Recent Blog Posts
Even Small Criminal Cases Are Worth Fighting
If you have never struggled with addiction, then the memoirs of a recovering addict during his or her days of using read like an adventure story. The protagonist communicates with drug dealers in euphemisms; they wait for just the right moment to hand over the drugs. No one is sure who to trust. The… Read More »
Pub Owner Who Appealed Assault Conviction Gets New Trial
The “no double jeopardy” rule means that the state cannot try you twice for the same offense, but exactly what counts as being tried twice? If the jury returns a not guilty verdict, then that verdict is final, even if the state later discovers additional evidence that it could have used against you at… Read More »
Is DNA Evidence Valid In Burglary Cases?
DNA evidence is one of the most important developments in forensic science in our lifetimes. As of 2024, 575 wrongfully convicted people have had their convictions overturned after DNA evidence revealed that their DNA was not present at the crime scene. We most often hear of DNA indicating a defendant’s innocence or guilt in… Read More »
Police Obtain Search Warrant After Undercover Officer Buys Drugs At Folcroft Residence
You have probably seen news stories where an undercover officer bought illegal drugs from a defendant, and as soon as the money and the drugs had changed hands, multiple police officers appeared out of nowhere and flashed their badges, making an arrest after a dramatic confrontation. That is not always how sales to undercover… Read More »
What Happens If You Get Arrested For An Unrelated Crime While You Are Out On Bond?
It is possible to face criminal charges for two unrelated offenses at the same time. Even though the Bill of Rights guarantees the right to a speedy trial, the time between the initial arrest and the trial. Judges have the option to set defendants whose cases are pending free until their trial dates, to… Read More »
It Doesn’t Matter Where You Were At The Time Of The Crime If You Hired The Hit Man
Everyone who has ever passed the time during a multi-day snow emergency by reading detective novels or playing murder mystery parlor games has a basic understanding of the alibi defense. When you provide an alibi, you are claiming that you cannot be guilty of the charges because you were somewhere else when the crime… Read More »
Undercover Officers Arrest Four Central Pennsylvania Men After Online Sting Operation
Police often engage in undercover operations to gather the evidence they need to make an arrest. In an undercover operation, a law enforcement agent pretends to be a willing accomplice who is seeking out a drug deal, soliciting clients for commercial sex, or otherwise attempting to engage in an illegal activity that, by nature,… Read More »
Two Nevada Men Convicted Of Fraud Against Pittsburgh Seniors
Elderly people are among the most vulnerable to Internet scams. Seniors are more likely to be lonely and therefore to respond to emails, Facebook messages, What’s App messages, and other forms of online communication when these messages come from people they do not know. They also tend to be less Internet savvy; you might… Read More »
Jury Convicts Huntingdon Valley Home Contractor Of Theft By Deception And Unfair Business Practices
The business self help books that you find for sale in airport convenience stores and at FedEx Office tell you to under-promise and over-deliver. In many industries, your ability to meet a deadline depends on factors beyond your control. One small glitch in the supply chain or workflow can set your whole project behind… Read More »
Pittsburgh Man Pleads Guilty To Embezzling Money From Disabled Veterans
The first thing that comes to mind when most people hear the word “embezzlement” is a C-suite employee drawing checks on his employer’s account and making them payable to a shell corporation owned by the C-suite employee himself or one of his accomplices. The charge of embezzlement can apply under less glamorous circumstances, too. … Read More »