Here is how bail works in Pennsylvania: A Magisterial District Judge (MDJ) does determine if you are eligible for bail in Pennsylvania after an arrest. They set bail during your preliminary arraignment, where they will also read your charges, inform you of your rights, and ask you to enter a plea. If you are eligible […]
Arrested by the Philadelphia Police? Here’s What to Know
Legal information is available online and accessible to the public on what to know about getting arrested by the Philadelphia police. You can learn about the process and potential outcomes and read statutes. However, this information cannot substitute individualized legal advice from a Philadelphia criminal defense lawyer since the law applies differently to every case. […]
PA Sup. Ct. Rules Ambiguity In Favor Of Defendant
Ambiguity in Pennsylvania’s Recidivism Risk Reduction Incentive Program (“RRRI”) statute must be resolved in favor of criminal defendants
Governor Rendell Attempts a Parole Overhaul
Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell is attempting to put a plan into motion that would take away violent offenders’ ability to be paroled. Rather than sentencing pursuant to Pennsylvania’s indeterminate sentencing scheme in criminal court (that is, a maximum and minimum sentence, with the maximum at least double the minimum), Governor Rendell wants judges to sentence […]
Pragmatism in State Prison Systems
With money-starved states striving to become more efficient, Virginia Governor Tim Kaine plans to take some of the weight off of the state’s prison system. With Virginia having the sixth greatest growth in state imprisonment between 2000 and 2007, Kaine plans to release non-violent, model inmates up to three times earlier (90 days rather than […]