What are the penalties in PA for non-compliance of face coverings / masks? As the Covid-19 pandemic roars on, mask requirements and laws enforcing masks to be worn outside and in public places are becoming more stringent and prevalent. Currently, there is a Covid-19 order that states any person outside of their home that will …
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 …
Second-Time DUI Offenders May be Eligible for Reduced Sentence Will the New Pennsylvania Ruling Reduce Your DUI Penalties? If you were recently charged with a DUI offense in Pennsylvania and considered a “second-time offender” because you already completed the ARD program for a previous offense, you may be eligible to have your current sentence/punishment reduced. …
What is the current marijuana / cannabis decriminalization and legalization status in Pennsylvania? In Pennsylvania, recreational marijuana, or cannabis, is still illegal, although several cities have passed ordinances decriminalizing marijuana. Several cities have decriminalized marijuana, including Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Steelton, York, State College, Erie, Lancaster, Bethlehem and Upper Darby Township. Even so, arrests for marijuana …
Voting Rights in PA with a Criminal Record Can you vote in Pennsylvania if you were convicted of a misdemeanor or a felony? Voting is one of the most vital rights as a U.S. citizen. Many people falsely believe that if you are a convicted felon, you are not able to vote or may not …
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 …
Superior Court of Pennsylvania Ruling to Upend Consequences of DUI Cases in Pennsylvania On May 20, 2020, the Superior Court of Pennsylvania filed an opinion in the DUI cases of Commonwealth of PA v. Igor Chichkin and Commonwealth of PA v. Lisa Roche that will have drastic consequences on DUI cases throughout the state of …
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 …
