Pennsylvania Criminal Law Blog
Do DUI traffic stops unfairly impact women?
Historically, more men face DUI charges than women. However, the number of female offenders has increased in recent decades. Many researchers attribute the changing statistics to shifts in societal norms and attitudes around women drinking in bars. Still, others point...
The importance of obeying a protection order
If you are facing domestic violence charges, you may be in possession of a protection order. This order outlines rules that you must follow, and there is a certain time period for which the order is valid. The rules the judge orders vary depending on the specific...
What rights do you have during a traffic stop?
When an officer pulls you over, you should comply, but this does not mean that you have to do everything an officer tells you to do. You still have rights that you can uphold. The key is to understand your rights and to react to the officer with respect and a calm...
Can a car accident result in an assault charge?
In general, a criminal charge for assault requires that the defendant have intent to assault a victim. In the case of vehicular assault, however, the intent to harm another person is not an element that a prosecutor must prove for a judge or jury to find a defendant...
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...
