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 […]
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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 […]
Life, Liberty, and Pursuit of Happiness Not Enough to Expunge Conviction
“It’s been over 30 years. It would be nice to put this behind me.” That is what John Romeo was hoping to do when he filed a petition for expungement of his 32-year-old criminal trespass conviction. The Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas denied his motion. The Pennsylvania Superior Court affirmed the denial holding that […]
Criminal Record Sealing Law in PA Greatly Expanded
Earlier this year we posted an article discussing that a broader criminal record sealing law will be going into effect later in the year. Well, that time has now come. Starting November 14, 2016 , an individual who has been convicted of certain non-violent 2nd or 3rd degree misdemeanors is able to seek to have […]
Prison Conversations Can’t Be Recorded Under the Wiretap Act
Last year the Pennsylvania Supreme Court had agreed to take up a case of first impression to determine whether certain “visit communications” between inmates and their visitors fall within the exceptions to Pennsylvania’s Wiretapping and Electronic Surveillance Control Act. Pennsylvania’s Wiretap Act generally prohibits intercepting, using or disclosing communications. The Act contains 18 exceptions to […]
