Under Pennsylvania law, murder in the first degree is generally defined as an intentional killing committed under circumstances which demonstrate deliberation or premeditation.
Pennsylvania PCRA Petition and Request for an Evidentiary Hearing (Part 2)
Part 1 of this article discussed a defendant’s right to request an evidentiary hearing in a PCRA petition after being convicted at trial (murder, capital murder, robbery, etc.).
Pennsylvania PCRA Petition and Request for an Evidentiary Hearing (Part 1)
When a defendant files a PCRA petition after being convicted at trial, whether it is for murder, capital murder or robbery, they may request an evidentiary hearing pursuant to Pennsylvania law.
Auto Stop Yielding Large Amounts of Cocaine, Suppression Granted by Philadelphia Trial Judge
Just last month in October, partner David S. Nenner succeeded in getting a judge to suppress large amounts of drugs (cocaine) found in his client’s car during an auto stop in Philadelphia.
How is “Possession” Defined in Philadelphia Federal Criminal Drug Cases?
Under federal law, in cases where individuals are charged with possession of a controlled substance or possession with intent to manufacture or distribute (PWIM/PWID), the government must prove that the person charged with the crime (the defendant) possessed the drugs or had the drugs within the person’s control.
Federal Drug Charges in Philadelphia – Possession of a Controlled Substance
Federal charges for drug offenses in Pennsylvania are very serious, due in large part to the harsh and rigid federal sentencing guidelines.
PA Supreme Court Makes Sweeping Changes to Search-Seizure Law in PA Drug-Gun Cases
Last month, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court adopted the federal standard for automobile searches, effectively changing well-established criminal law in Pennsylvania.
Arrested for Drugs in Pennsylvania? PA’s Mandatory Minimum Sentences
Felony drug charges are very serious and very common in large cities in Pennsylvania, like Philadelphia. Under Pennsylvania criminal law, conviction of felony drug crimes will result in mandatory sentences.
Silence is Golden
Always exercise your right to remain silent! Police are trained to solicit statements that will later be used to try to convict you.
Drug-Gun Cases in Philadelphia, Sentencing Laws Have Changed Significantly
At the end of 2013, the U.S. Supreme Court made major changes to sentencing laws in drug-gun cases throughout the country, including Pennsylvania’s own drug-gun sentencing law, 42 Pa. C.S. § 9712.1. Sentences for certain drug offenses committed with firearms.