Legal Articles, Criminal
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.
Why Hiring an Expensive Criminal Defense Lawyer Might Be the Smartest Decision You Make
At the Law Office of John B. Pike, we’ve spent 35 years representing clients accused of very serious crimes; from drug trafficking to violent felonies and homicide in Northeastern Pennsylvania. We understand why people are cautious about legal fees. But we also know this: when the government is trying to take your freedom, you need the best possible defense, not the cheapest.
Can the Police lie to you?
Yes, under both federal and Pennsylvania law, police officers are legally permitted to use deception during interrogations. This includes making false statements about evidence, witnesses, or the consequences of cooperation. Such tactics are often employed to elicit confessions or admissions from suspects.
Understanding DUI Checkpoints in Pennsylvania: What You Need to Know
Driving under the influence (DUI) checkpoints are a common law enforcement tool used to catch impaired drivers before they can cause harm. However, many drivers in Pennsylvania may not fully understand their rights and responsibilities when encountering these checkpoints. If you or someone you know is facing DUI charges from a checkpoint stop, it’s crucial to know the law and how to protect yourself.
Will a speeding ticket in Pennsylvania affect my automobile insurance?
Receiving a speeding ticket in Pennsylvania can indeed impact your automobile insurance premiums. Insurance companies view speeding violations as indicators of increased risk, which often leads to higher rates. On average, Pennsylvanians may see their insurance premiums rise by approximately 19% following a speeding ticket. However, this percentage can vary based on factors such as the severity of the offense, your previous driving record, and the specific policies of your insurance provider.
What Police Can't Make You Answer in a Traffic Stop in Pennsylvania
If you're pulled over by the police in Pennsylvania, it's important to know your rights. Many drivers feel pressure to answer every question or comply with every request, but the Constitution protects you from overreach. Here's what you are and aren't required to answer during a traffic stop in the Keystone State.
Why Every Good Defense Lawyer Needs a Private Investigator
In criminal defense, a lawyer is only as good as the facts they can prove. No matter how skilled an attorney is in the courtroom, they can't build a solid defense without solid evidence. This is why every good defense lawyer needs a private investigator (PI) on their team.
Common Pennsylvania Criminal Charges Explained
Navigating the criminal justice system can be overwhelming, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the charges you or someone you care about may be facing. Pennsylvania has its own set of laws that define crimes and penalties, and understanding these charges is the first step in addressing them. Below, we break down some of the most common criminal charges in Pennsylvania and what they entail.
Legal Articles Additional Disclaimer
Lawyer.com is not a law firm and does not offer legal advice. Content posted on Lawyer.com is the sole responsibility of the person from whom such content originated and is not reviewed or commented on by Lawyer.com. The application of law to any set of facts is a highly specialized skill, practiced by lawyers and often dependent on jurisdiction. Content on the site of a legal nature may or may not be accurate for a particular state or jurisdiction and may largely depend on specific circumstances surrounding individual cases, which may or may not be consistent with your circumstances or may no longer be up-to-date to the extent that laws have changed since posting. Legal articles therefore are for review as general research and for use in helping to gauge a lawyer's expertise on a matter. If you are seeking specific legal advice, Lawyer.com recommends that you contact a lawyer to review your specific issues. See Lawyer.com's full Terms of Use for more information.
