Last September, the Arizona Supreme Court issued a startling decision that expanded the state’s child molestation law to criminalize any contact between an adult and a child’s genitals. Molestation of a child under the statute consisted of “intentionally or knowingly engaging in or causing a person to engage in sexual contact with a child under […]
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Morrisville Bucks County Magisterial District Judge Michael Burns Passes
Three term Morrisville, Pennsylvania Magisterial District Judge Michael Burns passed away from an illness this past Sunday. He was a popular Bucks County Judge, having served the County for well over a decade. He had been fighting illness but many in the legal community were unaware of his illness and his death at the young […]
Weapons Permitted on School Properties If Used for Lawful Purpose
The Pennsylvania Superior Court in Commonwealth v. Goslin held that the language in the Possession of a Weapon on School Property statute, though broad, is unambiguous. Thus, the statute does not prohibit weapons on school property so long as the weapon is possessed for a lawful purpose. This is reminiscent of the open carry laws […]
Drug Education Program Available to First Time Drug Offenders
With the rise in drug-related offenses across the greater Philadelphia area, the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office and Lower Providence Police Department announced the launch of a new drug education program for young drug offenders. The Drug Education and Abuse Prevention program (D.E.A.P.) is a voluntary pilot program for 18 to 26 year olds arrested […]
No Mandatory Minimums for Refusing Blood Test in PA
“In absence of a warrant or exigent circumstances justifying a search, a defendant who refuses to provide a blood sample when requested by police [for suspicion of DUI] is not subject to enhanced penalties” (Commonwealth v. Giron). The Pennsylvania Superior Court held that Giron, who was found guilty of DUI, was sentenced illegally because he […]
