There are many things that are more likely to happen in summer, like sunburns, thunderstorms and backyard barbecues. Unfortunately, certain crimes tend to happen more in summertime as well. Below, we examine some types of criminal offenses that increase during the...
state criminal charges
Don’t underestimate the toll of criminal charges in Pennsylvania
When people make a small mistake or seemingly harmless bad decision, they typically don't expect it to haunt them months or years later. Unfortunately, that can and does happen when that misstep is a criminal offense. For instance, failing to pay your E-ZPass tolls in...
Should parents be penalized for their child’s misconduct?
Bullying is an issue we are reading about more and more. In all its forms, bullying can be emotionally damaging and physically harmful to an alleged victim. As such, people can face criminal charges for offenses including harassment, hazing and cyberbullying in...
Changes to Philadelphia bail process for low-level offenses
Being accused of a criminal offense, no matter how minor it may be, can cause serious problems for people in this situation for many reasons. One reason is the possibility of having to stay in jail until a trial if you cannot afford bail. However, this is changing in...
Marijuana laws: Changing but still illegal in Pennsylvania
The laws surrounding the use of marijuana are changing in the United States, but they're not the same everywhere you go. Federally, marijuana is still illegal to possess, sell or distribute. Each state determines if it will or will not allow marijuana use at the...
DUI charges affect minors severely in Pennsylvania
As a parent of a child who has made a serious mistake, the only thing you want to know is that your child won't be unfairly penalized. If your child has been caught drinking and driving, he or she may face serious allegations and charges. Fortunately, there are some...
Sessions changes federal policy on marijuana enforcement
Recently, Attorney General Jeff Sessions rescinded a previous policy that allowed people in states where it is legal to purchase, sell and use marijuana largely without worrying about federal prosecution. The Obama-era policy discouraged federal prosecutors from...
Challenging drug charges can include challenging substance
When people think about drug charges, they often expect these cases to involve marijuana, heroin, cocaine or illegal prescription drugs. However, there are people who have faced drug charges for substances that are neither drugs nor illegal. In the past, people have...
Wrong place, wrong time on Halloween? There is hope
It happens. Maybe a Halloween prank got out of hand, or you were positive a friend owned the speakers they gave you for spooky sound effects. Perhaps you went to a costume party and left with the wrong bag, coat or cell phone. Out of the blue, you’re accused of a...
What you need to know if you are sentenced to probation
No one wants to spend time in jail or prison, and minimizing any period of incarceration if you are convicted of a criminal offense can be your top priority. Receiving probation in lieu of jail time can therefore come as a considerable relief to anyone in this...