Author Archives: Gary Gerson
Changing the bail conditions for a DUI in Pittsburgh
Bail is a specified amount of money or property (collateral) provided by or on behalf of a criminal defendant (possibly through a bail bondsman) as security that he or she will appear at future court proceedings. The defendant also agrees to obey all conditions of release, which may include: specific reporting requirements, required notice… Read More »
Police attend seminar for accurate convictions
In September, more than fifty captains, lieutenants, and commanders of the Pittsburgh Police Department attended a program to educated members of law enforcement about advancements in the police techniques of photographic- and live-witness identification. Known as the Enhancing Law Enforcement’s Ability to Ensure Accurate Convictions: Techniques & Scientific Development seminar, it was organized by the Pennsylvania… Read More »
Pittsburgh drug charges attorney discusses marijuana laws
As more states begin to legalize or decriminalize small amounts of marijuana, it’s important to understand in Pennsylvania it is still illegal to possess even the smallest amount of marijuana, even with a valid out-of-state prescription for medical marijuana. Though the attitude toward marijuana is becoming more and more relaxed on a national scale, the aggressive… Read More »
Healthcare fraud is a serious white collar crime
White collar crimes such as healthcare insurance fraud and Medicare or Medicaid fraud in order to obtain an illegal gain by deceiving your healthcare providers is a crime that may come with heavy penalties and even jail time. Since the recession hit in 2008, there has been a drastic increase in these types of white… Read More »
Have you been charged with fleeing the seen of an accident?
As a criminal defense lawyer in Pittsburgh, I’m often asked about hit-and-run accidents. If you are arrested for fleeing the scene of an accident or a hit-and-run, it is can be a 3rd degree misdemeanor or felony offence and carries with it very serious consequences. When you’re in an automobile accident, it is your… Read More »
Pittsburgh criminal defense attorney discusses mistakes made with witnesses
Most lawyers’ first mistake is usually to attack the credibility of a sympathetic crime victim and witnesses who believe that they have pointed out the correct perpetrator in court. This strategy generally fails in front of empathetic jurors. My recommended approach, in addition to using expert witness identification, is that lawyers should express that… Read More »
FBI uses search warrant to access local rehab clinic
Drug charges for crimes involving heroin are serious offenses that warrant long jail sentences a mark on a person’s federal record. That’s why addiction specialists and clinics are open to serve the growing population of men and women in Western Pennsylvania who have fallen into addiction. These places are a blessing, though some feel that… Read More »
Drug crimes: heroin overdose numbers skyrocket
As the heroin epidemic gets worse and worse in Western Pennsylvania, authorities are trying to figure out how to best curtail the number of overdose deaths that have occurred over the last several years. On Monday, reports out of Washington County show that this past weekend likely saw three more deaths. This, after first… Read More »
Pittsburgh criminal defense lawyer on early prison releases
Working on an early release from prison is a difficult process that involves more than just “good behavior,” though it is possible. Some people get lucky and, because of the nature of their crimes and/or overcrowding, they are released on probation. Others are able to work closely with their criminal defense attorney to reevaluate their case… Read More »
Sentencing for white collar crimes
News reports out of Pennsylvania show that white collar criminals may be less likely to serve time in jail after they are convicted. Several examples of this criminal law phenomenon have been cited in recent months, as three people have been arrested for theft from organizations during the past three years. One of the women was… Read More »
