by Lea Bickerton | Apr 24, 2026 | Blog, Law Learning Center, PCRA
While many people are familiar with the arrest and trial stages of a criminal case, what happens after a defendantis sentenced isn’t as well known. When mistakes are made in a case in Pennsylvania, the defendant can file a direct appeal or a petition for relief under...
by Lea Bickerton | Dec 19, 2012 | Blog, Blog Posts, In the News, Megan's Law, PCRA
Starting tomorrow, the rules for who must register as a Megan’s Law sex offender in Pennsylvania will change. Under the new law, sex offenders are classified by three tiers. Tier I offenders will have to register for 15 years. Tier II offenders will have to...
by Lea Bickerton | Jun 17, 2010 | Blog, Case Law Summaries, Ineffective Assistance of Counsel, PCRA
Commonwealth v. Joseph Abraham 2010 PA Super 104 (6/08/2010) Topic: Ineffective Assistance of Counsel – PCRA – Collateral Consequences Summary: In view of the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in Padilla v. Kentucky, the fact that a consequence of a...
by Lea Bickerton | Aug 6, 2009 | Case Law Summaries, PCRA
Commonwealth v. Herbert Brian Stout 2009 PA Super 122 (7/06/2009)Topic: PCRA – Timeliness and Right to Counsel for First PCRASummary: A defendant has the right to counsel for a first PCRA regardless of whether the action appears untimely on its...
by Lea Bickerton | Aug 3, 2009 | Case Law Summaries, Megan's Law, PCRA
Commonwealth v. Jeffrey Williams 2009 PA Super 121 (7/002/2009)Topic: PCRA – Timeliness – Megan’s Law RegistrationSummary: Megan’s Law registration requirements are considered collateral consequences and the period of registration does not...
by Lea Bickerton | May 29, 2009 | Case Law Summaries, Ineffective Assistance of Counsel, PCRA
Commonwealth v. Antoine Ligons J-121-2007 (5/27/2009)Majority Opinion by Justice Baer (joined by Justice Todd, joined by Justice Saylor in parts I-IV, VI, and VIII; joined by Chief Justice Castille, Justice Eakin and Justice McCaffery in parts I, the first half of...
