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Pennsylvania Criminal Law Questions & Answers
0 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Traffic Tickets for Pennsylvania on
Q: Is a faded temp tag grounds for a traffic stop in PA?

I was pulled over in Pennsylvania because my temporary tag from Maryland was 23 days old and faded. The officer did not state any other reason for the stop, both at the time and in the incident report. During the stop, I was arrested and charged with possession of drugs. This is the first time... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: First offense charges with house arrest; can conditions change at pre-trial in PA?

I am facing charges for third-degree theft by movable property and misdemeanor for resisting arrest, and this is my first offense. I was a passenger, not the driver, in the involved situation. During the hearing, I was placed on house arrest with an ankle monitor and zero tolerance until my... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Can I conceal-carry the ShivWorks BARRACUDA BLACK in PA for self-defense?

Would I be able to legally conceal-carry the ShivWorks BARRACUDA BLACK in Pennsylvania for self-defense purposes? I do not currently have a concealed carry permit in Pennsylvania but plan to obtain one. There are no specific situations that I'm concerned about; I am interested in understanding... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Am I considered a convicted felon or just convicted of larceny?

I possess documents from 1970 related to a conviction. One document is an indictment for larceny (felony) and another is a court order indicating I was sentenced to pay $100 for the charge of larceny, which I paid. My concern is how this conviction affects my status: am I considered a convicted... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Consequences for retail theft while on house arrest and probation in PA?

I am currently on house arrest for six months and have probation for five years due to a retail theft conviction. On March 31, 2025, I was caught committing another retail theft while still on the house arrest bracelet. What potential consequences might I face for this new offense?

0 Answers | Asked in Appeals / Appellate Law, Criminal Law and Traffic Tickets for Pennsylvania on
Q: Options for appealing a summons for driving on a suspended license in PA

I received a summons to jail due to driving on a suspended license, but I missed the court date because I recently moved and didn't receive the notification by mail. This is not my first offense, and I have contested similar charges before. What are my options for appealing or addressing this... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: What happens after finding and keeping someone else's property before being charged in Pennsylvania?

I found a wallet and AirPods at a doctor's office and had no way to turn them in. The police came to my residence and informed me that charges could be pressed against me, but I have not been officially charged yet. What is the typical process in such cases? Could I be arrested, or would I... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Can I drive with an unloaded long gun under 21 in Pennsylvania?

I am under the age of 21 and live in Pennsylvania. I legally purchased a long gun that is registered in my name, but I do not have a license to carry. Can I legally drive with the unloaded long gun in my vehicle?

0 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Can I drive with a long gun under 18 in PA for self-defense?

In Pennsylvania, can I legally drive with a long gun (rifle, shotgun) under the age of 18 for general self-defense purposes? The gun is registered under my name, and I do not have any specific permits or licenses related to firearms.

0 Answers | Asked in Cannabis & Marijuana Law and Criminal Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Will I serve time for under 30 grams marijuana charge, first offense in PA?

I was charged with possessing under 30 grams of marijuana in Bradford, PA, and this is my first offense. My hearing is scheduled for April 4. Will I serve time for this charge?

0 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Can I use a firearm for self-defense without legal issues in PA?

I live in Pennsylvania and am considering purchasing a firearm to protect myself and my daughter after a concerning encounter with a stranger. Although I'm aware of the "stand your ground" laws here, I'm uncertain about the legal implications of using a firearm in self-defense,... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Arrested for drug charges; trial rescheduled 50 times, no court yet.

I was arrested for drug charges in Delaware County and then brought to Chester County, a place I had never been before. A person dealing drugs in Chester County set me up, and it's documented in the discovery that their accusation was fabricated to receive lesser jail time. Since my arrest on... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law and Criminal Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Is it legal to order Mimosa Hostilis Bark online in the US?

Is it legal to order Mimosa Hostilis Bark online within the US? I'm aware that the bark itself is legal, but there are concerns since CBP has seized shipments due to trace amounts of DMT, a Schedule 1 substance. I have not faced any legal consequences or had direct communications with CBP, but... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Which state has jurisdiction for stolen vehicle recovered in PA?

In which state does the subject matter jurisdiction lie for a stolen vehicle case when the vehicle was stolen in Georgia, had the VIN changed and was sold in Maryland, and was then recovered in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where charges were filed, with no law enforcement contact in Georgia or Maryland?

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Rights for Pennsylvania on
Q: How to compel prosecutors to produce discovery ?

We have been trying for 4 months to get discovery from the DA . They can’t or won’t show us the discovery.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 8, 2025

If the prosecutor has failed to produce discovery for four months, you need to take formal action. First, file a motion to compel discovery with the court. In the motion, outline the specific evidence requested, document your attempts to obtain it, and cite the relevant laws or court rules that... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Immigration Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: 18 § 3929 §§ A2 F3 Retail Theft-Alter Label/Price Marking it's first offense , green card holder applying for Citizen ??

8 § 3929 §§ A2 F3 Retail Theft-Alter Label/Price Marking it's first offense , i didn't plead guilty just paid restitution , i was on ARD for 24 month and case dismissed , then case expundged ,

my question is i'm a green card holder apply for Citizen soon is that going to... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 7, 2025

Your situation with the retail theft charge is complex, and since it involves immigration law, it's important to be careful. Even though you completed ARD and had the case expunged, immigration authorities can still see the original arrest and charge during the citizenship application process.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights and Sexual Harassment for Pennsylvania on
Q: I live in PA. Someone has posted revenge porn. What rights do I have?

Someone had been posting things about me including revenge porn and it has been viewed by members of the community and co workers. I have had to endure harassment because of this. I have gone to the police in the past and have been insulted by them and have not got the help I needed. Need to know... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 5, 2025

I'm really sorry you're experiencing this. In Pennsylvania, sharing intimate images without your consent is illegal, and you have the right to pursue criminal charges against the person responsible. You can also seek a restraining order to protect yourself from further harassment.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Can I sue a man for compensation after they are found guilty for assault with a deadly weapon

I rear-ended them at a stop light and they assaulted me

Charles A. Pascal Jr.
Charles A. Pascal Jr.
answered on Dec 25, 2024

Yes

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Employment Law and Workers' Compensation for Pennsylvania on
Q: My boss is withholding my pay and wanted me to come in the office yesterday to sign a release and take a untaxed check
Timothy Belt
Timothy Belt
answered on Oct 29, 2024

A great deal more information is needed to properly answer this question. If there is a work injury involved, you will want to talk to a workers' compensation attorney before taking any action. If this is a wage dispute, you will need an employment lawyer that focuses on wage issues.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law, Criminal Law and Legal Malpractice for Pennsylvania on
Q: Is my consent required when it comes to the police releasing items that were seized during an arrest?

My vehicle was searched and the police seized my drivers license, bank cards, EBT card, medical card, etc. along with two cell phones. My attorney requested the release of these items and stated once it was approved, I would be able to go to the police station to get them. I was then notified by my... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 29, 2024

You have the right to have your seized items returned without unnecessary delays. Typically, once your attorney requests the release of your belongings, the police should follow through without additional conditions. It's unusual and potentially improper for your attorney to hold your personal... View More

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