In a post last week, this blog discussed the special statutory meaning of "close proximity" in Pennsylvania's sentencing laws that requires a mandatory five year sentence for anyone convicted of selling drugs when, at the time of the offense, drugs and firearms were...
Year: 2010
Firearms and Drugs in the Same House or Apartment Requires a Five Year Mandatory Sentence Under Pennsylvania’s Drug and Gun Law
In 2004, Pennsylvaniadded a sentencing provision that increases penalties when drugs and weapons are used together. Generally, this provision was aimed at criminals who involved guns in their illegal sale of drugs. It requires a mandatory sentence of five years...
Pennsylvania Legislature Seeks to Expand the “Castle Doctrine”
On November 27, 2010, Govenor Rendell vetoed a bill that significantly altered self-defense law in Pennsylvania. The bill, which easily passed both the Pennsylvania House and Senate, expanded the “castle doctrine” which permits citizens use deadly...
Government moves to ban “fake pot”
This blog will discuss the current drive by the U.S. Government and state legislatures to outlaw synthetic marijuana. Synthetic marijuana is a substance typically sold as incense under names like K2, Wicked, Spice, Gold, and Genie. The incense packaging indicates that...
Megan’s Law Registration Requirements and Penalties
This blog will focus on Pennsylvania State Police Megan's Law, requirements, triggering offenses, and compliance violation penalties. 42 Pa. C.S. § 9799.1 authorizes the Pennsylvania State Police to create and maintain a state registry of offenders and sexually...
Taking the Fourth Amendment to the Streets
The modern media has made Americans familiar with certain protections afforded by the United States' constitution. Most anyone you ask can recite the Miranda warnings, even if it's just from exposure to police officers on Law and Order. You know the...
The new Criminal Justice Center Room Assignments
Starting this fall, the courtroom assignments in Philadelphia's CJC will be changed in line with District Attorney Seth Williams's revision of the District Attorney's Office. These changes are summarized in the following chart:Philly DA's Court Room Grid
What happens if I violate my court-ordered supervision?
If you have recently had contact with the judicial system, there is a significant chance that you are on parole or probation. Parole is court-ordered supervision that occurs in place of incarceration and any individual who is released from prison prior to completing...
How to get information in Pennsylvania
One of the first things a citizen has to do when they have an issue with their government is to gather information. Unfortunately, this initial step can be a frustrating maze of automated telephone systems. This unpleasantness can result in putting off simple tasks...
New Centralized Prosecution in Philadelphia
This fall, the criminal justice system in Philadelphia is receiving an overhaul that will centralize prosecution at the downtown Criminal Justice Center. The Criminal Justice Center, or the CJC as it is more often referred to, sits catty-corner to City Hall at...