Many of our clients and their families assume that Pennsylvania has legalized marijuana, just like New Jersey. The severity of a crime involving marijuana in the Commonwealth depends on the circumstances surrounding it.
If the NFL were to act, purely based on allegations and police reports, with as far as we know no real corroborating evidence (videos, recording, an indictment, civil verdict), the league is setting an extremely bad precedent!
The recent police misconduct cases in major cities, like Philadelphia, have raised questions about qualified immunity. Every case is different but we often receive very similar questions from families. Here are my answers to the top 3 questions regarding qualified immunity
There is a difference, however, between searches done by a government official, such as a police officer or other law enforcement and private searches. All persons have a 4th Amendment right against illegal search and seizure and both Pennsylvania and New Jersey’s constitution provide further protections.
Communication between the alleged victim and the defendant are major trial and pre-trial issues. We often must explain to clients legal concepts involving communications by phone, email and text message. It is unbelievable how many are actually convicted at trial because of a text message with often devasting prosecution evidence.
If this plastic bag ban wasn’t enough, a city, with the one of highest crimes rates in the country, has instituted a policy which directs police to NOT stop vehicles for certain vehicle code violations
New Jersey, like Pennsylvania, maintains laws to protect domestic violence victims. These are temporary (emergency) court orders and often final orders which prohibit the abuser from having any contact with the victim. They are often abused for other motives against domestic partners. In New Jersey there are 2 types of restraining orders: a temporary restraining order (TRO) and a final restraining order (FRO).
While these summer holiday weekend like Memorial Day and the 4th of July are a time to spend with our friends and family, there is always an increased police presence on the state and local highways in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. As we soon begin summer 2022, please keep in mind 5 important legal tips,
One of the first things that clients ask about is “my discovery” but most don’t understand what the discovery must contain and when they’re actually entitled to it! You hire a criminal defense lawyer not only to be your advocate in court but also to advise you about your rights under the law
The constitutional issue of an illegal search and seizure is an important concept especially in cases involving illegal drugs, guns, and firearms. In most cases, this type of contraband is discovered following a home or residence search.
