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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 8
Do you have any Pennsylvania Criminal Defense questions page 8 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

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 I get charges for stealing pressed on me after I took his things as collateral?

Answered 9 years and 2 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Yes, you can be charged. The law would view this as he owed you money which is a civil claim, and you took his property which is a crime.
Yes, you can be charged. The law would view this as he owed you money which is a civil claim, and you took his property which is a crime.

Can I be charged with theft if the officer never questioned me about it?

Answered 9 years and 2 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
If the officer in his mind believes you committed a crime, yes. Don't talk to him or anyone else about the case and get a lawyer if police contact you.
If the officer in his mind believes you committed a crime, yes. Don't talk to him or anyone else about the case and get a lawyer if police contact ... Read More

If a minor sold and LSD to a minor and was caught by the police, what are the police able to do and charge the dealer if it’s a minor?

Answered 9 years and 2 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Delivery of a Controlled Substance, Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance and Possession of a Controlled Substance.
Delivery of a Controlled Substance, Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance and Possession of a Controlled Substance.

Am I still able to be charged even though I had no idea that this vehicle was stolen?

Answered 9 years and 2 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Yes you can be charged. Get a lawyer.
Yes you can be charged. Get a lawyer.

Can I own a firearm if I was charged with a minor felony in another state?

Answered 9 years and 2 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
There is no such thing as a minor felony. It is conversely like being called the tallest midget. You are still a midget. The answer is no.
There is no such thing as a minor felony. It is conversely like being called the tallest midget. You are still a midget. The answer is no.

Can I have a warrant for my arrest without being charged?

Answered 9 years and 2 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Yes, get a lawyer.
Yes, get a lawyer.

If you were pulled over and case was dismissed, could you then sue?

Answered 9 years and 2 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
probably not.
probably not.

If my probation officer is intoxicated at the time can she violate me for drinking?

Answered 9 years and 3 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
She can. Next time offer to buy her a drink.
She can. Next time offer to buy her a drink.

Is it illegal to go into a retail store's dumpster after the store is closed?

Answered 9 years and 3 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
It is probably trespassing but it may make an interesting constitutional argument. Is the dumpster on the store's property or on public property? I really don't know but I can think of arguments in your favor.
It is probably trespassing but it may make an interesting constitutional argument. Is the dumpster on the store's property or on public property? I... Read More

How do I do a continuance?

Answered 9 years and 3 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Ask your new lawyer. Continuances are granted liberally when one hires a new attorney. Why isn't the new attorney handling the continuance for you?
Ask your new lawyer. Continuances are granted liberally when one hires a new attorney. Why isn't the new attorney handling the continuance for you?

Would misdemeanor simple possession disqualify me from obtaining a concealed carry permit?

Answered 9 years and 3 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Probably not. you should order your criminal history from the PA state police, so you know exactly what your record is.
Probably not. you should order your criminal history from the PA state police, so you know exactly what your record is.

When you are arrested and it becomes a criminal offense, are you better of going to trial or going for a plea bargain?

Answered 9 years and 3 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
You need to sit down with an attorney and go over all the facts to determine if you have a defense. You only go to trial if you have a defense. If you have no defense, your next best bet is to get a plea bargain of some sort. You really need an attorney.
You need to sit down with an attorney and go over all the facts to determine if you have a defense. You only go to trial if you have a defense. If... Read More

What can I do if my check was stole and they're trying to get me with a misdemeanor 1?

Answered 9 years and 3 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Don't make any statements to the police and hire a lawyer if you can
Don't make any statements to the police and hire a lawyer if you can

Can I purchase a gun with a misdemeanor from transporting a registered gun that I owned that was thrown out but is on my record?

Answered 9 years and 4 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
If you didn't plead to it, or were found guilty of it and you have no other criminal conviction, you should be eligible. The arrest record that is still there if you haven't expunged it, is probably what caused the denial. Order your criminal record from the PA State Police to check and then hire an attorney to expunge the records.... Read More
If you didn't plead to it, or were found guilty of it and you have no other criminal conviction, you should be eligible. The arrest record that is... Read More

Is it legal for a doctor’s office to insist to have a copy of my driver’s license?

Answered 9 years and 4 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Yes, I assume this is a private medical facility. They can require any information they think is necessary. Their likely view is that if you don't wish to comply, you can seek another physician.
Yes, I assume this is a private medical facility. They can require any information they think is necessary. Their likely view is that if you don't... Read More

Is the charge valid if I was charged with simple assault and harassment and the cop wrote a different last name than mine on the report?

Answered 9 years and 4 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
It is not a defense. The District Justice will likely allow an amendment of the complaint.
It is not a defense. The District Justice will likely allow an amendment of the complaint.

Can my boyfriend beat the case if he was arrested for a gun that was stolen and was found under the passenger seat of my car?

Answered 9 years and 4 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Maybe, maybe not. It depends on ALL of the facts.
Maybe, maybe not. It depends on ALL of the facts.

Will my PO violate me if I received a citation for driving on a suspended license?

Answered 9 years and 4 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Summary convictions while on probation are fortunately considered only to be technical violations of probation. He probably will not file for a violation hearing especially if it is a 1543 a.
Summary convictions while on probation are fortunately considered only to be technical violations of probation. He probably will not file for a ... Read More

Is the relationship legal?

Answered 9 years and 5 months ago by John Karl Puskar (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
He cannot be charged with statutory rape. However, if someone wanted to push the issue, he could be charged with corruption of a minor.
He cannot be charged with statutory rape. However, if someone wanted to push the issue, he could be charged with corruption of a minor.

Will these charges be dismissed by the dea?

Answered 9 years and 5 months ago by John Karl Puskar (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
From a legal standpoint, anyone in the car who could reach the gun can be charged and convicted with possession. That being said, from a legal standpoint, if someone confesses to the possession, it's likely the charges against any others in the car will be withdrawn.
From a legal standpoint, anyone in the car who could reach the gun can be charged and convicted with possession. That being said, from a legal... Read More

What will happen if I refuse polygraph?

Answered 9 years and 5 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
You have no obligation to take a polygraph. The results are admissible in court. The person asking you to take it, is likely to be bullying you.
You have no obligation to take a polygraph. The results are admissible in court. The person asking you to take it, is likely to be bullying you.

How long can my boyfriend be in jail if he only had 2 months left on probation?

Answered 9 years and 5 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
sounds like a technical violation which is good, instead of a conviction for a new crime while on probation. I am thinking they will let him sit for a short while. You may want to talk to a lawyer to see if it is worth filing a Motion to Lift Detainer.
sounds like a technical violation which is good, instead of a conviction for a new crime while on probation. I am thinking they will let him sit ... Read More

Can the police pull me over for driving on the suspended/revoked if they know I have no license and can prove that by someone giving the police a tip?

Answered 9 years and 5 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
If the police believe that you are driving under a suspended license, they can stop your car.
If the police believe that you are driving under a suspended license, they can stop your car.

Can the man in the high rise building where my mom lives in sue her if he said that he disrespected her?

Answered 9 years and 5 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Doubtful.
Doubtful.
Criminal Law
Pennsylvania

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