In Pennsylvania, criminal courts maintain jurisdiction for all murder cases, even where the defendant is a child or teen. This applies to children who are accused of murder.
PCRA Petitions – New Trial Based on New Alibi Witness
When individuals are faced with attempted murder and murder charges in Philadelphia criminal cases, one of the defenses their criminal defense lawyer may present is the alibi defense.
Philadelphia Criminal Murder Cases – The Alibi Defense
One of the most common defenses raised in a Philadelphia criminal case is the alibi defense. It is often raised in murder, attempted murder, robbery, and assault cases.
Scranton, Lackawanna Pa Murder Case News – Teens Charged After Officer Falls Over Wall, Dies
This summer, three Scranton PA area teens were charged with multiple counts including second degree murder and second degree murder of a law enforcement officer.
Custodial Interrogation – The Right to Counsel in Philadelphia Criminal Cases
In a recent Pennsylvania Supreme Court opinion, our state’s highest court ruled that a 17 year old defendant charged as an adult in a Philadelphia murder case could not make a preemptive invocation of the constitutional right to counsel during interrogation or questioning by law enforcement.
Philadelphia Criminal Cases – Factors for Reducing Bail
Getting bailed out of jail is one of the first major issues in a Philadelphia criminal case. Below is a discussion of factors Philadelphia courts consider when setting bail.
Pennsylvania Superior Court Strikes the Drug-Free School Zone Sentencing Law
Over the last decade or so, the Pennsylvania legislature passed various criminal sentencing laws aimed at keeping people incarcerated for longer periods of time.
Corruption in Philadelphia’s Police Department & Filing Criminal Appeals/PCRA Petitions in PA
In the past few years, police departments in Pennsylvania and New Jersey have come under increased scrutiny due to major police corruption scandals in Philadelphia and Camden.
Sentences for First Degree Murder Convictions in Pennsylvania
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.).