Pennsylvania Criminal Defense Legal Questions

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499 legal questions have been posted about criminal law by real users in Pennsylvania. Ask your question and dive into the knowledge of attorneys who handle your issue regularly. Similar topics to explore also include theft, weapons charges, and death penalty. All topics and other states can be accessed in the dropdowns below.
Pennsylvania Criminal Defense Questions & Legal Answers - Page 12
Do you have any Pennsylvania Criminal Defense questions page 12 and need some legal advice or guidance? Ask a Lawyer to get an answer or read through our 499 previously answered Pennsylvania Criminal Defense questions.

Recent Legal Answers

How do I get my motor bike back?

Answered 10 years and a month ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Sounds like it could be a theft case. He may want money? Talk to a police officer.
Sounds like it could be a theft case. He may want money? Talk to a police officer.
If they are sent a subpoena to do so.
If they are sent a subpoena to do so.
Maybe not. Show the warrant and police report to a lawyer. My predication is that the police will say you consented to the garage search.
Maybe not. Show the warrant and police report to a lawyer. My predication is that the police will say you consented to the garage search.
Ask the police.
Ask the police.
If the warrant was only for failure to pay, but you paid, you will have to quash (or squash as my clients say) the warrant. An attorney may be able to swing this without you turning yourself in.
If the warrant was only for failure to pay, but you paid, you will have to quash (or squash as my clients say) the warrant. An attorney may be able... Read More

Can an attorney cease representation over comments questioning his/her fees?

Answered 10 years and 2 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Some counties in their bar association, have a client-lawyer fee dispute mediation program. You could see if your county has one. If that doesn't work, you may have to find a lawyer to sue him. You can also file a D-Board complaint, but I would be careful in doing so and only do it if your lawyer thinks it advisable.... Read More
Some counties in their bar association, have a client-lawyer fee dispute mediation program. You could see if your county has one. If that doesn't ... Read More

I WAS CHARGED WITH INTENT TO DELIVER MANUFACTURE DRUGS

Answered 10 years and 2 months ago by Keith J. Bidlingmaier (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
I would need more information.  What else was in the box? what drugs are they accusing you of possessing? What township/city and county did this happen in?
I would need more information.  What else was in the box? what drugs are they accusing you of possessing? What township/city and county did... Read More
If they are using the statements to prosecute you on the prior 3 occasions, I would have an attorney review all of the facts to see if your 5th amendment rights were violated.
If they are using the statements to prosecute you on the prior 3 occasions, I would have an attorney review all of the facts to see if your 5th... Read More

How much time am I looking at if Iโ€™m on felony probation for 2 years?

Answered 10 years and 2 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Nobody can possibly answer this without information such as your criminal record, what the new charges are, your guidelines.
Nobody can possibly answer this without information such as your criminal record, what the new charges are, your guidelines.
I think theft is 5 years but you should not wait to file as your claim will weaken as more time passes.
I think theft is 5 years but you should not wait to file as your claim will weaken as more time passes.
I don't know where you live but in my county, your optimum result would be for her to complete shoplifting classes in exchange for a total dismissal.
I don't know where you live but in my county, your optimum result would be for her to complete shoplifting classes in exchange for a total ... Read More
The PO and the court most likely do not care about your pregnancy as a reason to open the jail doors to this guy. They have heard that line hundreds of times through the years. Many guys in jail, or guys about to be arrested, have a baby's mom or two out there. Your angle should be to get some cash and find him a lawyer to file a petition to lift the detainer.... Read More
The PO and the court most likely do not care about your pregnancy as a reason to open the jail doors to this guy. They have heard that line ... Read More
It is easy to charge someone, whether he is convicted is another matter. Sounds like he may have a shot at justification through self defense. I think he or she needs a lawyer.
It is easy to charge someone, whether he is convicted is another matter. Sounds like he may have a shot at justification through self defense. I ... Read More
I am not entirely sure I understand your question the way it is written. If you are saying that your daughter was on probation for drugs and then was arrested for DUI, and that she is facing a probation violation charge, I can answer. Yes, a new conviction, if the crime was committed when she was on probation, can be a probation violation. It could possibly lead to incarceration, but not always. If this was a possession charge, and a DUI violated the probation, it seems there might be other options for her, like a D&A program or house arrest. You should talk to an attorney and review the entire situation.... Read More
I am not entirely sure I understand your question the way it is written. If you are saying that your daughter was on probation for drugs and then ... Read More
If you are saying someone owed you money/stole it from you, and you tasered them and tried to take their handbag, I can offer this. You could be charged with a variety of crimes, like robbery, attempted robbery, assault, etc.
If you are saying someone owed you money/stole it from you, and you tasered them and tried to take their handbag, I can offer this. You could be... Read More

Can someone go to jail for slashing someone's car tire?

Answered 10 years and 3 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Probably not unless they have an extensive criminal record. The charge will likely be criminal mischief. They should try to pay for the tires in exchange for a dismissal of the charges. A lawyer will help.
Probably not unless they have an extensive criminal record. The charge will likely be criminal mischief. They should try to pay for the tires in... Read More

With a warrant of arrest, can a case move to another state?

Answered 10 years and 3 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
If the alleged crime happened in state A and you live in state B, the jurisdiction is in state A so the case will be heard there. The court does not move to where you move to.
If the alleged crime happened in state A and you live in state B, the jurisdiction is in state A so the case will be heard there. The court does... Read More
I do not recall it being in the list of crimes that exclude you from possession a firearm. However, I think it will be a problem obtaining a carry permit.
I do not recall it being in the list of crimes that exclude you from possession a firearm. However, I think it will be a problem obtaining a carry... Read More
Ask his attorney or call the jail. It is only Friday, sometimes it takes a day or two for all the paperwork to go through. Unless there is another hold for him like an arrest warrant or a probation warrant which acts as a detainer, he should be released soon.
Ask his attorney or call the jail. It is only Friday, sometimes it takes a day or two for all the paperwork to go through. Unless there is another... Read More
It depends on how patient the District Justice is. I have seen this happen-prisoners not brought in from prisons. If I was the judge I think once or twice is permissible, but the third time, I would dismiss the case and tell the Commonwealth to refile-they can always refile.
It depends on how patient the District Justice is. I have seen this happen-prisoners not brought in from prisons. If I was the judge I think once... Read More
You need a lawyer to help you defend the case. Once you are found not guilty, the attorney can file a motion to return property to get the judge to order the police to return the bike.
You need a lawyer to help you defend the case. Once you are found not guilty, the attorney can file a motion to return property to get the judge to... Read More
I would call the District Justice office and explain to them that you were in jail. They may just reschedule your hearing, especially if it was a summary offense.
I would call the District Justice office and explain to them that you were in jail. They may just reschedule your hearing, especially if it was a... Read More

What happens to my friend who has a warrant for probation violation?

Answered 10 years and 3 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
He is wrong. He is going to jail. Sooner or later. He would be better off turning himself in.
He is wrong. He is going to jail. Sooner or later. He would be better off turning himself in.

i dont have any felonies and after applying to to be able to have a firearm. i was arrested for false info.

Answered 10 years and 3 months ago by John Karl Puskar (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
There are many questions on the firearm purchase form. Is it possible you answered something wrong by mistake?
There are many questions on the firearm purchase form. Is it possible you answered something wrong by mistake?

my son is currently incarcerated in philadephia and was evaluated to go in to a rehab.

Answered 10 years and 3 months ago by Nikolaus Alexander Baikow (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Depends on what kind of detainer we are talking about.  Is this a no-bail detainer?  Also, what is the reason why there is a detainer.  These are some of the questions that have to be evaluated before your question can be fully understood. 
Depends on what kind of detainer we are talking about.  Is this a no-bail detainer?  Also, what is the reason why there is a detainer.... Read More