Criminal Defense

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...

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...

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...

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...

It should not be unreasonable to expect understanding when you encounter a situation where you feel forced to defend yourself (or those you love). Yet even with this general understanding, many people in Pennsylvania view claims of self-defense with a great deal of...

Disorderly conduct is the type of charge people associate with teenagers who play their music too loudly or who cause a raucous in public. Because of this perception, not many people take disorderly conduct charges seriously. They should, though, as a disorderly...

Private prisons are those owned by a corporation instead of the federal or state governments running them. Privatizing the prison system was something that happened as a result of overcrowding and underfunding issues. According to the Justice Policy Institute, the...

You may have worked to become an educator to fulfill a lifelong dream, or you may have done so because you have an inherent desire to help children. Whatever your reasoning for becoming a teacher, you must be cautious about the way you behave if you wish to work...

Certain factors can take an existing crime and make it even worse, adding to the penalties you could suffer if a court convicts you. When it comes to the crime of arson, you may serve up to seven years in prison if charged with a third degree felony. However, acts...

Imagine being locked up in prison for a decade or longer after being convicted of a crime you didn’t commit. You are fortunate that the truth eventually comes out and you are freed. But what happens next? Surely, the state owes you some financial compensation for the...