Blog Category | criminal defense
Your Rights When Being Questioned by the Police in Bethlehem, PA.
When police stop to question you, you are protected by the U.S. Constitution. You have the right to be free from unreasonable searches, the right to remain silent, and the right to an attorney. These protections — guaranteed under the Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Amendments and reinforced by the Miranda...
Key Differences Between a Felony and a Misdemeanor
In Pennsylvania, the main difference between a felony and a misdemeanor is the severity of the offense and the punishment it carries. Felonies are more serious crimes. They have the possibility of at least one year in prison (and sometimes far more) for a conviction. In contrast, misdemeanors involve less...
Common defenses against criminal charges in Pennsylvania
Getting charged with a criminal offense can be troubling and have potentially life-changing consequences. In such situations, mounting a robust defense is crucial. When facing criminal charges in Pennsylvania, several possible defenses may form part of your defense strategy. The defense of entrapment Your defense team may present the argument...
What’s first-degree murder in Pennsylvania?
If you intentionally kill someone in Pennsylvania, you could be charged with first-degree murder. It is the most serious homicide charge, and it carries severe legal penalties in the event of a conviction. Murder is a capital offense, and you may spend a lifetime behind bars or worse if you...
Can the judge refuse a plea deal?
The majority of criminal charges never go to trial due to plea bargaining. A plea bargain is an arrangement where the defendant pleads guilty to the original charge or a lesser charge in exchange for a more lenient sentence. Plea bargaining can offer several benefits to both parties. However, it’s...
Do you have to let the police come inside?
If a police officer asks to come inside your house, do you actually have a choice? Is it actually a question or are they demanding to come inside? Regardless of how they phrase it, it does need to be a question. The officer needs your permission to enter your home....
What is a “chain of custody” and why does it matter?
If you stand accused of a crime then the police and prosecution will search for evidence to back up their case. Some of that may take the form of physical items – such as an item of clothing found near a crime scene or a bag of drugs allegedly found...