Articles

When it comes to police stops, frisks, searches, and arrests, we’ve all heard two terms that are frequently used: “reasonable suspicion” and “probable cause.” These are two alternate burdens of proof that the State must meet in certain situations to ensure that the police action was legal. Stops and frisks must be accompanied by a […]

                                    Cook County, Illinois Judge Ellen Mandeltort ruled on January 17 that a stabbing victim’s dying statements identifying her killer are admissible at his murder trial. 18 year-old Laura Engelhardt, along with her father and grandmother, were allegedly killed […]

In Pennsylvania, misdemeanor and felony criminal convictions cannot be expunged until the offender: 1) Is 70 years old and has not been arrested for 10 years, or 2) Has been dead for three years. Except for these two instances, the courts are powerless to clear one’s record once convicted. However, the Governor of Pennsylvania may […]

After spending so much time and money on obtaining your professional license, being the subject of investigation by the Pennsylvania Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs or other agency or board can be a devastating ordeal. Depending on the charge and the outcome, you can be reprimanded, and your license can be suspended or even […]

California’s Second District Court of Appeals ruled earlier this month that pretending to be a woman’s boyfriend in order to have sex with her isn’t rape. In People v. Morales, Julio Morales had sex with the victim after her (real) boyfriend left her house. The victim alleges that in the dark bedroom, Morales kissed her […]