Pennsylvania DUI Law Changes
A couple of key changes to Pennsylvania DUI laws in late 2014 mean that drivers can no longer get multiple DUIs treated as first offenses because of timing, and that drivers convicted of a second DUI after refusing a chemical…
Why You Shouldn’t Agree to Warrantless Searches
When a police officer pulls us over on the road, or knocks on the door of our home, it’s natural to feel anxious even when we’ve done nothing wrong. We’re conditioned to comply with whatever the officer asks for —…
I’ve Been Accused of a Pittsburgh Parole or Probation Violation. Now What?
When you are on probation or parole, your life is constantly being strictly monitored for any violation of the terms of your release from jail. You must follow all the rules imposed by your parole or probation officer, and sometimes…
Civil Forfeiture – Your Money Is Guilty Until Proven Innocent
Police can take your cash, cars, and other assets through civil forfeiture even if you are not charged with any crime. A recent article in the Washington Post brought national attention to the practice of civil forfeiture. Civil forfeiture is…
Warrantless GPS Surveillance Allowed by U.S. Third Circuit Court
A new ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit erodes Fourth Amendment protections for people accused of crimes by upholding the use of warrantless GPS tracking by a police department. The Fourth Amendment protects Americans from…
Police Abuse and the Broken Windows Theory
Police abuse is a hot topic that is constantly being debated in the news. In recent weeks, due to the Staten Island chokehold death and the Ferguson shooting, police abuse has been on our radars even more. Many people have…
What Does Pennsylvania’s Rape Shield Law Mean If You Are Charged?
In criminal cases, most testimony that could put the accuser’s testimony in doubt is allowed, but this is limited by law by relevance and factuality. In sexual assault cases, the Rape Shield Law is designed to exclude certain evidence from…
Trials & Expert Testimony
Thanks to the many crime-solving television shows, most of us are familiar with the use of expert testimony in trials. Expert witnesses have specific knowledge, training, and/or experience to help the court understand particularly technical or complex elements of cases….
