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answered on Feb 9, 2013
Whether you qualify for a PD is not based on the charged offense but rather your income level. Therefore, the fact that it's a DUI charge is not relevant to the equation. You could be charged with possession of marijuana or with a homicide and the qualifications for a PD would be the same.... View More 
answered on Feb 8, 2013
The short answer: Yes. The long answer: Yes. The fact that you are on probation means that were either found guilty or pled guilty to a crime in the past. A judge placed you on probation because he/she felt that you were a good candidate to remain free in society and be supervised by a... View More
Houra failed a urine test. He was put into the "hole" We only found this out from an anonymous call. How do we get information about what he tested positive for, how long he will be there? What are our rights to information?
answered on Feb 8, 2013
I'm sorry to hear about your family member's situation. Prisons are very private places and it's sometimes even difficult for attorneys to get information from them. However, I would suggest that you contact a criminal defense attorney to first reach out to his counselor at the... View More
answered on Dec 31, 2012
Compensatory and punitive damages are not broken down by what they are paying for (ie. lost wages vs. emotional distress vs. medical costs). Rather, compensatory damages are all damages to make the injured party whole whereas punitive damages are awarded to punish the defendant if their conduct... View More
Had another dui - is this considered a second offense under PA's 10 year look-back rule effective Feb 2004 or is this a first offense because it was more than 7 years later?
answered on Dec 22, 2012
Unfortunately, your October 2011 DUI is considered a second offense under the "10 year look-back rule" that was in effect at the time of your October 2011 DUI even though your first DUI for which you got ARD occurred when there was only a "7 year look-back rule". There is a... View More
I'm very curious to know if, or how, I can restore my privileges to protect my family..Plz help me.
answered on Dec 22, 2012
I don't know the answer as it depends on what you were on probation for. But, the NACDL (National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers) has put together a great resource on the "Restoration of Rights" for collateral consequences of criminal convictions. This document shares much... View More
answered on Dec 22, 2012
A failure to pay fines or costs associated with your conviction is a necessary condition of complying with probation or parole. Failure to pay them can be deemed a technical violation and you can be violated and go to prison. However, if you truly have no means to pay any of your fines and costs,... View More
answered on Dec 22, 2012
If no charges were filed by police or the District Attorney's Office in your county then there are no charges. But, I'm assuming you're asking, "What crimes did I committ?" The obivious one is theft. You may also be charged with receiving stolen property. Theft is... View More
answered on Dec 20, 2012
Yes, a judge who is related to someone involved in a case can sign an arrest warrant in the case. Would I do it if I was a judge: Absolutely Not...No Questions Asked. There is nothing illegal with a judge signing a warrant in this situation. But why create even the impression of impropriety? The... View More
answered on Dec 8, 2012
Sure. At least you can do a search to see if he/she has any criminal record in Philadelphia or even throughout PA. All you need to do is go to this public website at http://ujsportal.pacourts.us/DocketSheets/CP.aspx and tpe in their first and last name and then choose "criminal" for... View More
My dad was convicted and sentenced to 9-20 years on 4 counts in 2003. Only one of which had a Pennsylvania minimum sentence, which of course he has fulfilled. He sent me a letter with this website in it, asking me to ask on here if there is a way to change the sentences as it would shorten his... View More
answered on Dec 8, 2012
I'm sorry to hear about your father's situation. I'm a bit confused when you indicate "only one of which had a Pennsylvania minimum sentence"? All sentences in Pennsylvania by law have a minimum and a maximum and the minimum can never be more than half of the maximum. So,... View More
answered on Dec 8, 2012
Your question is short & vague but if I understand involves two unique issues which are fairly complicated. The first issue is whether police can get your phone records when arresting your boyfriend: The cops can't subpoena your personal phone records without getting a warrant to obtain... View More
He's been sitting for 7 months in prison. Every time it's time for court, something comes up.
Is that legal?
answered on Dec 8, 2012
I'm sorry to hear about your son's situation. It is extremely unusual for someone to be in jail for 7 months and not see a judge at all. I'm assuming that he's in jail fighting an open matter & not waiting for a VOP hearing or serving a sentence. If that's the case, and... View More
answered on Dec 8, 2012
Unless there's more to your question that I'm missing, it's extremely vague. What type of criminal law matter do you need an attorney for? If I can be of assistance, please don't hesitate to contact me. I primarily practice in Philadelphia and the surrounding counties in... View More
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