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…
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…
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….
