Author Archives: Gary Gerson
What is a plea bargain?
I got a question from a potential client the other day and we began talking about the possibility of taking a plea bargain. This person wasn’t exactly sure what that meant and I got to thinking that perhaps many others are not entirely sure of what a plea bargain entails either. A plea bargain… Read More »
What happens when you’re arrested for marijuana
Marijuana drug charges in Colorado and Washington no longer exist as those states have decided to change their laws concerning the drug. The rest of the country, however, still has strict laws against the possession and sale and distribution of marijuana. In Pennsylvania, it is illegal to possess and/or sell what the criminal justice… Read More »
Plum teachers charged with sex crimes against students
For the second time in a week, a Plum High School teacher has been arrested for allegedly having sex with a student. The 40-year-old English teacher, who will face charges on at least two sex crimes, is also the vice president of the Plum Borough Education Association, representing Plum’s more than 250 educators. Plum Borough… Read More »
Man arrested for sex crimes was on probation for similar conviction
A man from Allegheny County who was convicted of sex crimes against a 6-year-old boy on a cruise ship in December 2009 was arrested again earlier this month after he was accused of offering candy to another child. When confronted at the Carnegie Science Center by staff and police, the man lied and said he was… Read More »
Pulled over for drunk driving? Know what’s required
One question I hear many people ask is “Can I refuse to take field sobriety tests when pulled over for drunk driving?” Here in Pennsylvania, you absolutely have the right to refuse to perform sobriety tests. However, it is important that you know that you can still be arrested for drunk driving whether you refuse or… Read More »
Drug crimes and child custody
Pittsburgh Drug Crimes Attorney People who are considered to be habitual drug abusers often have their children taken away from them after an arrest. And rightly so; using illegal narcotics can seriously affect a person’s parenting skills and decision making. It’s unfortunate, but some drug users use the benefits they get from having children to fuel… Read More »
Indiana man charged with assault, other violent crimes in stabbing
Criminal charges for violent crimes such as assault and battery can land a person in jail for a very long time. Recently, in Blairsville, PA, a man was stabbed several times with his own bayonet late last Saturday evening during an altercation is now being charged with violent crimes. Police say the man was attempting… Read More »
17-year-old Thornhill arrested for shooting three at Monroeville Mall
When we read about serious juvenile crimes, there is generally some sad subplot that pervades in the lives of these kids’ stories that is lost in the context of things. Often times, a troubling home life and sketchy upbringing can be the difference between a young man (or woman) excelling in life and leading a… Read More »
Criminal defense: What is probation violation?
If someone is convicted of a crime, in almost all circumstances, probation is set as a part of sentencing in lieu of, or in addition to, any fines, community service, and time spent in jail. Generally, probation is considered a second chance; however, it does comes with rather strict guidelines that must be followed. Terms… Read More »
Pennsylvania crime rates drop
News out of Pennsylvania shows that the number of criminal defense cases is down for the year, with a 1.4% drop in the number of violent crimes between 2013 and 2014. The total number of crimes dropped by 1.2%. This is the second consecutive year during which the total number of crimes has dropped. Authorities say that… Read More »
