Understanding the Limits of Pennsylvania’s Open Carry Law
In Pennsylvania, residents’ right to own and possess firearms is protected by state law. However, there are regulations governing how and where firearms can be carried, either openly or concealed. State law generally allows for open carry, meaning that individuals who are legally permitted to possess a firearm may carry it visibly in most public… Read More »
What to Know About Theft Crimes in Pennsylvania
Theft, in general, is the unlawful taking of someone else’s property with the intent to permanently deprive them of it. In Pennsylvania, theft crimes encompass a broad range of actions and are categorized based on how much property was involved and whether any force or threat of force was used in taking it. The severity… Read More »
Pa. Three Strikes Law Imposes Harsh Sentences on Repeat Violent Offenders
The Three Strikes Law is a significant feature of Pennsylvania’s criminal justice system. It mandates severe prison terms for repeat offenders convicted of specific violent crimes. This law aims to deter recidivism and promote public safety by providing for long periods of incarceration of individuals demonstrating a pattern of violent behavior. However, there are defensive… Read More »
What is the Crime of “Sextortion” and What Are the Penalties?
Sexual extortion — or “sextortion” — occurs when a person forces someone else to engage in sexually related conduct under threat of exposing private or personal information. Pennsylvania made sextortion a criminal offense in 2020. Pennsylvania law sets forth these examples of conduct that is considered to be sextortion: Harming or threatening to harm… Read More »