by Lea Bickerton | May 24, 2011 | Blog, Blog Posts, Proposed Laws, Summary Offenses, Underage Drinking
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that the Pennsylvania General Assembly is considering legislation that would grant amnesty to underage drinkers who contact the police or emergency medical services in an effort “to help a friend or acquaintance with a...
by Lea Bickerton | May 4, 2011 | Blog, Blog Posts, In the News, Sex Crimes, Special Court Programs
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas will start a new court program for defendants charged with sex crimes. The program’s goal is to increase accountability among sex offenders and to reduce recidivism rates. The...
by Lea Bickerton | Apr 19, 2011 | Blog, Blog Posts, Evidentiary Issues, In the News, News Update
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that US District Judge Gustave Diamond has denied a defendant’s motion to suppress evidence and dismiss charges in a case where the evidence was destroyed before trial. In this case, the Allegheny County District...
by Lea Bickerton | Apr 6, 2011 | Blog, Blog Posts, Drug Crimes, Evidentiary Issues, Federal Court Cases, In the News
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that a federal judge may permit a drug case to proceed after the Allegheny County Office of the District Attorney destroyed evidence. The case, which is being heard by U.S. District Court Judge Gustave Diamond, involves a defendant...
by Lea Bickerton | Mar 20, 2011 | Blog, Blog Posts, In the News, Laws of Questionable Merit
The Associated Press reports that South Carolina is considering legislation that would limit prison inmates’ access to Facebook. The law, if enacted, would prohibit inmates from accessing Facebook from inside the prison facility and from having friends or...
by Lea Bickerton | Jan 24, 2011 | Blog, Blog Posts, Laws of Questionable Merit, Proposed Laws
The Associated Press reports that two states are considering legislation that would regulate and/or bring awareness to the perils of distracted walking. New York and Arkansas lawmakers believe that walkers who use both earphones and walk while using cell phones...