Pittsburgh Police Must Follow a Code of Ethics
Contrary to popular belief, officers in Pittsburgh are required to follow a strict code of ethics, or a set of values that represent what the organization’s goals. However, this code is not always adhered to, and even the code itself…
Is Surveillance Footage Admissible in Court in Pennsylvania?
If you ever watch the news, you have probably caught a glimpse of how surveillance camera footage can be used to catch criminals and potentially during trials. This type of video seems to be most common for burglary and robbery…
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…
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…
Violent Social Media Posts Can be a Felony Under Federal Statute 18 U.S. Code §875(c)
America is well-known for its constitutional protection of free speech. The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution states “Congress shall make no law… abridging the freedom of speech….” However, your right to say and do as you please remains restricted….
DUI When Your BAC Is Below The Legal Limit
Having a few too many drinks and getting behind the wheel is the typical DUI scenario and most people probably equate a DUI with driving when your blood alcohol content is at 0.08 percent or more. But under Pennsylvania law,…
Will a DUI Show Up on a Background Check?
Background checks are relatively common for new jobs, going to school, and apartment rentals. You might not experience one often, but you can be sure that at some point in your life, someone will look into your criminal history. If…
Can Texting While Driving Lead to a Murder Charge in Pennsylvania
Distracted driving in Pennsylvania can have serious negative repercussions. Whether a driver is found to be texting while driving, calling a friend, or looking up directions on his or her cellphone, the penalties for distracted driving are severe and can…
Law Enforcement in Pennsylvania Urged To Use New Eyewitness Identification Practices
In the criminal court process, eyewitness identification and testimony can play a very large role in the outcome, but recent studies have pointed out that this process is not as reliable as originally thought. In fact, the misidentification of persons…
Pittsburgh Lawyer Matt Ness Meets a Supreme Court Justice
Lawyer Matt Ness of Worgul, Sarna & Ness, Criminal Defense Attorneys, LLC recently had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet and speak with Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. Ness earned admission to the U.S. Supreme Court bar this spring. This admission…
