(412) 596-8124

BriefLaw: Commonwealth v. Brian Hughes

Commonwealth v. Brian Hughes 2009 PA Super 240 (12/14/2009) Topic: Forgery – Grading – Cashier’s Checks Summary:  The Superior Court concluded that a cashier’s check, unlike a personal check, is not a commercial instrument.  Therefore, forging...

BriefLaw: Commonwealth v. Richard Thomas

Commonwealth v. Richard Thomas 2009 PA Super 245 (12/16/2009) Topic: Gun Crimes – Persons Not to Possess a Firearm – Operability of the Firearm Summary: Under 18 Pa. C.S.A. Section 6105, the firearm does not need to be operable for a defendant to be...

In the News: West Mifflin passes gun ordinance

On December 15, 2009, West Mifflin, Pennsylvania (located near Pittsburgh) passed a new ordinance requiring gun owners to report their weapon stolen within 72 hours of discovering the theft.  If owners fail to comply with the ordinance, they face a possible 30 days in...

BriefLaw: Commonwealth v. Au

Commonwealth v. John Au  2009 PA Super 231 (12/01/2009) Topic: Suppression of Evidence – Mere Encounter vs. Investigative Detention Summary: Where an officer approaches a vehicle to see if the occupants are in need of help, the mere encounter is transformed to...