With many adolescents being unable to complete their high school education, the question that often arises is: “What they are going to do to make a living.” Unfortunately, the answer to this many times is criminal activity. In addition, with unemployment on the rise, many young people may turn to illegal activity. Because of these […]
Archives for October 2008
Stricter Gun Laws Passed
With the recent growth of violent crimes committed with handguns, Pennsylvania legislators have rushed to install tougher gun laws. The focus of the new gun bill is intended to reform two areas. The first reform will double the minimum sentence of violent firearms offenses committed against police officers. The second area of reform concerns “straw […]
The Economy May Have an Impact on Bulging Court Dockets in Philadelphia
With the growing financial crisis, crime is poised to return to levels only seen in other times of economic trouble. While crime rates nationally have fell greatly over the past decade, the recent growth of crime could potentially return America’s urban communities to levels of crime not seen in years. To read more about the […]
Hand Movements Not Enough to Justify Warrantless Search
The Pennsylvania Superior Court handed down a new case this month about warrantless searches of automobiles in In re O.J., 2008 Pa. Super. 234 (Oct. 1, 2008) (No, this case is not about O.J. Simpson, but it sure would be more fun if it were. It’s a juvenile case, so the minor’s name is protected […]
Forged Money Order Graded as a 2nd-Degree Felony
In a case of first impression, the Pennsylvania Superior Court holds that a forged United States Postal Service money order is properly graded as a felony of the second degree under the forgery statute, 18 Pa.C.S. Sec. 4101. A felony of the second degree in Pennsylvania carries a maximum possible term of incarceration of ten […]