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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 14
Do you have any Pennsylvania Criminal Defense questions page 14 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.
Criminal Law
Pennsylvania

Recent Legal Answers

What will an eight year old boy face for murdering a one year old?

Answered 10 years and 5 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Too much unknown information here. He will not be certified as an adult. As for juvenile punishment, whether placement in a facility is warranted, will depend on a myriad of facts surrounding the entire case and the 8 year old.
Too much unknown information here. He will not be certified as an adult. As for juvenile punishment, whether placement in a facility is warranted,... Read More

Is it legal to have a dashboard camera and not tell riders they are being recorded as long as I delete the data at the end of each shift?

Answered 10 years and 5 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
I think you need to post a sign that warns people they are under camera surveillance.
I think you need to post a sign that warns people they are under camera surveillance.

How much time can one get for first offense armed robbery?

Answered 10 years and 5 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Too little information. We need to know many more things, his prior record, how strong the government case is, if the DA will bargain. Under the guidelines, he could go to a state prison as the crime is a Felony I. Whether he will or not depends on all the other things I mention.
Too little information. We need to know many more things, his prior record, how strong the government case is, if the DA will bargain. Under the... Read More

If I was with somebody that got caught shoplifting but I did not participate and was unaware of it, can I be charged or fined?

Answered 10 years and 5 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
If you had nothing to do with it, you shouldn't be charged. However, if the police believe you did, you may be charged.
If you had nothing to do with it, you shouldn't be charged. However, if the police believe you did, you may be charged.

I was a victim of forgery, fraud, and theft, what can I do to recover the money?

Answered 10 years and 5 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Talk to police about filing criminal charges. Talk to a civil lawyer to see if you have a civil suit.
Talk to police about filing criminal charges. Talk to a civil lawyer to see if you have a civil suit.

Can I be charged with driving without a license if they have never seen me drive?

Answered 10 years and 5 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
If there is no evidence whatsoever that you were driving a car, you should not be convicted of that offense. It does not mean you will not be charged. a 1543 a (non-DUI driving without a license) carries a 1 year driver's license suspension. If you are charged with it, plead not guilty and hire a lawyer.... Read More
If there is no evidence whatsoever that you were driving a car, you should not be convicted of that offense. It does not mean you will not be... Read More

How can he get the probation transferred back to our county?

Answered 10 years and 5 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Have a lawyer present a motion to transfer supervision of probation.
Have a lawyer present a motion to transfer supervision of probation.

My ex put a PFA on me and has our car that is in both our names, how do I get the car?

Answered 10 years and 5 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
If it involved contact with her, probably not. Since both of you are on the title, it is both of yours. It would be really difficult to take it from her driveway or whatever without her knowing it. If you can, it may still be considered "contact" under the PFA statute. It is as risk to take the car back.... Read More
If it involved contact with her, probably not. Since both of you are on the title, it is both of yours. It would be really difficult to take it ... Read More

Can I be charged with supplying alcohol to minors if they have no physical proof?

Answered 10 years and 5 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Yes. Police file charges all the time based on word alone. This does not necessarily mean they will. The source has to be somewhat believable.
Yes. Police file charges all the time based on word alone. This does not necessarily mean they will. The source has to be somewhat believable.

Is it hard to fight a theft charge?

Answered 10 years and 5 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Concealment of items in the store, may get you arrested. Talk to an attorney, you may have options. Check your mail to make sure you receive a copy of the summons.
Concealment of items in the store, may get you arrested. Talk to an attorney, you may have options. Check your mail to make sure you receive a copy... Read More

Does she have a legal leg to stand on if she never left the store and had every intention of paying for it?

Answered 10 years and 5 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Sounds really weird. Talk to a local attorney to get out of this without a conviction.
Sounds really weird. Talk to a local attorney to get out of this without a conviction.

Does the defendant have to make a plea or can he said no plea and what will be the outcome?

Answered 10 years and 5 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
A person can plead guilty, or have a non-jury or jury trial. I suggest the person ask his lawyer and if he doesn't have one, get one.
A person can plead guilty, or have a non-jury or jury trial. I suggest the person ask his lawyer and if he doesn't have one, get one.

Do I have to be fingerprinted if store loss prevention pulled me aside and said an item didn't scan in self-checkout?

Answered 10 years and 5 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
If they file charges with the local District Justice, you may very well get a Order for Fingerprinting with other papers from the District Justice Office.
If they file charges with the local District Justice, you may very well get a Order for Fingerprinting with other papers from the District Justice... Read More

If a wife does a crime can the husband volunteer to go to jail instead of her?

Answered 10 years and 5 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
That was possible in the days up to the late 1800's but I haven't heard of that in recent times.
That was possible in the days up to the late 1800's but I haven't heard of that in recent times.

How do I get rid of theft in my record?

Answered 10 years and 5 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Plead not guilty and see a lawyer. You need to have the charges withdrawn and an attorney can guide you how to do it.
Plead not guilty and see a lawyer. You need to have the charges withdrawn and an attorney can guide you how to do it.

What will happen if my boyfriend has 3 counts of simple assault, 1 count of terrorist threat and public drunkenness?

Answered 10 years and 5 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
No one can answer this without much more information.
No one can answer this without much more information.

Can a constable question my seven-year-old child?

Answered 10 years and 5 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Probably, assuming it was for legal reasons. Normally, if a minor is interrogated as a suspect, parents must be notified and present.
Probably, assuming it was for legal reasons. Normally, if a minor is interrogated as a suspect, parents must be notified and present.

What can I expect with the laws and should I get an attorney for marked misdemeanor pending, m grade?

Answered 10 years and 6 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Don't talk to the police or anyone else about the case except your attorney, which you do need.
Don't talk to the police or anyone else about the case except your attorney, which you do need.

If my friend tried to overdose, freaked out and punched an officer and now the officer is pressing charges, what could happen to my friend?

Answered 10 years and 6 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
She could be arrested and charged with simple assault. I suggest she hire an attorney .
She could be arrested and charged with simple assault. I suggest she hire an attorney .

Probation Procedure

Answered 10 years and 6 months ago by John Karl Puskar (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
They CAN remand you to jail for the rest of your probation. It sounds to me, however, that they may want to interview you and possibly retest you. If you fully cooperate, they may give you a break.
They CAN remand you to jail for the rest of your probation. It sounds to me, however, that they may want to interview you and possibly retest you. If... Read More

My husband was arrested for drugs and made the news I told my kids he was arrested for driving without a D.L how ever the school pulled my kids out of

Answered 10 years and 6 months ago by John Karl Puskar (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
It's not illegal, or in my opinion something you could sue over, but I would file a complaint with the school board.
It's not illegal, or in my opinion something you could sue over, but I would file a complaint with the school board.

What do I do if I am being charged with possession and intent to deliver because of the amount I bought?

Answered 10 years and 6 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
This is a serious situation and you need to make sure your attorney understands your concerns. If the only evidence they have of intent is the amount of pills, and your alleged statement, it sounds like you have something to work with as a defense. Was your alleged statement done after Miranda warnings? And if they are going to try to use the statement at trial, did your attorney file a Motion to Suppress that statement. If your counselor can testify that you are addicted to pills and a user, then it sounds like the statement is the only evidence against you. Unless you are in one of these rural counties where the juries convict everyone and the police conduct sting operations to get someone to sell a joint, you may do well with a jury.... Read More
This is a serious situation and you need to make sure your attorney understands your concerns. If the only evidence they have of intent is the... Read More

What will happen if you take a gun charge to jury trial and lose?

Answered 10 years and 6 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
No one can answer this without knowing much more information like, how strong the evidence against you is.
No one can answer this without knowing much more information like, how strong the evidence against you is.

What can my son do after getting a letter today wanting him to call about a cocaine charge back in another state in 1998?

Answered 10 years and 6 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
I would contact a lawyer in the county in which the mail originated. Your son may not have a statute of limitations defense if they filed charges back then, but could not locate him. The inability to locate a defendant and bring him to court is usually is not considered to be the government's fault, unless the government did not use due diligence. You need to get more information from the lawyer in the other state and go from there.... Read More
I would contact a lawyer in the county in which the mail originated. Your son may not have a statute of limitations defense if they filed charges... Read More

Is it possible to get a retail theft dropped to something else if you have a prior record?

Answered 10 years and 6 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Too little information to say yes or no. I have done it. If you have one prior and it was a long time ago, your chances are better. How long ago was your prior record, etc., did you get ARD?
Too little information to say yes or no. I have done it. If you have one prior and it was a long time ago, your chances are better. How long ago ... Read More
Criminal Law
Pennsylvania

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