You’ve found yourself charged with criminal offenses in Pennsylvania, and your hearing date is fast approaching. You have a defense strategy and you’ve sought out relevant guidance from knowledgeable parties. It feels like matters are pretty much out of your hands...
Violent Crimes
Violent Crimes
What are possible defenses to a murder charge?
Perhaps the most serious criminal charge you can ever face is a murder charge. The intentional taking of someone else's life carries very strict ramifications and sentencing could include things like life without parole. As such, it is incredibly important for you to...
Is serious injury necessary for you to face assault charges?
Assault is one of the most common violent crimes, and it is also one of the most misunderstood. Quite a few people have dangerously inaccurate definitions for assault. They might engage in behavior that is technically assault under state law without realizing what...
What do you need to know about Pennsylvania’s self-defense laws?
One common defense that defendants facing violent offenses face often employ is a self-defense one. This defense centers around the idea that you turned to force to protect yourself from being subjected to significant bodily harm or death at the hands of another...
DNA databases and you: What to consider
Are you thinking about buying those DNA testing kits this holiday season for yourself and your family members? You might want to rethink those plans. Home DNA testing has become quite popular with people who want to explore everything from the best diet for their...
What does the PA moratorium on the death penalty mean?
Pennsylvania is one of 27 states that permit capital punishment in the case of severe crimes like murder. Pennsylvania has historically executed hundreds of individuals and has dozens of people currently awaiting execution. However, many of these individuals are in...
Do states with stricter gun laws have lower gun-related deaths?
Gun control is one of the most divisive topics in the United States of America. Many people seem to have strong opinions either for or against gun control. When such strong opinions and emotions are attached to a subject, it can be difficult to be impartial. ...
Could Pennsylvania lawmakers repeal the death penalty?
There has been a moratorium on the death penalty here in Pennsylvania since Gov. Tom Wolf came into office in 2015. However, it can legally be used again if and when that moratorium is ended by his successor. With the next Pennsylvania gubernatorial race in November...
How often are innocent people given the death penalty in the United States?
Many countries outside of the U.S., as well as many states within the U.S., have outlawed the death penalty. Pennsylvania has not. Capital punishment is infrequent, but it is still used. There are many reasons that other governments have stopped using the death...
If the police say these 4 things, they’re probably lying
Whether you’re there in handcuffs or you walked in voluntarily, it’s scary to be stuck in a tiny room with a police detective grilling you about a serious crime. Worse still: Most people have been socialized to believe that authority figures have to be honest with...