Back to School Tip – Keep Open Lines of Communication
Mistakes happen and addressing possible criminal offenses head on can be an important first step. It’s that time of year again as college campuses are flooded with students of every age. Whether undergraduate or graduate, newcomer or returning, it is a time of new found independence and making one’s own decisions. For parents, it can be a time of apprehension and giving often-ignored...
Medical Marijuana and Probable Cause – The Verdict Is in
A Lehigh County judge rules search is unwarranted once a medical marijuana card is presented. The questions involving medical marijuana, and law enforcement, continue to evolve. From driving under the influence, usage in the workplace and in this case, probable cause to search a vehicle, there is no shortage of rulings as the courts apply new and existing laws to these cases. Some of the...
Mandatory Reporting Statistics Tell a Different Story
The value behind mandatory reporting laws has been overshadowed by the presumption of guilt. Mandatory Reporting requires any school employee who comes into direct contact with children to report suspected child abuse. The list of alleged child abuses is extensive and includes various types of harm (i.e. physical, mental, sexual, etc.) The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has frequently...
The Opposing Views of Pennsylvania’s Death Penalty
District Attorney Larry Krasner weighs in on this divisive issue and its constitutionality To say the death penalty is controversial is an understatement. People of all ages, professions and backgrounds have opinions and last week, Philadelphia D.A. Larry Krasner shared his view on the topic. Specifically Krasner has once again differed from many of his peers within the Pennsylvania...
Arming Teachers – to Be or Not to Be
Pennsylvania Governor signs bill to clarify who can carry firearms in schools. The rise in school shootings over the last several years has made a lasting impact on life as we know it. What was once a “safe space” has become one in which the question of arming school personnel to protect children is part of daily conversation. Like states across the U.S., the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania...
“Clean Slate” Is Now in Effect
The now automated process wipes clean an estimated 30 million cases in Pennsylvania Passed last year, the Clean Slate law has now gone into effect as of Friday June 28, 2019 with the automatic “wiping clean” of cases from public databases. The goal is to reduce the likelihood of discrimination that those with criminal records may face when applying for employment, education and housing....
Strict Limits Put On Prosecution of Cannabis DUI in Philadelphia
District Attorney Larry Krasner deviates from other Commonwealth prosecutors with one word – “No.” In a departure from the consensus of the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association, Philadelphia D.A. Larry Krasner has stated, on the record, that his office will strictly limit the prosecution of cannabis-based driving under the influence (DUI) cases. Specifically, only those instances in...
New Jersey “off-the-job” Cannabis Discrimination Ruling Overturned
Appellate Court says employees cannot be fired or discriminated against for “off-the-job” medicinal use marijuana The laws regarding medical use of marijuana are in what seems to be a constant state of change as employers and employees, physicians and patients and of course, political officials all play a part in creating the new normal. Just recently the New Jersey Superior Court,...
Pennsylvania’s Clean Slate Act Makes a Difference
The focus now turns on expansion at the federal level Earlier this year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania made an indelible mark on the lives of so many with its enactment of the Clean Slate Limited Access Law. This bill, which was backed by both democrats and republicans, allows individuals with nonviolent misdemeanor convictions to have those records sealed if they’ve stayed out...