If you’re in the midst of helping your child shop for dorm room essentials before they head to college, you likely aren’t thinking about preparing them to deal with campus police. However, even if your child has never been in trouble, it’s wise to spend a few minutes...
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Criminal Law
The benefits of having your record expunged
There are many stereotypes attached to people with criminal records. While some crimes involve conduct that is morally reprehensible, this isn’t always the case. A criminal record doesn’t necessarily define an individual. For instance, someone may have made a silly...
Locked up? Avoid these mistakes that could undermine your defense.
Some people get arrested and may find themselves in custody for hours before a judge arraigns them. The type of charge and timing of one's arrest will affect the length pf time they are in custody. While in custody, a person will understandably focus on getting out of...
What is the Clean Slate Law in Pennsylvania?
If you live in Pennsylvania, the "Clean Slate" Law might be the answer to giving you a fresh start. Passed in 2018, Pennsylvania's Clean Slate Law allows for the automatic sealing of certain criminal records. This groundbreaking legislation aims to provide individuals...
How can self-defense be applied to assault accusations?
People in Pennsylvania might be arrested for assault if they get into a physical altercation in a public area. They may also be arrested long after an encounter with someone else. There are even scenarios wherein individuals get arrested and are completely unaware of...
Should you fear a public drunkenness charge in Pennsylvania?
Public intoxication sounds like such a minor legal matter that most people do not give it much thought. At least you were not driving at the time. Walking home drunk must surely be the best and safest option, right? Yes, it is better not to drive after consuming too...
DUI charges escalate if there are minors in the car
In Pennsylvania, those who are charged with impaired driving for the first time risk serious consequences. If convicted of driving while under the influence (DUI), you could be ordered to participate in alcohol highway safety school, undergo substance abuse treatment,...
Why an expungement is important for your future after criminal charges
If you’re convicted of a crime, it’s going to go on your permanent criminal record in most cases. This means that police officers and other authorities will see it if you are involved in the criminal justice system again in the future. It can also come up if you’re...
3 things you need to know before accepting a plea deal
A plea deal may sound convenient on the face of it. After all, you may serve a shorter sentence when you agree to a plea bargain. However, there is more to a plea deal than meets the eye. When you get a deal to plead guilty in exchange for a lesser sentence or no...
What if your teenager is arrested for shoplifting?
It's every parent's nightmare: your teenager is arrested for shoplifting. You're concerned about the consequences and wondering what you should do next. Knowing Pennsylvania's laws regarding retail theft and the juvenile court system is crucial. The retail value...