To most people, the closest they will get to the criminal justice system is through episodes Law & Order or CSI. Those arrested in real life often find that the reality of being arrested is not like it is on television. Many assume that as they are arrested, the police will recite their Miranda rights. They also assume that if they are arrested at 4 pm, they will be able to make bail and be home in time for the six o’clock news. In...
Commentary: What to learn from Montejo v. Louisiana
In the Supreme Court’s decision in Montejo v. Louisiana, there are 3 key lessons for defendants to walk away with: 1.) Don’t talk to the police.2.) Ask for a lawyer as soon as possible.3.) Don’t talk to the police. Share this:Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new...
Commentary: When dismissed charges come back
Former Pennsylvania State Representative Mike Veon was charged with engaging in conduct that creates a conflict of interest (65 Pa.C.S.A. Section 1103); theft by unlawful taking (18 Pa.C.S.A. Section 3921(a)); theft by deception (18 Pa.C.S.A. Section 3922(a)(1)); theft by failure to make required dispositon of funds (18 Pa.C.S.A. Section 3927(a)); misapplication of entrusted property and property of government or financial institutions (18...
Commentary: Post-Conviction Relief Act (PCRA) Basics
After a defendant has been convicted, he has a few options to challenge the conviction. Along with a post-sentencing motion and a direct appeal, one of the methods a defendant may use to challenge his conviction is a petition under the Post-Conviction Relief Act (PCRA).What is a PCRA petition? A PCRA petition is used to challenge the validity of a conviction where the defendant believes that he was subjected to: 1.) A constitutional...
Commentary: How to pick a criminal defense lawyer
How to Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer: Many people who go in search of a criminal defense attorney have never been in any type of trouble with the law and don’t know where to begin. There are even some who have past experience with the justice system who don’t actually know how to pick a good criminal defense lawyer. Fortunately, with a few guidelines, it is possible to pick a qualified criminal defense attorney. Guideline #1:...