by Lea Bickerton | Sep 25, 2009 | In the News, Pittsburgh G20
KDKA reports that 66 people were arrested during the first day of the Pittsburgh G20 Summit. Additionally, 20 local businesses suffered property damage as a result of G20 protest related disturbances. KDKA points out that of the various demonstrations that took place,...
by Lea Bickerton | Sep 19, 2009 | Case Law Summaries, Parole, Probation, Search and Seizure, sentencing
Commonwealth v. Harry Galendez 2009 PA Super 185 (9/16/2009)Topic: Defendant’s Right to be Present – Parole and Probation SearchesSummary: 1.) The defendant and his counsel have the right to be present at every crucial stage of the trial process, including...
by Lea Bickerton | Sep 19, 2009 | Case Law Summaries, Probation, sentencing
Commonwealth v. Christina Marie Houtz 2009 PA Super 186 (9/16/2009)Topic: Terms of Probation – Undue RestrictionsSummary: A probationary restriction must be reasonably tied to the illegal act. Therefore, where a defendant was not accused of using the Internet to...
by Lea Bickerton | Sep 19, 2009 | Case Law Summaries, Mandatory Sentence, sentencing
Commonwealth v. Madeira 2009 PA Super 180 (9/14/1009)Topic: Sentencing – Mandatory MinimumSummary: When a statute uses the language “not less than,” the sentence referred to must be interpreted to be a mandatory...
by Lea Bickerton | Sep 19, 2009 | Appeal, Case Law Summaries
Commonwealth v. Israel Santiago J-34-2009 (8/25/2009)Topic: Motion to Withdraw – Anders BriefSummary: When filing an Anders Brief, counsel must include an explanation for why s/he believes that the issues the defendant wishes to raise on appeal are wholly...
by Lea Bickerton | Sep 15, 2009 | In the News
The Pittsburgh Tribune Review reports that, as a result of the current budget impasse in Pennsylvania, several inmates who have been approved to be released from jail on probation. The inmates in question are homeless. Due to the still-unpassed state budget, emergency...
