Articles

Attorneys Challenge Attorney General Office’s Authority To Prosecute Their Cases

Filed under: Criminal Law, News by Contributor @ December 29, 2015

Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane’s office was confronted today with a new legal issue which may have far-reaching implications for law enforcement official statewide. Attorneys for three criminal defendants charged with child pornography argued that as a result of the suspension of Kane’s license to practice law this fall, her current policy of delegating legal […]

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Battle Brewing Over Reincarnation of Mandatory Minimum Sentences in PA

Filed under: Criminal Law, Drug Crimes, News by Contributor @ December 21, 2015

House Bill 1601, sponsored by Rep. Mike Vereb (R-Montgomery) and Rep. Ron Marsico (R-Dauphin) has passed the House with a vote of 143 to 54. The Bill was referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee on October 30, 2015. There is opposition to the passage of the bill in the Pennsylvania Senate which is currently seeking […]

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Police Do not Need a Warrant to Search or Seize your vehicle From Your Driveway

Filed under: Criminal Law, News by Contributor @ December 16, 2015

In an matter of first impression, the Pennsylvania Superior Court has decided in the case of Commonwealth v. Loughnane that if police have probable cause to search or seize a vehicle parked in a driveway at a private residence, they do not need to first obtain a warrant before conducting a search of that vehicle. […]

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Stun Guns Can Carry Serious Consequences

Filed under: Criminal Law by Contributor @ December 14, 2015

In Pennsylvania, most people can purchase, possess, or use a stun gun for self-defense without obtaining a permit. However, if you are in a class of people who are not allowed to possess a firearm in Pennsylvania you may not purchase, possess or use a stun gun. These people include: convicted felons; people convicted of […]

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Rolling paper containing marijuana is not drug paraphernalia

Filed under: Criminal Law, News by Contributor @ December 1, 2015

In a groundbreaking decision the Pennsylvania Superior Court vacated a conviction for possession of drug paraphernalia in Commonwealth v. Miller (November 20, 2015). The Defendant had been convicted for possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia after a marijuana cigarette was found between the driver’s seat and center console of his vehicle. […]

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