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Criminal Defense
Court: DA Can't Make Defendants Pay Salaries of Prosecutors
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
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?
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
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?
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.)
The "Terry" Search: Can Police "Pat You Down" during a Vehicle Stop?
Lately, it seems when police stop an Erie motorist on suspicion of DUI, they do something that creates a question for the courts to answer. Here's what it is: When police tell a driver to exit the car, they "pat-down" or perform a "Terry" frisk on the driver as a matter of routine. When asked about the search (which sometimes leads to the discovery of a marijuana pipe or other illegal stuff) the police often reply, "We routinely do this for officer safety." The problem is our courts have held for some time that this explanation, without more, does not justify such a pat-down search.
