Pennsylvania Criminal Law Blog
Ignition interlock device laws in Pennsylvania
At this time of year, a lot of attention is given to campaigns focused on drinking and driving. People in Pennsylvania know that driving a motor vehicle while impaired is not only illegal but very unsafe and irresponsible. However, that does not mean that having a...
Older adults and drunk driving charges
Many people think of younger drivers when they try to imagine the typical person who is pulled over for DUI. That said, drivers of various age groups are taken into custody for driving drunk, and the charges can be very serious regardless of one's age. In fact, an...
What are the types of theft crimes in Pennsylvania
Penalties for theft in Pennsylvania significantly vary, depending on the value of the stolen goods and other factors of the case. For example, offenders who used a weapon will receive a more serious charge than those who did not. If you face a theft charge in the...
Do you have to answer questions from a police officer?
If Pennsylvania law enforcement officers pull you over while driving or contact you about an investigation, you may automatically feel like you need to answer their questions. However, it is important to understand that you have certain rights under the law. In a...
Investigation finds breathalyzers to be inaccurate
Those involved in marketing breathalyzer machines in Pennsylvania tout the devices' precision to the third decimal place. The machines are ubiquitous; nearly every law enforcement station in the United States has one. When a breathalyzer indicates that a driver's...
Pennsylvania more lenient than other states for speeding
For drivers who have received speeding tickets in Pennsylvania, the last word they may use to describe the state is “lenient.” However, in comparison to other U.S. states, some might say Pennsylvania actually goes a little easy on speeders. This is not to say that...
Senate Committee Approves Bill to Reduce Employment Barriers for Persons with Criminal Records
Last week, the Senate Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure Committee voted unanimously to advance SB 637, legislation that would reduce barriers for persons with a criminal record in obtaining a professional license in Pennsylvania. NACDL has joined a host...
What is the exclusionary rule?
When searching for incriminating evidence against you, authorities in Pennsylvania must follow rules set down in the Constitution. The Fourth Amendment protects you from unreasonable searches and seizures by law enforcement. Specifically, authorities must have...
Collision with police leads to drug, weapons charges
Authorities arrested a 42-year-old man in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, for DUI after he reportedly struck a marked police vehicle. He also faces charges related to firearms not to be carried without a license following the alleged revocation of his Permit to Carry....
What does implied consent mean in Pennsylvania?
When you drive on the Pennsylvania roads, you give your implied consent for a blood or breath test to determine your sobriety during a traffic stop. Refusal to take a breath test when an officer suspects you of driving under the influence carries enhanced penalties in...
