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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 have the bail revoked for some alleged violation of the bail conditions. A Defendant can ask for a bail hearing to either reduce the amount of bail set, to change the type of bail set, or to remove a condition…
One of the most common types of bail is ROR Bail, or “released on own recognizance.” What Is ROR Bail? What it actually is, is a promise to appear at all future court proceedings, not requiring any form of cash or property collateral like other forms of bail. There are often conditions imposed by the court that you will read about soon. Can You Get ROR Bail? All charges except for homicide are eligible for bail. Whether or not you…
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 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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
