Although the Pennsylvania Supreme Court handed down the opinion in Commonwealth v. Arter (Pa. 2016) over three months ago, on December 28, 2016, its importance to Pennsylvania jurisprudence, as it relates to the application of the exclusionary rule for unconstitutional searches and seizures at probation and parole violation hearings, makes it worthwhile to talk about so […]
Superior Court of Pennsylvania Holds Probation Violation Illegal When Original Sentence Illegal
In the recent case of Commonwealth v. Milhomme, 2011 PA Super. 149 (July 21, 2011), the Superior Court of Pennsylvania held that a sentence stemming from a violation of probation was illegal where the original sentence was illegal. After checking out the ruling, you might enjoy this article about mandatory minimum sentences on firearms. Were […]
What’s the Difference Between Probation and Parole?
“What’s the difference between probation and parole?” This is a frequently asked question that many of my clients ask. Both probation and parole permit an individual to serve their sentence, or a portion of their sentence, in the community, instead of in jail, which many people find attractive. Also, probation and parole are both considered […]
Phil. Adult Probation & Parole Deploys New Field Cars
The Philadelphia Courts recently announced the deployment of six marked vehicles for the Adult Probation and Parole Department, which will be used by the Gun Court Unit. The Gun Court Unit supervises offenders who have a gun offense as their most serious crime. Update: The Philadelphia justice system continues to innovate over time. Learn more […]