Pennsylvania Criminal Law Blog
What are federal collateral consequences?
When you face drug charges, you may expect that a conviction will impact your life. However, you may not expect to experience collateral consequences at the federal level. According to the United States Government Accountability Office, you may experience collateral...
Examining the lifelong impact of violent crime
Violence can upend the lives of both perpetrator and victim. Even a single violent experience can create damaging consequences that may never go away completely. Examining the connection between violent crime and other issues may provide encouragement for people to...
Should you accept a plea bargain?
When facing criminal charges, you have several options available. You may have heard the term plea bargain before. This is one of your potential options. But what is a plea bargain? What are the benefits and drawbacks? Should you accept one if the option is on the...
False domestic violence allegations and arrest
If you are falsely accused of domestic violence, there are many different issues to consider. For example, you need to think about your future as well as the potential penalties you face, such as time behind bars, a damaged reputation and a shattered relationship with...
Can I challenge breathalyzer results?
If you are dealing with DUI charges, it is highly likely that your case will hinge on breathalyzer results. Not all DUI cases do, but most of the time the prosecution will start off with what the breathalyzer results say. Just like it is possible to challenge a radar...
What are the 3 levels of DUI in Pennsylvania?
When you drink alcohol and drive a vehicle, you could get arrested for driving under the influence. If convicted, you could face jail time, fines, loss of driving privileges and other consequences for this charge. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania made it illegal to...
Can you get a DUI on prescription medications?
You, like most people, may assume that DUI laws apply only to individuals who drive while under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol. If this is the case, it may surprise you to learn that you can also receive a DUI for driving while on prescription drugs. State...
Eyewitness identification and the human memory
Eyewitness identification and testimony is often used as evidence in a criminal trial. What the jury may not take into account, however, are the flaws and inaccuracies that often occur in the eyewitness process. Unreliable procedures used in the eyewitness...
3 surprising facts about ignition interlock devices
If you have multiple DUI convictions or a single conviction for driving with a high blood alcohol concentration, a judge may order you to install an ignition interlock device on every vehicle you drive. To start your vehicle, you must provide an alcohol-free breath...
What career paths might be blocked after a DUI conviction?
Pennsylvania residents like you may think that a one-time DUI conviction is not a big deal. Unfortunately, this is far from the truth. Even if you have a clean record, one DUI conviction could have a major impact on your future. DUI convictions on your record can...