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Sentencing in Pennsylvania Criminal Cases: Guidelines, Mitigation, and Departures
A conviction is not the end of a criminal case. Understanding how Pennsylvania sentencing guidelines work — and how skilled advocacy can influence the outcome — can make a significant difference in the sentence a defendant receives.
Different Types of Custody Arrangements in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania divides child custody into legal and physical custody, each with several distinct forms. Understanding how these categories work — and how courts decide between them — is essential for any parent navigating a custody matter.
Complainant Pertinent Trait Evidence in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Rule of Evidence 404(a)(2) permits a defendant in a criminal case to offer reputation and specific-act evidence of the complaining witness's pertinent trait or traits.
Pa.R.E. 404 - Character Evidence During Criminal Trials
Rule 404 governs when character evidence is admissible at trial, with important exceptions for defendants, victims, and other crimes.
What Is a No-Fault Divorce in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania law provides a process that allows many couples to end their marriage without having to prove that either spouse did something wrong.
Pennsylvania's Important Criminal Law Developments 2026
2026 has brought landmark Pennsylvania Supreme Court decisions affecting felony murder, open fields doctrine, consolidation of offenses, and more.
How to Modify a Child Custody Order in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, a custody order may be modified when circumstances have changed and the court determines that a modification would better serve the child's welfare.
Pennsylvania Criminal "Strike" Offenses
Pennsylvania has statutory "strike" frameworks that dramatically increase mandatory minimum penalties for repeat violent, sexual, drug, and DUI offenses.
How to Sue Someone Before You Know Who They Are
In Pennsylvania, a plaintiff may file a lawsuit naming "John Doe" defendants as placeholders for individuals or entities whose identities are unknown at the time the complaint is filed.