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Pennsylvania Criminal Law Questions & Answers
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?

0 Answers | Asked in Appeals / Appellate Law and Criminal Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: What documents are needed to refile a criminal case in the PA Supreme Court after missing deadlines?

I had a criminal case in the Pennsylvania Supreme Court two years ago, which closed after I missed the deadline to submit necessary documents, including a verified status of continuation of in forma pauperis (IFP) nunc pro tunc. I did not have legal representation and was informed I might be able... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: What are the charges in Case 1:21-cr-00175-TJK?

I'm interested in understanding the nature of the specific charges filed in Case 1:21-cr-00175-TJK. Could someone provide information on what these charges are about?

0 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Can I continue dating a partner turning 18 with parental consent?

I am a 15-year-old dating a 17-year-old who will turn 18 in June. Our relationship does not involve anything sexual, and our parents are okay with it. I'm seeking information on whether we can continue dating after my partner turns 18, and if there will be any legal concerns due to the change... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Could reporting potential school shooting jokes lead to trouble in PA?

If I reported someone who I realized could be planning a school shooting, but I had contact with them and made jokes about it not realizing they were serious, could I get into trouble? I live in Pennsylvania, haven't reported the situation yet, and the jokes were made in stressful situations... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Federal Crimes for Pennsylvania on
Q: Federal sentencing for first-time offender with meth charges?

Under federal law, how much time can a first-time offender get for four counts of manufacturing delivery or possession with intent to manufacture deliver methamphetamine? The preliminary hearing is scheduled, there were no firearms involved, and this person has no prior criminal record. There has... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Can I be charged with Forgery 4101(a)(3) in PA for presenting a fake ID before knowing of investigation?

I am over 21 and presented a fake ID to a police officer before he informed me that I was under investigation. After being told about the investigation, I provided my real name and date of birth. The officer confiscated the fake ID. Can I be charged with Forgery under 4101(a)(3)? There have been no... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Does statute of limitations affect a 2018 burglary case DNA request in PA?

I received a phone call this morning from a Pennsylvania state trooper stating there's a warrant for my DNA in relation to a burglary that occurred in 2018. I have never been charged or had prior knowledge of any involvement in this crime until now. Would the statute of limitations apply to... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Education Law, Civil Rights and Criminal Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Options if unsatisfied with school response on teacher's conduct?

My high school junior daughter was pulled out of her classroom after being denied a trip to the bathroom. The teacher took her into the hall, screamed at her, got in her face, and pointed directly at her. My wife called the assistant principal, who admitted this isn't the first accusation... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury, Criminal Law and Civil Litigation for Pennsylvania on
Q: Can I sue Uber after a driver pulled a gun on my son in PA?

I would like to know if I can sue Uber after an incident where an Uber driver pulled a gun on my 20-year-old son right in front of my house. Although my son was not physically harmed, he is undergoing mental health treatment due to emotional distress. We reported the incident to the police, and I... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Litigation and Consumer Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Vehicles hacked and destroyed; need legal action advice.

I have been dealing with a situation where my vehicles have been repeatedly hacked and destroyed over the past four years. Despite notifying the police, no action has been taken. I have collected evidence, including videos and license plates of vehicles that follow us daily. I have not yet filed... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Juvenile Law and Education Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: What are the consequences of bringing a knife to school at 17 in PA?

I am 17 years old and was charged for bringing a pocket knife to school in Pennsylvania. The knife clip was visible, and I turned myself in without any prior issues at school. After the incident, I was informed about the no-weapon policy, suspended, and the police were notified. What charges could... View More

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

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