A Brief Overview of the Criminal Process

After charges are filed, a date will be set for the preliminary arraignment. One will also have to be fingerprinted and photographed. At the preliminary arraignment the Magisterial District Justice will inform you of the charges against you, advise you of a right to an attorney, set bail, and give you a copy of the … Continue reading A Brief Overview of the Criminal Process

I left my firearm in my suitcase, I do have a permit to carry, and was arrested at Philadelphia International Airport and charged, now what?

First of all, be thankful that this occurred in Philadelphia. Being the ex-Thin Line Blue, a Professional Philadelphia Police Officer, long ago, we preferred real crime, which is why you are only being charged a summary, for it could have been much worse. A summary offense on the totem pole of charges is the very … Continue reading I left my firearm in my suitcase, I do have a permit to carry, and was arrested at Philadelphia International Airport and charged, now what?

Black Aces Tactical, the SigTac SB15 arm brace and ATF’s misguided determination letter

On November 14th Black Aces Tactical received a determination letter from the Firearms Technology Industry Services Branch (FTISB) regarding their recent submission of what at first glance appears to be a SBS or AOW. Black Aces Tactical was hoping to have the item classified as a “firearm” thus removing it from the purview of NFA … Continue reading Black Aces Tactical, the SigTac SB15 arm brace and ATF’s misguided determination letter

Berks County Sheriff Weaknecht No Longer Requiring References on LTCF Applications!

It was announced today that the Berks County Sheriff's Department will no longer require references for a License to Carry Firearms (LTCF). I have long contended that requiring references on the application is a violation of the confidentiality provisions of 18 Pa.C.S. 6111(g)(3.1) and (i), as merely calling the reference, even without disclosing that the … Continue reading Berks County Sheriff Weaknecht No Longer Requiring References on LTCF Applications!

HB 80 Litigation – Dechert, LLP Representing the Cities Pro-Bono?

As many are aware, yesterday,  Senator Daylin Leach, Senator Vincent J. Hughes, Senator Lawrence M. Farnese, Representative Cherelle L. Parker, Representative Edward C. Gainey, the City of Philadelphia, the City of Pittsburgh, and the City of Lancaster filed suit in the Commonwealth Court against the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Speaker of the House Samuel H. Smith, … Continue reading HB 80 Litigation – Dechert, LLP Representing the Cities Pro-Bono?

Corbett signs bill granting Conservation Officers use of body cameras

A new development in the Fish and Game code grants Waterway Conservation Officers (WCO), Game Commission Officers (GCO) and Wildlife Conservation Officers (WLCO) (but not their deputies) the ability to wear body cameras in the performance of their official duties. The new law requires that the individual must have received training on the use of … Continue reading Corbett signs bill granting Conservation Officers use of body cameras

HB 80 Signed by Governor Corbett

Yesterday, Governor Corbett signed HB 80, which amended 18 Pa.C.S. § 6120, our firearm preemption statute, in several keys ways. Section (A.2) now provides: A person adversely affected by an ordinance, a resolution, regulation, rule, practice or any other action promulgated or enforced by a county, municipality or township prohibited under subsection (a) or 53 … Continue reading HB 80 Signed by Governor Corbett

Settlement APPROVED in Philadelphia Class Action Lawsuit Regarding Disclosure of Confidential LTCF Information

I am proud to announce that today, Judge Jacqueline Allen signed a Final Order approving the settlement that was reached with the City of Philadelphia in the matter of John Doe, et al.,  v. City of Philadelphia, et al, Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas docket no. 121203785, stemming from the City's posting and disclosing of … Continue reading Settlement APPROVED in Philadelphia Class Action Lawsuit Regarding Disclosure of Confidential LTCF Information

New DUI Law That Affects Firearms Rights

I previously blogged about the Monumental Firearms Law related Decision from the Superior Court in relation to DUI. In Commonwealth v. Musau, 2013 PA Super 159, the Superior Court held that an individual who, during a first or second DUI, refused to provide blood or breath testing, could only be punished by a maximum of … Continue reading New DUI Law That Affects Firearms Rights

“What happens when I reach MMI and I have permanent restrictions?”

by Karl Voigt Karl just answered this Pennsylvania workers’ compensation question on Avvo.com: “What happens when I reach MMI and I have permanent restrictions? Its been a year since my work injury and i just had second IME and the report stated that I have reached MMI and that my restrictions are permanent. Does this … Continue reading “What happens when I reach MMI and I have permanent restrictions?”