Assaults sometimes occur between strangers. Two people might reach for the last discounted laptop computer on Black Friday and end up fighting intensely over it. Social settings tend to contribute to the risk of violent interactions between individuals. People...
Criminal Defense
What’s motive got to do with your criminal case?
Believe it or not, the prosecution is never required to provide a motive to secure a conviction for a crime – but that doesn’t mean they won’t try. In a criminal case, a motive isn’t the same as the intent behind a crime. Intent is the mental state required before or...
License and registration, please: A step-by-step guide to surviving traffic stops
No driver wants to look in their rearview and see police lights flashing behind them. This moment is one that can spark anxiety and uncertainty. The police may conduct the stop for any number of reasons. They may believe that you committed a serious offense or they...
State lawmakers may increase consequences for retail theft
Retail theft has become an increasingly serious and costly problem throughout the country. Takeover robberies carried out by multiple people (sometimes organized through social media) have spurred lawmakers in a number of states to strengthen their retail theft laws,...
Money laundering: What are structuring and smurfing?
Most people are familiar with the term “money laundering.” Fewer have heard the terms “structuring” and “smurfing.” First, it’s important to understand the federal Bank Secrecy Act (BSA). It requires financial institutions to report large cash transactions. The BSA...
2 defense options when facing fraud charges
Fraud is one of the most common federal crimes in the U.S. Depending on the nature of the fraud, the number of victims and the extent of financial loss, a conviction can lead to severe legal and personal consequences. Basically, fraud happens when one party willfully...
3 situations that can lead to Pennsylvania assault charges
Charges involving interpersonal violence can lead to incarceration, fines and a criminal record that will affect someone's life for many years to come. Assault is one of the most common violence-related charges that is prosecuted in Pennsylvania. Simple assault can...
Pennsylvania’s new law could affect your DUI charges
On February 16th, 2019, Deana Derosa Eckman of Delaware county and her husband were traveling home from a family party when a drunk driver crossed double lines, colliding head-on with their vehicle. She was pronounced dead at the scene. The impaired driver who caused...
Stakes get higher for drivers accused of repeat DUIs
Any drunk driving accusation carries the risk of penalties and disruptive consequences. However, certain factors could make these repercussions even harsher. One such factor is having multiple drunk driving offenses on your record. And with the recent passage of...
Accused of assault? Avoid these 3 mistakes
Situations that trigger assault charges are typically highly charged, and the heat of these exchanges may not die down right away. If you are in this position, you can be scared, angry and stressed out. Under these circumstances, people can make mistakes that only...