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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 7
Do you have any Pennsylvania Criminal Defense questions page 7 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

Can a minor be charged with burglary if they didn't steal anything?

Answered 8 years and 11 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
It sounds more like a trespass and given the fact that he is a kid and has no criminal history, there should be a way out of this. It would help to have a lawyer.
It sounds more like a trespass and given the fact that he is a kid and has no criminal history, there should be a way out of this. It would help to... Read More

What are the consequences for a first gun charge?

Answered 8 years and 11 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
With no criminal history probably probation in a larger county like Allegheny or Philadelphia. These cases where a gun is found in a common area, and not on any one person, are hard to prove. I suggest getting a lawyer.
With no criminal history probably probation in a larger county like Allegheny or Philadelphia. These cases where a gun is found in a common area,... Read More

If I have trial but I and the victim don’t show up, can they proceed?

Answered 9 years ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Not sure what kind of trial this is but generally, if the defendant does not show, a bench warrant will be issued regardless of whether or not the victim shows.
Not sure what kind of trial this is but generally, if the defendant does not show, a bench warrant will be issued regardless of whether or not the... Read More

How much jail time is a person looking to get for stealing multiple guns with a past criminal history?

Answered 9 years ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Too hard to say without more information.
Too hard to say without more information.

Is there any way I can get a summons petty theft off my record and would it hurt me if I apply for jobs?

Answered 9 years ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
It was probably charged as a summary offense. If so, you can expunge it if 5 years of arrest free behavior have passed. You have to expunge in the county in which you were charged. If you are in Allegheny County, it would be easier to hire a lawyer to handle it.
It was probably charged as a summary offense. If so, you can expunge it if 5 years of arrest free behavior have passed. You have to expunge in the... Read More

What can I do if my husband had a warrant for child support for $1900 and police was looking for him at my house?

Answered 9 years ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
He needs to turn himself in. Two things will make his jail stay shorter, 1) at least $500 and 2) an attorney to get his contempt hearing heard by the judge as soon as possible.
He needs to turn himself in. Two things will make his jail stay shorter, 1) at least $500 and 2) an attorney to get his contempt hearing heard by ... Read More

What will happen to me with a first time offender theft charge with no prior criminal history?

Answered 9 years ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
If you plead guilty you will have a non-traffic criminal offense on your record for five years before you can pay an attorney to expunge it. You will have a better chance of getting this case withdrawn and having no criminal record if you hire an attorney.
If you plead guilty you will have a non-traffic criminal offense on your record for five years before you can pay an attorney to expunge it. You ... Read More

If I accidently checked the wrong box on a gun application and now had a possibility to charge with unsworn falsification, what should I do?

Answered 9 years ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Do not talk to the police and get a lawyer. I have had more and more of these cases recently.
Do not talk to the police and get a lawyer. I have had more and more of these cases recently.

Am I able to get an out of state concealed carry permit in PA under 21?

Answered 9 years ago by John Karl Puskar (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
If you live in another state and are able to get a LCF, as long as PA has reciprocity with that state, you would be able to carry concealed here. Keep in mind that PA is an "open carry" state, so you could openly carry (except where prohibited), just not in Philadelphia. You would have to unload it and secure in a case while in a motor vehicle.... Read More
If you live in another state and are able to get a LCF, as long as PA has reciprocity with that state, you would be able to carry concealed here.... Read More

If I was wrongfully accused for stealing with altercation from store clerk, do I have a case here?

Answered 9 years ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
You may want to hire an attorney and get the video. Do it now before it is erased.
You may want to hire an attorney and get the video. Do it now before it is erased.

Will I go to jail if I had court three months ago, I'm on the amp program and I want to turn myself in?

Answered 9 years ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
I don't know what the amp program is. Talk to an attorney in your county about how much it would cost to have him assist you in turning yourself in.
I don't know what the amp program is. Talk to an attorney in your county about how much it would cost to have him assist you in turning yourself in.

What's my defense in a forgery case?

Answered 9 years and a month ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
I would hire a private lawyer if you have no confidence in your public lawyer. Maybe consider a handwriting expert.
I would hire a private lawyer if you have no confidence in your public lawyer. Maybe consider a handwriting expert.

What options do i have if my former employer accused me of stealing money out of the register?

Answered 9 years and a month ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Don't make statements or be interviewed by police or the employer, other than a denial. See a lawyer if you think you will be charged.
Don't make statements or be interviewed by police or the employer, other than a denial. See a lawyer if you think you will be charged.

Is there paper work that can be submitted to speed up a PCRA?

Answered 9 years and a month ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Not that I know of but ask his lawyer, he sounds like he is doing what he is supposed to do.
Not that I know of but ask his lawyer, he sounds like he is doing what he is supposed to do.

Can I have Conspiracy- Retail Theft taken off my public record?

Answered 9 years and a month ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
If you are guilty to any extent take the deal with the classes. Normally, at least in Allegheny County this means that you will not have a conviction. You have to be fingerprinted and there is no way around it. You will have to pay an attorney to expunge your arrest record anyway, so it doesn't matter if you get fingerprinted. It will all be erased with the expungement anyway.... Read More
If you are guilty to any extent take the deal with the classes. Normally, at least in Allegheny County this means that you will not have a... Read More

How long after your probation can you get your carrying permit?

Answered 9 years and a month ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
If you were convicted of a Misdemeanor 1 or 2 Simple Assault, you cannot possess a gun under PA and Federal law.
If you were convicted of a Misdemeanor 1 or 2 Simple Assault, you cannot possess a gun under PA and Federal law.

If I made to unauthorized purchase on company business card totaling $65.00, what will be my penalty?

Answered 9 years and a month ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
The company could file criminal charges. Whether they would for $65 is unlikely but it is not worth the risk, so just pay it back.
The company could file criminal charges. Whether they would for $65 is unlikely but it is not worth the risk, so just pay it back.

Could a warrant from another state be the reason the police was looking for me?

Answered 9 years and a month ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Could be.
Could be.

How can I be charged for these offences when I never left the pet section and never touched or gave anyone a hard time?

Answered 9 years and a month ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
You don't have to pass through the register or door to be charged. Get a private lawyer or public defender.
You don't have to pass through the register or door to be charged. Get a private lawyer or public defender.

What can I do if I found out that my 14 year old daughter got pregnant by an adult in his twenties?

Answered 9 years and a month ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
It is a crime, but I would have her see a therapist first to discuss what she wants to do, i.e. have the baby, press criminal charges, etc.
It is a crime, but I would have her see a therapist first to discuss what she wants to do, i.e. have the baby, press criminal charges, etc.

Could I get into trouble in the house if I don't touch the guns?

Answered 9 years and a month ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
No. Unless the terms or conditions of your probation do not allow you to be in a home in which guns are stored, you should be alright. If you are in such a home, the guns should be locked up. If the police walk in and you are sitting in the living room with guns on the coffee table, you will be arrested.... Read More
No. Unless the terms or conditions of your probation do not allow you to be in a home in which guns are stored, you should be alright. If you are ... Read More

Can the police request to see completion of a rehab program down the road and file charges if she doesn't have a certificate?

Answered 9 years and 2 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
I don't know if they have enough evidence to file on her. They don't need much. If there were drugs in the car, she can be charged. She is taking a chance by not completing rehab. If I was her, I would just do it.
I don't know if they have enough evidence to file on her. They don't need much. If there were drugs in the car, she can be charged. She is taking a... Read More

Will my 18 year old son have to do time for aggravated assault if it's his first time she press charges?

Answered 9 years and 2 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Normally first-time offenders are not sentenced to jail, but it is possible. An attorney would need to know all of the facts. You need to get him an attorney-either private or public defender.
Normally first-time offenders are not sentenced to jail, but it is possible. An attorney would need to know all of the facts. You need to get him an... Read More

Will this shoplifting charge stay on my record and what is going to happen to me?

Answered 9 years and 2 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Of course it will unless the court offers you some sort of first time offenders program. You should talk to a lawyer and not represent yourself.
Of course it will unless the court offers you some sort of first time offenders program. You should talk to a lawyer and not represent yourself.

Can two people live together if they are both on parole?

Answered 9 years and 2 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Yes unless it violates the terms of their parole.
Yes unless it violates the terms of their parole.
Criminal Law
Pennsylvania

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