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Questions Answered by Zak Taylor Goldstein
1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: If a student was to threaten another student saying she was going to hang them, can them And their family get charged?
Zak Taylor Goldstein
Zak Taylor Goldstein
answered on Nov 29, 2017

Yes, that could lead to charges of terroristic threats and/or harassment. Terroristic threats is not always easy for the prosecution to prove as they have to show that there was a true intent to terrorize, but it is certainly possible to end up with charges for saying something like that.

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Criminal Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: I was charged for disorderly conduct when expressing my thoughts to police

I was defending my husband's innocence with my words. The charging officer was being dismissive and didn't want to hear me. I walked the other officer to his car so that he can better explain to me why my husband was getting arrested. The charging officer kept coming at me so I became... View More

Zak Taylor Goldstein
Zak Taylor Goldstein
answered on Nov 29, 2017

Were you convicted? If so, you can file an appeal and should talk to a lawyer about doing so. If you have not yet had a trial, then you should consider speaking with an attorney prior to your next court date. There are often defenses to disorderly conduct charges.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: mark yes or no on a graduate school application when asked if I have committed a crime if i have a disorderly conduct

I acquired the disorderly conduct in an underage drinking deal after taking classes

Zak Taylor Goldstein
Zak Taylor Goldstein
answered on Oct 17, 2017

If you were convicted of it or pleaded guilty, the answer is yes. Summary offenses count as crimes in Pennsylvania.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Why the lawyer I hired name is not on the docket sheets
Zak Taylor Goldstein
Zak Taylor Goldstein
answered on Oct 17, 2017

Sounds like the lawyer has not entered his or her appearance with the court.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Litigation and Probate for Pennsylvania on
Q: uncle took lots of cash from grandfathers acct and no proof where the money went and forged signature. Civ or crim case?

I have statement and counter checks from the bank. We are talking almost 40 grand and I just need to know if it's civil or criminal and how I can start the process. My grandfather is now deceased and I'm one of the beneficiaries of his estate and the estate lawyer could not advise and... View More

Zak Taylor Goldstein
Zak Taylor Goldstein
answered on Oct 17, 2017

Sounds like it could be both depending on the exact circumstances. Cases in which someone withdraws money with authorization (such as from a joint checking account) are difficult to prove, so law enforcement may not be interested. You could file a police report and see if they investigate. You... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law, Criminal Law and Appeals / Appellate Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Im on house arrest cause i need surgery the dr wont do the surgery unless the anklet is removed....

I broke both my heels in early 17. i have to have a subtlar fusion on my left foot and will be in a cast. in order not to cause more damage to my right foot they want me to wear a boot witch isnt possible with the moniter on. What steps can i take so i can get my surgery done?

Zak Taylor Goldstein
Zak Taylor Goldstein
answered on Oct 17, 2017

Your lawyer can file a motion with the probation judge asking the judge to let you remove the monitor in order to have surgery.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Criminal Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: If one person yells at another person "You're a dead man" is this considered a threat?

Unfortunately we had a drowning in our area over the weekend. This happened at 12:30 pm and his body was not found until 8:30 pm. Of course the news crews were there along with a local wanna be newsman. When they finally found the body and brought him to shore his family gathered around him.... View More

Zak Taylor Goldstein
Zak Taylor Goldstein
answered on Jun 2, 2017

Probably not. Terroristic threats involves a true intent to terrorize. Threatening things said during moments of transitory anger do not really qualify.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: my step son punch me in the face hes 17 i hit him back in defense would i be charged
Zak Taylor Goldstein
Zak Taylor Goldstein
answered on Jun 2, 2017

Anytime you hit someone, you could be charged. This is especially true if his version is different than yours. If he says you hit him first, then it is possible. You would then be able to present a self-defense theory of defense at trial.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: If cops arrest you 30 days after the arrest warrant is that unlawful?

It's based on a drug charge

Zak Taylor Goldstein
Zak Taylor Goldstein
answered on May 11, 2017

No. They generally do not have to arrest you immediately. However, there are potentially motions that can be filed when there is an unusual amount of pre-arrest delay. If the police do not act with due diligence in trying to find you, then the prosecution could run into speedy trial problems, but... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: I am looking for a pro-bono lawyer in the Allentown/Bethleham area for my boyfriend. Need one ASAP. Criminal case.

My boyfriend was at the work release program and they drug tested him and said his urine was positive, but he has NEVER smoked. Not sure if the test is even accurate. I am requesting a blood test drug test if this is what they want to do. They sent him back to the county, but he is doing good.... View More

Zak Taylor Goldstein
Zak Taylor Goldstein
answered on Apr 30, 2017

You are unlikely to find a pro bono lawyer for something like this. If you cannot afford an attorney, he should apply for the public defender.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: If a 45 year old woman is involved in a fight with my 13 year old daughter can i press charges?

If i wait awhile to press charges how long can i wait?

Zak Taylor Goldstein
Zak Taylor Goldstein
answered on Apr 30, 2017

If you are trying to press charges, you should not wait. If the police were not called immediately, they are much less likely to bring charges.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Family Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: does someone who waves their preliminary hearing effect their motions that they put in?
Zak Taylor Goldstein
Zak Taylor Goldstein
answered on Apr 29, 2017

You would only waive your preliminary hearing if you are planning on pleading guilty or applying to diversionary programs. Otherwise, you would want to have the preliminary hearing as the witness testimony from the hearing could be helpful at subsequent motions hearings and trial. You still have... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Can I request to not be fingerprinted until after a conviction?
Zak Taylor Goldstein
Zak Taylor Goldstein
answered on Apr 29, 2017

No, you will be fingerprinted due to the arrest.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Domestic Violence for Pennsylvania on
Q: My boyfriend is sitting in jail right now because of a felony DV how can I get him out of jail because it wasn't suppose

I didn't want him to go is there away I can get the judge to let us take classes instead of him doing time

Zak Taylor Goldstein
Zak Taylor Goldstein
answered on Apr 29, 2017

It is possible. It depends on how serious the allegations are and what his record looks like. You may be able to go to court and get the prosecution to make some kind of offer that will get him out of jail or get them to withdraw the charges. His attorney could also move for a bail motion.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Arrested for dui, licensed susp im on probation. Can I reside w someone w past drug charges poss/ intent to deliver
Zak Taylor Goldstein
Zak Taylor Goldstein
answered on Apr 29, 2017

It is up to your probation officer. It is often a term of probation that you not associate with felons, but depending on the circumstances, the probation officer may not have a problem with it. You should ask him or her.

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and White Collar Crime for Pennsylvania on
Q: What are our options?

My niece is 32 yrs old facing serious charges that consist felony 3's. She has a college degree a full time job & has never been in trouble prior to this. She had an addiction that took over her life & is working desperately to change her life. Her attorney has not done much to defend... View More

Zak Taylor Goldstein
Zak Taylor Goldstein
answered on Apr 29, 2017

It is often worth litigating a motion to suppress, but it really depends on the full circumstances of the case. This means looking at all of the discovery, speaking with the defendant, reviewing the notes of testimony from the preliminary hearing, and interviewing potential witnesses. If it can be... View More

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