Legal Articles, Criminal
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.
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.
What Is Your Strategy for Defending Me in a Criminal Case?
When you're facing criminal charges, one of the first questions you’ll likely ask your lawyer is: “What is your strategy for defending me?” It’s a fair and important question. At the Law Office of John B. Pike, we believe in giving our clients clear answers, strong advocacy, and a defense that’s tailored to the facts of their case—not a cookie-cutter approach.
In this post, we’ll walk you through how we develop a custom criminal defense strategy and what you can expect when you work with our firm
Driving Under the Influence of Marijuana in Pennsylvania: What You Need to Know
Pennsylvania's Marijuana DUI Laws: A Strict Zero-Tolerance Approach
Commonwealth v. Shifflett: Pennsylvania Supreme Court Rules DUI ARD Can’t Be Used for Sentence Enhancement
Commonwealth v. Shifflett: PA Supreme Court rules that a prior ARD for DUI cannot be used to enhance sentencing for a later DUI. ARD isn’t a conviction, so using it without a jury finding violates constitutional rights under Alleyne and Apprendi.
Expanding Access to Safety: What Pennsylvania’s Updated Safe Haven Law Means for Parents and Legal Professionals
Pennsylvania’s expanded Safe Haven Law now includes urgent care centers as legal drop-off points for newborns. Learn what this means for parents, legal protections, and how it impacts family and criminal law practice across the Commonwealth.
Parole vs. Probation in Pennsylvania: What’s the Difference?
If you or someone you care about is facing the Pennsylvania criminal justice system, you’ve likely come across the terms parole and probation. While they both involve supervised release, they serve different purposes and apply at different stages of the legal process. At the Law Office of John B. Pike, we believe that understanding these terms is crucial to protecting your rights and your future.
Missed a court date in Pennsylvania?
If you’ve missed a court date in Pennsylvania, you’re at serious risk of being arrested. Whether your case is in Luzerne, Lackawanna, Wyoming, Bradford, Carbon, or Columbia County, or anywhere else in northeastern Pennsylvania, the court may issue a bench warrant (capias)— meaning law enforcement can take you into custody at any time.
But here’s the good news: you may be able to avoid jail entirely if you act fast and speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney.
Pennsylvania’s New Distracted Driving Law: What Drivers and Lawyers Need to Know About Paul Miller’s Law
Paul Miller’s Law bans handheld device use while driving in Pennsylvania starting June 2025. This article explains the law’s key provisions, penalties, exceptions, and impact on enforcement, personal injury claims, and legal practice.
Understanding Arrest and Search Warrants in Pennsylvania: What You Need to Know
If you or someone you love is facing the possibility of an arrest or police search in Pennsylvania, it's crucial to understand how arrest and search warrants work. At the Law Office of John B. Pike, we’ve been helping clients navigate these legal issues for over 35 years, with a commitment to protecting your rights and keeping you out of jail whenever possible.
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