Legal Articles, Criminal
A CONVICTION ISN'T ALWAYS THE LAST WORD. Appeals and PCRA petitions are real second chances — with brutal deadlines. Move fast.
The jury came back wrong, the sentence came down heavy, or the lawyer at trial missed things a lawyer shouldn't miss. Pennsylvania law builds in second chances — direct appeal to the Superior Court, post-sentence motions, and the Post Conviction Relief Act (PCRA) — but every one of them runs on a clock, and the clocks are unforgiving. The single most important sentence on this page: appellate deadlines are measured in days, not months.
FIRST-OFFENSE DUI IN PA: WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENS
A first DUI feels like the end of the world at 2 a.m. in the back of a cruiser. It isn't. Thousands of Pennsylvanians go through this every year, and for most first offenders the case ends far better than they feared — if they make good decisions early. Here's the honest walkthrough.
THE PA LICENSE TO CARRY — BY THE ATTORNEY WHO WROTE THE CLE
Few areas of Pennsylvania law generate more confusion — and more accidental felonies — than carrying a concealed firearm. Attorney Mergl wrote the permitting, background check, and police-interaction chapters of NBI's Concealed Carry Law (Pennsylvania edition) and Carrying Concealed Firearms in Pennsylvania, the continuing legal education materials attorneys use to learn this area. What follows is the framework every PA gun owner should understand.
Is Hacking a Felony or Misdemeanor in Georgia?
Hacking might sound like something that only happens in Hollywood movies, but it’s a very real and serious criminal offense in Georgia. Whether you’re accused of accessing a personal laptop or a government server, you could be facing penalties that could affect your future for the rest of your life. But is hacking a felony or a misdemeanor in Georgia? The answer depends on what was accessed, how it was used, and whether federal laws come into play.
How to Prove Innocence When Falsely Accused in Georgia
Getting falsely accused of a crime in Georgia can flip your entire world upside down. Maybe it’s a case of mistaken identity. Maybe someone is trying to gain an advantage in a child custody dispute. Or maybe it's a malicious lie, like a false accusation meant to destroy your reputation, your freedom, or your future. Whatever the reason, the road ahead can feel like a nightmare. But here’s the good news: you can fight back with the right help in your corner. And knowing how to prove innocence when falsely accused could make all the difference.
Let’s walk through what that fight looks like and how you can build a strong defense that protects your name, your rights, and your future.
What Is a Preliminary Hearing in Pennsylvania?
A preliminary hearing is a court proceeding held shortly after criminal charges are filed to determine if the Commonwealth has enough evidence to justify holding the case for trial.
It is not about proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The judge is simply deciding whether there is "prima facie" evidence that a crime was committed and that you are likely the person who committed it.
In Luzerne County as well as other counties In Pennsylvania, preliminary hearings are usually held before the magisterial district court near where the alleged offense occurred or such as in Wilkes-Barre, Hazleton, or Nanticoke.
Can I Be Charged in a County Where the Crime Didn’t Happen?
Understanding Jurisdiction and Venue in Pennsylvania Criminal Cases
One of the most common questions I get from people facing charges in Pennsylvania is this:
Charges Withdrawn in High-Profile Case
The Law Office of John B. Pike is pleased to announce a significant development in the criminal case against our client.
Factors and Evidence That Impact a Criminal Court Proceeding
When someone is charged with a crime, the courtroom may seem like a mystery, full of rituals, arguments, and rulings that are hard to follow. But in every criminal case, certain factors and types of evidence play outsized roles in shaping the outcome. Whether you're a defendant, family member, or just curious about how criminal trials work, understanding what truly influences court proceedings is essential.
Here’s a breakdown of the key factors and forms of evidence that regularly affect criminal court proceedings in Pennsylvania, and across the country.
How a Routine Traffic Stop Can Escalate into Criminal Charges in Pennsylvania
Most people think a routine traffic stop is just that—routine. But in Pennsylvania, it doesn’t take much for a simple stop to escalate into something far more serious. As a criminal defense lawyer, I’ve seen this happen time and time again. Here's what you need to know to protect yourself.
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