Criminal Law

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,...

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...

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...

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...

There are dozens of ways to violate Pennsylvania traffic laws. If a police officer witnesses you breaking the law or if you cause a crash after a traffic violation, you may end up with a citation to pay. Repeated traffic infractions could drastically increase your...

The United States Constitution provides individuals in this country with specific rights. The first 10 Amendments are known as the Bill of Rights. The Fifth Amendment outlines certain rights for people who are being interrogated by the police. The Supreme Court...

You may assume that if you’re being interrogated by a police officer about suspected criminal activity, they have to tell you the truth. That’s not the case. In all 50 states, it’s legal for law enforcement officers to lie to suspects.  They often do this to elicit...

Using social media is a normal occurrence for most people. If you are like most people, you use these platforms to share pictures, updates and information about your life. While it offers a great way to remain in contact with family and friends, these platforms can...

Is a ChildLine Report a criminal matter in Pennsylvania? No. In PA, child welfare workers are not criminal investigators. However, that does NOT mean you cannot receive criminal charges from the same allegations. Reports of child abuse in Pennsylvania are investigated...

Having a criminal history can affect your quality of life. You may find it hard to land a job, housing or even education opportunities simply because you have a criminal record. Fortunately, there is a way you can deal with your criminal past - by expunging your...