By: Marc Robert Steinberg, Esquire Among the many things criminal defense lawyers have to deal with in the representation of our clients is a Post Conviction Relief Act (“PCRA”) petition raising the ineffectiveness of counsel at trial, when the client is unhappy with the outcome. I realize some are valid complaints, but the majority are […]

By: William E. Moore, Esquire Arguably, the most important constitutional amendments affecting criminal law are the 4th, 5th and 6th amendments. They guarantee your right to be free of unreasonable searches, not be compelled to testify against your interests and your right to be represented by an attorney. If the government (police) violate your rights […]

Depending on which party you are in a criminal prosecution, a mistrial can be either a huge inconvenience or advantage if viewed from a legal strategic standpoint. Defined simply, a mistrial is a trial that the presiding judge brings to an end before a determination on the merits of the case is reached. This can […]

Organized crime and gangs were a huge issue within the United States during the 1970s. In response, the federal government passed the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, most often known as the RICO Act. Today, the RICO Act still applies and can result in serious criminal charges. Can I Be Prosecuted Under the RICO […]

By: Brian Newman, Esquire We often have clients with loved ones that are engaging in self-destructive behavior, either from drug use or mental health problems, who refuse to get help. These clients want to force the person to seek help for their own good. Unfortunately, it is difficult to force an adult to do something […]