Mistrials and double jeopardy both deal with the concept of trying an individual for the same offense more than once. Double jeopardy means that a person cannot be prosecuted for the same offense more than once in the same jurisdiction.…
Prior records and mandatory minimums are some of the factors taken into consideration during a criminal DUI case. Maximum Penalty When the law prescribes a range of appropriate sentences for a given offense, the court cannot order a sentence longer…
The justice system is designed in a way that any individual who has been accused of a crime is protected and gets a fair trial. When someone is faced with a criminal charge, the defendant has the option to be…
Before deciding to waive your 5th Amendment right and talk to the police, contact an experienced attorney from the law offices of Manchester & Associates. “[Any] lawyer worth [their] salt will tell [their client] in no uncertain terms to make…
Unfortunately, the answer is yes. Please note that I didn’t say convicted: arrest and conviction are very different things. Arresting is what cops do and it doesn’t mean you are guilty. Neither the police nor Prosecutors decide if you are…
From the desk of Brian Manchester, Esq: Upon first meeting with a client and hearing their story, the first question I ask is “have spoken to the police?” If they tell me that they have, I then ask “have you…
Just as COVID-19 is wreaking havoc across the United States in terms of sickness, deaths, and lost jobs it is also wreaking havoc on the criminal justice court system. In Pennsylvania as of April 2, 2020, the courts are essentially…
Bail hearing can be scheduled by either party, either by the Commonwealth or by the Defendant. Most of the time a bail here is requested by the Commonwealth because they are either asking to have the bail increased or to…
Types of Drug Cases We Defend For 18 years I have been representing people accused of various drug crimes in Pennsylvania to include the following: Drug Possession/Possession of Controlled Substances (Actual Possession, Constructive Possession) Drug Production Drug Trafficking/Operating as a…
Can Felons Receive Social Security? Yes, But With Exceptions The general rule is that a person who is convicted of a felony can still receive Social Security benefits once they are released. However, like every rule, there are exceptions. A…
