Amid an ongoing spate of horrifying acts of gun violence, lawmakers are discussing ways to limit access to guns by dangerous people. One proposal is to require mandatory background checks for all gun sales. Activists say that many sales take place over the Internet,...
Miele & Rymsza, P.C.
The severe penalties associated with computer-related crimes
With the widespread use of computers and the availability of the internet almost everywhere, it is no wonder that computer-related crime is a growing area of concern. These cases are hard to prosecute, but there are strict penalties in place for those...
Three categories of DUI penalties
Most drivers are, or should be, aware of the so-called legal limit. Under Pennsylvania law, and the law of every other state, it is illegal for drivers over age 21 to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. Police who detain a driver can...
State District Attorney asks court to end death penalty
Pennsylvania has not executed anyone in almost 20 years, and the state has put a moratorium on the death penalty in 2015. Still, the law remains on the books. Recently, District Attorney Larry Krasner formally asked the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to rule that the...
Could you get a second chance?
When other people make questionable choices or mess up, they are often quick to remind you that everyone makes mistakes. However, when you have a record following you everywhere you go, you might find that people are not so quick to give you another chance to prove...
Evidence of past conviction partly suppressed in murder trial
Before a homicide trial begins, some of the most important questions concern what evidence can be used. For example, the Federal Rules of Evidence put strict limits on the prosecution's ability to introduce evidence that the defendant was convicted of a different...
FBI arrests 30 in alleged drug trafficking operation
Although many drug arrests come about as a result of traffic stops and other encounters when police say they find illegal drugs in the defendant's possession, the authorities are always looking for ways to break up drug distribution networks. State and federal law...
What is the difference between state and federal crimes?
If you are facing criminal charges or are under investigation for crimes that may lead to charges, you may have many questions about how your case will transpire and what you can expect. You may already know the charges you are up against, but do you know if they are...
When drug crime prosecution makes a drug problem worse
For years now, public health officials, lawmakers and police have struggled with what they call an opioid crisis. As highly addictive prescription opioid drugs hit the market, they spurred a market for illegal drugs with similar chemistry and effects. Some of these...
Nonprofit director accused of embezzling federal grant money
Embezzlement is a crime in which a person is entrusted with money or property and then fails to give it back, or uses it for unauthorized purposes. It comes up most commonly in the employment setting, when an employee entrusted with funds secretly keeps some of the...