become more common across the U.S. in an effort to increase transparency between the police and citizens. By requiring police body cam videos, the public hopes to reduce unnecessary violence and deaths. Some Philadelphia and Pittsburgh…

PA Supreme Court Could Limit Civil Asset Forfeiture

Civil asset forfeiture is a controversial government power in Pennsylvania. Under state law, the police are allowed to confiscated property that is in some way tied to illegal activity. While the purpose of civil asset forfeiture is to remove money…

Strangulation Now a Standalone Offense

October was Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Pennsylvania legislatures proved that they are not only aware of the problem, but they are trying to protect victims from further abuse. On October 26, 2016, Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf signed into law…