If your friend or loved one has overdosed on drugs and you assist them in getting help, you can not be criminally charged, even if you were also using drugs (under most circumstances). This immunity also applies to anyone on probation or parole. This law is often referred to as the Pennsylvania Good Samaritan Overdose …
Investigations for Fraud Related to COVID-19 Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) is on the Rise Fraud and scams for personal protective equipment (PPE) and Covid-19 testing are on the rise—what are Pennsylvania legislators doing to prevent it? The COVID-19 pandemic has caused the demand for personal protective equipment and other medical supplies to rise significantly. As …
How Does a Grand Jury Work and What Happens if You’ve Been Indicted We all have heard of a grand jury, but how they work, the purpose they serve, and how they differ from a trial jury, is sometimes a muddled and confusing. Grand juries are written into the U.S. Constitution under the 5th Amendment …
Spousal Privilege Laws in Pennsylvania In Pennsylvania, the law states that a husband and a wife may refuse to testify against each other in a criminal proceeding. However, this does not mean that a spouse is not allowed to testify against his or her spouse. Testimonial Privilege and Communications Privilege Usually, the privilege belongs to …
I was not read my Miranda Rights when being arrested—was my arrest illegal? A common mistaken belief is that when a person is being arrested, the arresting officer must read that person their Miranda Rights, also known as the Miranda Warning, or ““You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will …
In Pittsburgh, and across the world, people are gathering to rally in response to the death of George Floyd in Minnesota, who died while in police custody. Last week former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin was arrested and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter. People are calling for the additional three offers involved in …
What Happens When You Make a False Statement on a Firearm Application in Pennsylvania? People who attempt purchasing a gun from a dealer in Pennsylvania are required to complete an application that asks various questions about an applicant’s prior criminal history. Most people think that if they answer a question wrong on the application, even …
What happens if you refuse a chemical breath or blood test after receiving a DUI charge in Pennsylvania? When you get your PA drivers license, and drive on PA roadways, you implicitly consent to submit to a blood or breath test when a police officer suspects that you are driving under the influence. This is …
Information on Possible Release from Jail Due to COVID-19 / Coronavirus The COVID-19 / Coronavirus pandemic is causing the entire world to face shutdowns and closures of industries across the board, and the judicial system is no exception. Here in Pennsylvania, the Supreme Court filed an order that, until at least April 3, all courts …
What Happens When You are Arrested During COVID-19 in Pennsylvania? Know Your Rights to an arraignment, hearing and an attorney in the Pennsylvania court system Around the globe, people are facing the pandemic of Coronavirus, or COVID-19, and are currently under social distancing restrictions. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court filed an order, effective until at least …
