While, generally speaking, Americans have the right to bear arms, the law in Pennsylvania makes owning a firearm illegal in certain situations. The law also calls for additional penalties if you use a gun to commit a crime. The punishment for a firearm offense varies...
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Pennsylvania Criminal Law Blog
3 types of white-collar crime
White-collar crime refers to a broad range of illegal and non-violent actions taken for financial gain. These crimes are often undertaken by individuals acting on behalf of a business or in the commercial realm. There are many types of fraud and other criminal...
Criminal charges can change your life
A felony conviction in Pennsylvania can alter your life forever. You may not realize the scope of potential consequences when you face criminal charges. The collateral effects of this state's harsh sentencing guidelines can significantly impact many areas of your life...
What is the difference between murder and manslaughter?
Court cases involving the death of a human being are complicated. The accusations defendants face are sometimes hard to understand. In Pennsylvania, homicide refers to any manslaughter or murder case. The state has unique classifications of these laws that differ from...
What happens when you are accused of a major crime?
When the police or an ordinary citizen accuses you of a crime, they do not always arrest you on the spot. In the case of a major crime or felony, there is a process that the police must go through to issue an arrest warrant and start criminal proceedings because the...
Are executions going to restart in Pennsylvania?
Shortly after taking office, Governor Tom Wolf issued a moratorium on executions in the Key Stone State. While this moratorium is in effect, the commonwealth is not carrying out capital punishment. Still, Governor Wolf will not be in office forever. In Pennsylvania,...
Prosecution and defense of gang-related crimes
Gang-related crimes carry a high potential for harsh prosecution and severe penalties. The courts may impose separate, consecutive penalties for gang-related crimes under multiple statutes. Some defenses If possible, establish the defendant is not associated with a...
What to know if you violate parole
When the courts release you from prison on parole, you must adhere to specific conditions required by the law. You need to regularly report to your local parole officer and abide by other stipulations, such as keeping a curfew, attending alcohol or substance treatment...
You can face heavy penalties without a license to carry a firearm
In the state of Pennsylvania, there are certain circumstances under which you can carry a firearm without the need for a license. However, most people must have a license to carry or face significant penalties. Violation of Section 6106 According to 18 Pa. C.S. §...
What is a Ponzi scheme?
When you create an investment opportunity that pays investors with funds you collect from investors who get involved, later on, you initiate a Ponzi scheme. Ponzi schemes typically promise to invest money with the potential for high returns, but this result does not...