When Does Self-Defense Justify a Violent Crime in Pennsylvania?

You always have the right to defend yourself from harm. However, self-defense laws in Pennsylvania can be vague and don’t apply to every case. If you injure or kill someone out of self-defense, it will likely be up to a…

Comparing Pittsburgh’s Crime Rates to National Rates

Most of us have been victims of crime at some point in our lives, or at least know someone who has been. Yet our country is a safer place to live than most of us think. In fact, Pittsburgh may…

Violent Crimes on the Rise in Pittsburgh

Statistics from the United States Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) show that violent crime has been increasing in Pittsburgh. Acts of violent crime can cause devastation for a community, and local law enforcement officials are…

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…

How Much Jail Time Could You Get for a Drive-By Shooting in Pittsburgh, PA?

Drive-by shootings are a common scenario often associated with gang violence in Pittsburgh. It might seem like legislators would have written some kind of law that addresses this type of shooting. However, despite the prevalence of drive-by shootings, there is…