Pennsylvania has had an increase in crime recently. It seems that criminals are all over the state breaking laws left and right. However, the Philadelphia Inquirer suggests that perhaps there is not a huge increase in the number of criminals but rather there is a huge...
criminal law
Is crime a problem on Pennsylvania college campuses?
If you are the parent of a high school graduate who has recently headed off to college for the first time, you may experience an equal measure of pride and worry. Of course, you are proud and happy that your child has reached this milestone and has decided to advance...
How is a money laundering case investigated?
There are many white collar crimes in Pennsylvania. These crimes usually do not make big news headlines unless they involve a large corporation or well-known person because they do not involve violence. White collar crimes are financial crimes that usually occur...
Is there a hate crime issue on college campuses?
As college campuses gear up to welcome incoming freshman and begin a new year in Pennsylvania, your mind may wander to campus crime. While most campuses do an excellent job of preventing serious crime, there are still those that happen. It would not be smart to...
Understanding constructive possession
If Pennsylvania law enforcement officers charge you with some kind of drug crime, the prosecutor naturally must prove to the jury beyond a reasonable doubt that the drugs recovered by the officers at the scene belonged to you before (s)he can convict you of any...
Police interaction in parking lots
The police operate under set parameters. If they suspect a driver is acting suspiciously, they may initiate a police stop. However, to legally stop a moving vehicle in Pennsylvania, police have to have a reason, such as a traffic infraction. When in a parking lot, can...
Understanding Pennsylvania’s Zero Tolerance law
Although the legal drinking age in Pennsylvania is 21-years-old, underage college students sometimes partake in alcoholic drinks. Many view this as just a part of growing up and the college experience. However, underage drinking is considered a serious offense in the...
Pennsylvania’s anti-hazing laws
Hazing is and has been a serious issue for decades, but states have only just recently begun to take measures to combat it. In recent years, more states have begun to draft and implement anti-hazing laws that make hazing a crime. After the death of a 19-year-old Penn...
Is college cyber-bullying a criminal offense?
Pennsylvania college students spend a lot of time online. The internet opens up avenues for studying and socializing. Unfortunately, it may also open up the door for bullies. Grade school and high school bullying are hot topics. In fact, Pennsylvania is a state with...
What could happen if you are accused of bank fraud?
If you are accused of bank fraud in Pennsylvania, the prosecutor is required to prove that there was an intent to acquire funds from a bank through fraudulent means. With a successful prosecution, you may be facing a punishment of up to 30 years in prison and a...