Governor Tom Wolf today signed into law Senate Bill 166 which will expand the range of crimes which may be expunged from criminal records. While this is good news for many within the Commonwealth, the law will not go into effect until 270 days from now. This means that courts will begin to process the […]
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Juvenile prior is not a conviction under firearms act
On December 21, 2015, the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania held that juvenile adjudications of delinquency are not “convictions” for the purpose of enhancing the grading from a misdemeanor to a felony for violations under the Pennsylvania Uniform Firearms Act. The Pennsylvania Uniform Firearms Act, 18 Pa. C.S. §6501(a)(1), prohibits persons from possessing firearms who have […]
Drones and The Overcriminalization of America
In America legislators are elected by voters. The majority of political candidates run on a platform of being tough on crime. Candidates often try to demonstrate to constituents that they are tough on crime by proposing legislation criminalizing something. This creates a ratchet type system of punishment in America. As the ratchet turns punishment for […]
Attorneys Challenge Attorney General Office’s Authority To Prosecute Their Cases
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 […]
Battle Brewing Over Reincarnation of Mandatory Minimum Sentences in PA
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 […]
