Legal Blog

As experts in our craft we like to provide our past, current and future clients, as well as our community with resources to better help them navigate the complex world of criminal law. Whether you're seeking guidance in one of our practice areas, looking for practical tips to navigate legal challenges or simply finding a deeper understanding of your rights, our blog is designed to be a valuable resource to you.

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Please note, our legal blog is intended for informational purposes only. While we strive to offer accurate content, the legal landscape is constantly changing and no blog can substitute personalized advice and guidance of a qualified attorney. For a free consultation, please contact us directly.

What is Institutional Sexual Assault and its Punishments?

18 Pa.C.S.A. § 3124.2§ defines Institutional sexual assault. Institutional sexual assault specifically applies to sexual contact between two individuals who have a specific relationship. The law includes out many individuals who may be charged with this offense, including employees of the following: Department of Corrections or another correctional authority. Juvenile detention facilities run by the state or county Youth forestry camps, Youth development centers. Groups homes or other residential facilities that serve youth. Mental health facilities. Employees of any of…

Distribution of Child Pornography | Case Study

Distribution of Child Pornography Child Pornography charges have tremendous consequences for those convicted in the State of Pennsylvania. In “Child Pornography Charges in Pennsylvania”, we discussed how these charges can effectively result in a ‘life sentence’. Now we will examine US v Scott, a child pornography case that shows how possession of child pornography can lead to distribution charges, and how those distribution charges can be fought against.                 US v Scott  Jason Scott pleaded guilty to one count of…

Student Crimes

Every parent wants their child to reach their full potential. However, your child’s future can be seriously compromised if he or she is accused of committing a crime, or accused of violating a high school, college, or university’s Code of Conduct. Depending on the type of allegation, your child may be required to attend a student disciplinary hearing and could potentially be criminally prosecuted. Irrespective of whether the allegations are mere violations of school policy or involve breaking state or…

Drug use in College | How it can Affect One’s Life

Statistics show that drug use in college is very common, with over 50% of college students having tried marijuana, over 30% have abused Adderall and 10% have used Ecstasy or Molly. However, few college students understand the consequences of their actions. The punishments associated with drug use will have a lasting effect on a student’s life. Fines and/or jail time If you are a student convicted of drug possession in Pennsylvania, you will have to spend a lot of money on…

Drug Crimes In Pennsylvania and How We Know Defend Them the Right Way

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 Drug Trafficker Marijuana Cultivation/Growing Marijuana Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (Bongs, Pipes, Drug Equipment) Possession with Intent to Distribute/Deliver (PWID) Prescription Fraud Selling Drugs to Minors Synthetic Opioids (Alph-PVP, Bath salts, cathinones) Synthetic Marijuana (K2, Spice) Methamphetamine Manufacturing My firm has…

How Criminal Convictions Affect Social Security Benefits

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 felony conviction will deem you ineligible to receive Social Security Disability Benefits if: Your disability was caused by your felonious act Your disability was made worse by your felonious act Your disability arose while you were imprisoned for committing a…

Pennsylvania is Fighting to Change Statute of Limitations Laws

Sex Crimes Statue of Limitations – You Only Have So Much Time To Report It The purpose of a statute of limitations is to ensure claims are brought within a certain time period. It does not matter how legitimate the charge is, or how clear the evidence is…if the statute of limitations has expired, the claim cannot be brought.  For example, Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations for trespass is 2 years. If you filmed your neighbor trespassing on your property, made…

How a DUI in Pennsylvania Can Jeopardize Your Doctor’s License

Don’t Make the Common Mistake in Thinking a DUI Will Not Affect Your License If you are a doctor that has been charged with DUI, you should not make the common mistake of believing the DUI will not affect your medical license simply because it relates to conduct outside of the medical practice. Not only is the Pennsylvania State Board of Medicine aggressive in disciplining doctors with DUI convictions, it is likely your employment contract also prohibits such alcohol related…

How a Pennsylvania DUI Can Affect your Teaching Career

A DUI can be detrimental to a teacher’s career if not handled properly. The Pennsylvania School Code Section 111 requires teachers, principals, school nurses, coaches, cafeteria staff, janitors, and virtually any other employee of a school to disclose a DUI conviction to the school. This amendment became effective on September 28, 2011. With all school employment applications, Subsection (b) of Section 111 of the Pennsylvania School Code requires a criminal history report to be obtained from the Pennsylvania State Police.…

Underage DUI

Two Crimes  For The Price Of One If you are under the age of 21 and consumed alcohol before driving, you knew you were in trouble the moment you got pulled over and may face underage DUI charges. Driving under the influence is illegal in Pennsylvania, but so is underage drinking. What happens when you are accused of both? Underage DUIs The first thing you need to know is that any driver under the age of 21 who is arrested…