When you are put on probation, you will usually find out the stipulations of your probation. The judge will have rules that you will need to follow to avoid getting into additional trouble with the law. These rules might include visiting with your probation officer regularly and staying off drugs. Random drug screenings are often […]

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 baseless and just seek to blame […]

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 […]

Understanding the RICO Act Definition of RICO The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act is a federal law designed to combat organized crime by imposing extended criminal penalties and providing a civil cause of action for acts performed as part of an ongoing criminal organization. Under the RICO Act, a pattern of racketeering activity […]