Philadelphia, PA Criminal Law Library

Page last updated: August 6, 2020

The criminal law library of the Nenner Law Firm provides criminal law articles, FAQs, and news about drugs and narcotics charges and offenses in Philadelphia, PA. The articles, FAQs and news are for information only and do not provide legal advice.

If you would like a free consultation by our criminal lawyers, please call (215) 564-0644.

Philadelphia Criminal Law Articles

Driving Equality bill passed in Philadelphia, limiting traffic stops for blacks and latinos (Nov. 2021) (November 16, 2021)
Historically, Philadelphia residents of color are pulled over for minor traffic violations more often than white residents. In Philadelphia, police have used traffic stops as a pretext when they suspect illegal activity, even if there’s no basis for suspecting such activity. Blacks and Latinos who are pulled over in Philadelphia are often treated as criminals ...
Philadelphia Criminal Trials – Evidence Pointing to Another Perpetrator in Drug Possession or Drug Manufacture Cases (September 27, 2021)
In criminal trials in Philadelphia, one pretty common defense tactic is pointing the finger at another person at trial. This can raise enough doubt to result in a not guilty verdict by the judge or jury that the defendant was not the perpetrator of the crime. Here’s an example: Two residents of Philadelphia, Mr. A and ...
Philadelphia Murder & Gun Possession Cases Increasing in 2021 – A Look at Common Charges & Defenses (August 25, 2021)
A look at PA criminal law for Murder (1st, 2nd, 3rd Degree), Aggravated Assault, Robbery, Possession of a Firearm, Carrying a Firearm Without a License, Carrying a Firearm in Philadelphia (misdemeanor).
Pennsylvania Murder Charges, Deceased Person’s Statements Used to Prove Guilt (July 27, 2021)
Defense Trial Strategies – Excluding Statements That Accuse the Defendant Prosecutors often look to a deceased individual’s statements made prior to a murder to show that the defendant is guilty. These statements may point to a history of violence between the deceased and the defendant, such as “ bought a gun and pointed it at me,” ...
Pennsylvania (State) Drug Charges, Dog Sniffs & Constitutional Law (October 15, 2020)
Federal and Pennsylvania state courts treat narcotics dog searches differently. So different that the same scenario could result in different outcomes in federal versus state court. For example, a Philadelphia resident is pulled over for speeding. During the traffic stop, a narcotics officer arrives on the scene with a drug dog who sniffs the ...
Dog Sniff Searches of Cars in Pennsylvania Traffic Stops (Federal Law) (October 6, 2020)
Dog or canine searches of cars during traffic stops in PA often lead to drug possession/dealing charges and gun charges. For example, a police officer pulls over a driver for speeding. During the traffic stop, a canine search is performed revealing several bags of heroin. The individual is arrested and charged with federal charges, drug ...
Federal Drug Dealing Crime Sentencing Law – Mandatory Minimum Sentences Reduced in Phila. Cases (September 17, 2020)
On December 21, 2018, federal sentencing laws for drug cases were amended significantly. The First Step Act removed the mandatory life sentence for 3 time drug offenders in high quantity drug dealing cases and also reduced the mandatory minimum sentences for 2nd offenses. Also, the First Step Act also made the Fair Sentencing Act of ...
Philadelphia Gun & Violent Crime Cases on the Rise (July 20, 2020)
Shootings and gun cases in Philadelphia have risen sharply in 2020. Here’s a look at some of the most recent data provided by the Philadelphia Police Department: From July 12, 2019 to July 12, 2020, there’s been a 55% increase in the number of shootings. (1018 versus 1578 shootings) During the same period, there’s been a ...
My son was arrested in Philadelphia, PA for drugs and guns after he was chased by police for no reason. He didn’t do anything wrong. Can he beat the charges? (May 22, 2020)
My son was arrested in Philadelphia, PA for drugs and guns after he was chased by police for no reason. Can we beat the charges?
Pennsylvania Criminal Law – Running or Walking Away from Police (May 18, 2020)
Can police chase someone who runs or walks away when on the street or sidewalk? Is reasonable suspicion required? Philly criminal law firm answers these questions.
Chester, PA Shootings & Homicides, May 2020 (May 13, 2020)
Homicides and murders are up in both Chester and Philadelphia PA so far in 2020. Murder investigations when homicide rates are high may lead to false confessions.
Attempted Murder & Conspiracy to Commit Murder Charges in Pennsylvania Shooting Cases (April 21, 2020)
Many residents of Philadelphia and nearby counties like Delaware County or Chester County face criminal cases due to a shooting. In this legal article, our criminal law firm provides legal info on attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder, two common charges in shooting cases in Pennsylvania. Criminal cases accepted in Philadelphia, Delaware County, Chester ...
Pennsylvania Criminal Law: Passenger’s Legal Rights During Traffic Stops in Philadelphia (February 26, 2020)
What are legal rights of passengers during traffic stops in Pennsylvania? Can an officer order a passenger to exit a car? Can an officer search a passenger’s personal items?
Pennsylvania Criminal Law – Best Way to Fight Drug Possession or Dealing Charges (February 13, 2020)
What are the best ways to fight a drug possession or drug dealing charge in Pennsylvania? 1. attack the legal basis for the search or seizure of the drugs, or 2. make factual arguments that damage the prosecution’s case.
Philadelphia Gun Possession Case – PA Supreme Court Held in Favor of Defendant (Commonwealth v. Cost, Jan. 22, 2020) (February 3, 2020)
Philadelphia Gun Possession Case – PA Supreme Court Held in Favor of Defendant (Commonwealth v. Cost, Jan. 22, 2020). Officers illegally seized the defendant’s gun when it ran a warrants check while holding defendant’s ID and also asking about what was in defendant’s bag.

Philadelphia Criminal & Legal Resources

Court of Common Pleas (Philadelphia) Criminal Trial Division

Philadelphia Criminal Justice Center
1301 Filbert Street,
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Court of Common Pleas (Philadelphia) Criminal Case Forms

United States District Court, Eastern District of PA

James A. Byrne U.S. Courthouse
601 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106

Jenkins Law Library

833 Chestnut Street, Suite 1220
Philadelphia, PA 19107

David S. Nenner

“Top Rated Criminal Defense Lawyer”
(2015-2022)

MURDER, Robbery CHARGES – NOT GUILTY JURY VERDICT (MAY 2021, PHILA)

Mr. Nenner's client was charged with multiple crimes (murder, conspiracy, aggravated assault, robbery, etc.) after a shooting death occurred at a gambling house in North Philadelphia. At trial, Mr. Nenner successfully presented a self-defense argument and convinced...

MURDER CHARGE – NOT GUILTY JURY VERDICT (MAY 2021, PHILA)

Mr. Nenner’s client was charged with murder and gun charges in Philadelphia. The client was accused of shooting and killing another male on Arch Street near the 5600 block of Ithan Street in Philadelphia. The jury returned a verdict of not guilty after deliberating...

Drug Possession Case – Motion to Suppress Granted

Mr. Nenner presented evidence that to show that the traffic stop was a pretextual stop. The officer had no reason to pull the car over. The judge agreed and suppressed the evidence. As a result, the prosecution withdrew the charges.

Attempted Murder Case – Not Guilty Jury Verdict

Mr. Nenner presented a self-defense argument, and the jury returned a “not guilty” verdict after a 7 day trial in Philadelphia.

3rd Degree Murder Case – Charges Dismissed for Co-Defendants

Mr. Nenner represented co-defendants in a shooting death in North Philadelphia. Both cases were ultimately dismissed.

Philadelphia Criminal Trials – Evidence Pointing to Another Perpetrator in Drug Possession or Drug Manufacture Cases

In criminal trials in Philadelphia, one pretty common defense tactic is pointing the finger at another person at trial. This can raise enough doubt to result in a not guilty verdict by the judge or jury that the defendant was not the perpetrator of the crime. Here’s...

Philadelphia Murder & Gun Possession Cases Increasing in 2021 – A Look at Common Charges & Defenses

A look at PA criminal law for Murder (1st, 2nd, 3rd Degree), Aggravated Assault, Robbery, Possession of a Firearm, Carrying a Firearm Without a License, Carrying a Firearm in Philadelphia (misdemeanor).

Pennsylvania Murder Charges, Deceased Person’s Statements Used to Prove Guilt

Defense Trial Strategies – Excluding Statements That Accuse the Defendant Prosecutors often look to a deceased individual’s statements made prior to a murder to show that the defendant is guilty. These statements may point to a history of violence between the deceased...

Pennsylvania (State) Drug Charges, Dog Sniffs & Constitutional Law

Federal and Pennsylvania state courts treat narcotics dog searches differently. So different that the same scenario could result in different outcomes in federal versus state court. For example, a Philadelphia resident is pulled over for speeding. During the traffic...

Dog Sniff Searches of Cars in Pennsylvania Traffic Stops (Federal Law)

Dog or canine searches of cars during traffic stops in PA often lead to drug possession/dealing charges and gun charges. For example, a police officer pulls over a driver for speeding. During the traffic stop, a canine search is performed revealing several bags of...