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...
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Pennsylvania Criminal Law Blog
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...
Prosecutors may allege both fraud and money laundering occurred
Additional felony charges for money laundering could result from allegations of financial misconduct. Allegations of fraud, for example, may also result in a money laundering charge if a prosecutor shows the proceeds went into a bank account. In one such case reported...
What is a felony DUI?
Most offenses for driving while intoxicated result in misdemeanor charges. However, DUIs that meet certain conditions can result in felony charges. When does a DUI offense become a felony? When a DUI may be a felony Pennsylvania Act 153 established the criteria for...
What to know about the use of excessive force by police in Pennsylvania
Policing issues have taken front and center stage in the United States in recent years. The roles and accountability of police officers and the civil rights of an accused individual have been hotly debated and controversial topics. If you have had an excessive force...
Facing serious assault charges in Pennsylvania
Facing serious assault charges requires detailed knowledge about how Pennsylvania handles these crimes. Even a fight at the bar can escalate to a felony depending on the circumstances of the incident. Review the difference between simple and aggravated assault in...
3 times you should not take a plea deal
Pennsylvania's criminal courts can be extremely crowded places, as prosecutors regularly bring charges for even minor infractions. To avoid lengthy and costly trials, prosecutors often pursue plea deals. In fact, 95% of felony convictions in the U.S. come from guilty...
3 common defenses to embezzlement
Embezzlement occurs if you take the personal property of someone else when he or she entrusts it to you. In most cases, embezzlement involves the misappropriation of money. According to the Legal Information Institute, you can commit embezzlement whether you keep the...