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Freedom is something that we don't take for granted.
Most of us take our freedom for granted. Like many other things, we often fail to appreciate its value until we are faced with the possibility of losing it. If you face criminal charges, then you understand this better than most people. The weight of a mere criminal allegation can result in not only the loss of freedom (such as the imposition of bond or a probation detainer), but such allegations also can result in loss of employment, anxiety, stress and emotional strain for you and your family. The case - your case - becomes the central focus of your life.
Tim George appreciates that people accused of criminal offenses need more than just representation by a skilled advocate, but also an experienced professional who will listen, care and counsel. These values define his practice which began in 1992. Quite simply, we defend freedom. And we do so one person at a time. We hope that you will find the information provided throughout this site to be both useful and interesting. If you would like to discuss your case, learn about your options, and plan the best way ahead for you and your family, call Tim toll free at (866) 794-2525 or in Erie at (814) 636-1618. Your consultation will be confidential. The initial office meeting is free.
Recent Criminal Defense Articles ( MORE ARTICLES )
Court: DA Can't Make Defendants Pay Salaries of Prosecutors January 01, 2012
The recent unanimous decision by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court makes clear that the "costs of prosecution" which routinely must be paid by a defendant upon conviction may not include the salaries and wages of the prosecutors and detectives who worked on the case.
Drugs, College Students & Federal Student Aid: When Getting High Creates a Really Expensive Buzz August 08, 2011
Getting high in college can end up being a really expensive buzz when a drug conviction costs you a federal loan or grant or your work study job. You should not wait until after you are convicted to get the answers to the questions that affect your academic future. Call (814) 835-0400.
When Can a Conviction for a Summary Offense be Expunged? April 04, 2011
After many years of having to advise clients that their summary convictions could not be expunged, we now have some good news. As a result of an amendment to the law in Pennsylvania in January 2009, the summary conviction you might have received several years ago in Erie, Edinboro or Meadville can be expunged if you have been "free of arrest or prosecution for five years following the conviction."
Erie Lawyer Defends College Students Arrested for First Time February 02, 2011
In Erie, Edinboro and Meadville Pennsylvania, some cases like theft and certain drug offenses can be resolved without a trial, without a conviction and without prison. Even better, the charges can be dismissed and your arrest record cleared if you qualify for a program known as ARD. This is especially important for local college students at Penn State Behrend, Gannon University, Mercyhurst College, Edinboro University and Allegheny College facing criminal allegations for the first time. If you face charges and plan to be a school teacher or want to pursue a career in criminal justice, you've come to the right place for help. Call (814) 835-0400 to dicuss your case and preserve your future.
Erie Criminal Defense Lawyer - What Happens at a "Suppression" Hearing? November 11, 2010
In Pennsylvania, if you face criminal allegations, and you or your lawyer believe that evidence has been obtained by police in violation of your rights, you may seek to have the evidence "suppressed" or excluded from your case. Learn what happens at a this kind of hearing (and read an actual transcript from a recent suppression hearing where the Court suppressed all of the evidence.)
These words have meaning only when we give them meaning.
The following principles serve as a framework within which all criminal cases are to be decided. It is our job to give these words meaning in your case and in every case.
Presumption of Innocence
A fundamental principle of our system of criminal law is that the defendant is presumed to be innocent. The mere fact that he was arrested and is accused of a crime is not any evidence against him. Furthermore, the defendant is presumed innocent throughout a trial and unless and until a jury concludes, based on careful and impartial consideration of the evidence, that the Commonwealth has proven him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
* PA Standard Criminal Jury Instructions, Volume I, Chapter VII, 7.01(1)
Burden of Proof
It is not the defendant’s burden to prove that he is not guilty. Instead, it is the Commonwealth that always has the burden of proving each and every element of the crime charged and that the defendant is guilty of that crime beyond a reasonable doubt. The person accused of a crime is not required to present evidence or prove anything in his own defense. If the Commonwealth’s evidence fails to meet its burden, then your verdict must be not guilty. On the other hand, if the Commonwealth’s evidence does prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant is guilty, then your verdict should be guilty.
* PA Standard Criminal Jury Instructions, Volume I, Chapter VII, 7.01(2)
Reasonable Doubt
Although the Commonwealth has the burden of proving that an accused is guilty, this does not mean that, the Commonwealth must prove its case beyond all doubt and to a mathematical certainty, nor must it demonstrate the complete impossibility of innocence. A reasonable doubt is a doubt that would cause a reasonably careful and sensible person to hesitate before acting upon a matter of importance in his own affairs. A reasonable doubt must fairly arise out of the evidence that was presented or out of the lack of evidence presented with respect to some element of the crime. A reasonable doubt must be a real doubt; it may not be an imagined one, nor may it be a doubt manufactured to avoid carrying out an unpleasant duty.
Reasonable doubt which will justify acquittal is doubt based on reason and arising from evidence or lack of evidence, and it is doubt which reasonable man or woman might entertain, and it is not fanciful doubt, is not imagined doubt, and is not doubt that juror might conjure up to avoid performing unpleasant task or duty.
So, to summarize, a jury may not find the defendant guilty based on a mere suspicion of guilt. The Commonwealth has the burden of proving the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If it meets that burden, then the defendant is no longer presumed innocent and a jury should find him guilty. On the other hand, if the Commonwealth does not meet its burden, then the jury must find him not guilty.
* PA Standard Criminal Jury Instructions, Volume I, Chapter VII, 7.01(3) & (4)
