Recently, the York Daily Record published an editorial advocating for changes in Pennsylvania law about Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition or ARD. The changes deal with how the law works with the state’s new ignition interlock law. If the state charged you with a minor criminal offense in York or anywhere in Central Pennsylvania, you should contact […]
About Michael Carrucoli
Changes to PA Warrantless Search and Seizure Law
The law regarding searches and seizures is constantly in flux and both federal and Pennsylvania state courts issue decisions regularly that define the contours of this area of criminal law. One such area is searches and seizures about drug and gun cases. As discussed more fully below, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court issued a landmark ruling […]
Pennsylvania District Attorney Pushes for Tougher Burglary Sentences
The District Attorney for Lancaster County is arguing that persons convicted of burglary should receive longer sentences. According to a news report, Craig Stedman, the Lancaster District Attorney, bemoans the fact that convicted burglars may be incarcerated for only a few months, and that this leniency does not deter violent criminals from victimizing random individuals. […]
Pennsylvania Supreme Court Strikes Down Gun and Drug Mandatory Minimum Sentencing
Statutory mandatory minimum sentencing provisions are controversial nationwide. These laws take away discretion from judges in sentencing and prevent defendants from arguing for factors that serve to mitigate a person’s sentence. In Pennsylvania, the criminal code provides for mandatory minimum terms of particular crimes involving drugs, firearms, violent offenses, and sex crimes involving children and […]
ARD and the Ignition Interlock Law in York Pennsylvania
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has created a pre-trial alternative to traditional prosecution called Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition or ARD. The Pennsylvania legislature established the ARD program by enacting 234 Pa. Code Rule Chapter 3, and its primary purpose is for rehabilitating first-time offenders of certain crimes. Further, the ARD program facilitates the prompt disposal of criminal […]
Inaccurate Breath Test Results in Pennsylvania DUI Cases
When you have been drinking, flashing red lights in the rear-view mirror can induce panic. Many people presume they will be arrested and convicted of DUI because they lack experience dealing with the criminal court system. This inexperience promotes the belief that a DUI arrest along with failed field sobriety and breath tests mean that […]
Do Not Try Talking Your Way Out of an Arrest: Understanding Miranda Protections in Pennsylvania
While it is difficult to quantify the exact number of people arrested for criminal offenses that make the case for the prosecutor or provide critical evidence, there is no denying this is a common mistake. Many people who are arrested provide incriminating statements or lie, which creates a whole slew of other problems. While people […]
What Every Driver Should Know about Pennsylvania’s Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition Program
If you have been arrested for DUI in York, you can face serious penalties under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, which can result in the loss of your driving privileges, incarceration, substantial fines, and other adverse consequences. The “Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition” (ARD) program might offer the best alternative if you are charged with […]
Recent Pennsylvania Decision Could Limit Grandparent Custody Rights
Our Pennsylvania child custody attorneys frequently receive inquiries from grandparents about their right to pursue access to their grandchildren in the form of custody or visitation. This issue tends to arise in situations where the paternal or maternal grandparents are denied contact after the parents’ divorce or the death of one of the parents. While […]
Three Common Pennsylvania DUI Myths
If you are arrested and charged with driving under the influence (DUI) in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the consequences can impact your career, reputation, financial security, driving privileges, and liberty. While a DUI arrest must be taken seriously under any circumstances, many people make the situation worse because they rely on false assumptions about DUI […]
