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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 9
Do you have any Pennsylvania Criminal Defense questions page 9 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 happens if they made a mistake and I was given a rebate of thousand dollars I wasn't entitled to?

Answered 9 years and 5 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
See if you can get help by the PA Attorney General, Consumer Protection people. I am not up on all of the Consumer Protection laws that are out there, but you may want to look for a lawyer who advertises for Consumer Protection, or Consumer Rights.
See if you can get help by the PA Attorney General, Consumer Protection people. I am not up on all of the Consumer Protection laws that are out ... Read More

Can I file for an extension if I was already sentenced to turn myself in on specific date?

Answered 9 years and 5 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
You would need to give an attorney all of the facts. It may be possible for that attorney to file a motion for a hearing on the issue which may give you more time.
You would need to give an attorney all of the facts. It may be possible for that attorney to file a motion for a hearing on the issue which may ... Read More

Can I move out of state for a job and can my daughter come with me if she has a felony 3 charge pending?

Answered 9 years and 5 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
I don't know why you cannot move out of state. As for your daughter, she likely will need the approval of the agency who posted her bond, whether a private company or the county. If there is a problem, your attorney can file a motion with her trial judge asking for approval.
I don't know why you cannot move out of state. As for your daughter, she likely will need the approval of the agency who posted her bond, whether a... Read More

Can they later charge me if I can't help them with a buy?

Answered 9 years and 5 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
They can. You need to decide if you want to work with them or not. If it is only a possession case and you have no criminal record, you can probably get a first time offenders program like ARD or PWV no matter if you help them or not.
They can. You need to decide if you want to work with them or not. If it is only a possession case and you have no criminal record, you can ... Read More

Can those charges stick if they don't know who stole it?

Answered 9 years and 5 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
You can only be convicted of RSP of a MV if you had actual knowledge or should have known that the vehicle was stolen.
You can only be convicted of RSP of a MV if you had actual knowledge or should have known that the vehicle was stolen.

Can an attorney help me get house arrest if I’m on the run from my probation officer?

Answered 9 years and 5 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
It's possible but you may have to turn yourself in and sit down for a while before house arrest. Give all the facts to an attorney.
It's possible but you may have to turn yourself in and sit down for a while before house arrest. Give all the facts to an attorney.

After paying him for the phone, will my charge be on my record or will the judge just dismiss the case against me?

Answered 9 years and 5 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
I would need more information but based on what you are saying I can offer this. It appears that you were cited with the summary offense of Criminal Mischief. It appears the District Justice may be willing to dismiss the charges if you pay for the phone. My advice is to pay for the phone. You will have a record for being cited, even if you are not convicted of it. Because you will not be convicted (assuming this is correct), you have the right to expunge this. You may need an attorney to handle the expungement, depending on what county you are in.... Read More
I would need more information but based on what you are saying I can offer this. It appears that you were cited with the summary offense of ... Read More

Could I press charges on my husband and the dealer if he forged my name on an auto loan?

Answered 9 years and 7 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Possibly, call the police and see if they will take a complaint.
Possibly, call the police and see if they will take a complaint.

Should I accept a guilty plea for possession or go to trial and try to fight it?

Answered 9 years and 7 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Do your best to get a private lawyer or public defender lawyer. You may have a probable cause defense or defense to possession. If not, you should be eligible for a first time offenders' program that if you complete, your record will be destroyed.
Do your best to get a private lawyer or public defender lawyer. You may have a probable cause defense or defense to possession. If not, you should... Read More

Can I file a case against a person who I brought into my house and stole money from my mom?

Answered 9 years and 7 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Call the police to see if they will file charges. You can also file a civil complaint at the magistrate.
Call the police to see if they will file charges. You can also file a civil complaint at the magistrate.

Does a civil protection order go on your public record?

Answered 9 years and 7 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Normally not. It may be part of the paper file of the case which is kept in the the Department of Court Records or Prothonotary as some counties still call it. It is not disseminated like a criminal conviction. My thought is that the only way someone can find it is if it is given to them or someone knows to look in the court file. I would ask your attorney as I am operating with no facts here, just your description.... Read More
Normally not. It may be part of the paper file of the case which is kept in the the Department of Court Records or Prothonotary as some counties ... Read More

How much time can you get for criminal use of a communication facility?

Answered 9 years and 8 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
It depends on too many things you are not mentioning. Like, is it charged as a felony or misdemeanor, do you have a prior criminal history and if so how extensive, will you owe money as restitution, etc.
It depends on too many things you are not mentioning. Like, is it charged as a felony or misdemeanor, do you have a prior criminal history and if... Read More

Can I be allowed to go with my company for a 2 month job in another state if I am on probation?

Answered 9 years and 8 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Ask you probation officer. If he says no, hire a lawyer to file a motion with the judge in which he or she asks for the judge's authorization.
Ask you probation officer. If he says no, hire a lawyer to file a motion with the judge in which he or she asks for the judge's authorization.

What can happen to me if I am charged with food stamp fraud?

Answered 9 years and 8 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Theft, Fraud.
Theft, Fraud.

What happens if I have a fingerprint order and don't show up?

Answered 9 years and 8 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
If this is Allegheny County, your case will not proceed through the system and if you keep missing they can order a bench warrant to be issued.
If this is Allegheny County, your case will not proceed through the system and if you keep missing they can order a bench warrant to be issued.

Will the case get dropped if he doesn't show up to court?

Answered 9 years and 8 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
If no victim willing to testify, your case should be withdrawn. that is how it will go with an attorney representing you. If you do this hearing on your own, it may not go so well. You may end up having to pleading to a disorderly conduct or harassment summary.
If no victim willing to testify, your case should be withdrawn. that is how it will go with an attorney representing you. If you do this hearing on... Read More

What are our options if my son is in jail because he was arrested for missing his court hearing?

Answered 9 years and 8 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
It all depends on what type of hearing. Call an attorney and give him or her more information. It may be something as easy as waiting a few days before the court processes him, or, you may need an attorney to enter his or her opinion and file a motion.
It all depends on what type of hearing. Call an attorney and give him or her more information. It may be something as easy as waiting a few days ... Read More

If shoplifting charged was dropped, will it still show up?

Answered 9 years and 8 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
If it hasn't been expunged, it is very likely. Ask your lawyer to look it up on the UJS website.
If it hasn't been expunged, it is very likely. Ask your lawyer to look it up on the UJS website.

Can I be accused of stealing a U-Haul truck for non-payment but I have a receipt signed by the clerk saying I paid?

Answered 9 years and 8 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Don't make any statements to the police. If you do say anything, say that you will pay for the truck, but do not, do not discuss what happened.
Don't make any statements to the police. If you do say anything, say that you will pay for the truck, but do not, do not discuss what happened.

What can I do to stop them from making me testify if I'm a victim being forced to testify but I don't want to?

Answered 9 years and 8 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Ask your lawyer. If you do not have one, ask for one. They may appoint a Public Defender or Conflict Counsel lawyer for you.
Ask your lawyer. If you do not have one, ask for one. They may appoint a Public Defender or Conflict Counsel lawyer for you.

What will happen if you were charged with an illegal gun?

Answered 9 years and 8 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Sounds like you need an appellate (appeals) attorney.
Sounds like you need an appellate (appeals) attorney.

How long can charges be filed for selling to a confidential informant?

Answered 9 years and 8 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Sometimes the cops don't file for a long time. They allege that the CI was setting up other buys and they waited until the last one until they charged everybody. The last person I had it was over a year for him to be charged.
Sometimes the cops don't file for a long time. They allege that the CI was setting up other buys and they waited until the last one until they ... Read More

Can they question him without a parent present if our son was stopped by our property on his quad by police?

Answered 9 years and 8 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
They can ask him basic questions. If you really want the charge to be dismissed, consult with a criminal defense lawyer.
They can ask him basic questions. If you really want the charge to be dismissed, consult with a criminal defense lawyer.

Should my attorney keep try to work out a plea deal or should I apply for drug court?

Answered 9 years and 9 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Ask your attorney. If you have a drug problem and need help dealing with it, tell him you prefer drug court.
Ask your attorney. If you have a drug problem and need help dealing with it, tell him you prefer drug court.

Do cops have to give you a piece of paper when they pull you over for weed?

Answered 9 years and 9 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
No, you will hear from them by mail.
No, you will hear from them by mail.
Criminal Law
Pennsylvania

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