If an individual is charged with criminal activity, there may be some clear penalties. For example, many people will face severe fines and jail time. Fines can exceed thousands of dollars and incarceration can go on for decades depending on the severity of the crime....
Criminal Defense
What you need to know about plea deals
On Behalf of Bellwoar Kelly, LLP | Apr 24, 2024 | Criminal Defense
Most criminal cases in the country are resolved through plea deals. Here is how this works. You agree to plead guilty or no contest to the charges against you in exchange for a lesser sentence or some other concessions by the prosecution. The whole point of a plea...
Cybercrimes in college: The risks and academic fallout
On Behalf of Bellwoar Kelly, LLP | Jan 29, 2024 | College Crime, Criminal Defense
As the digital landscape expands, so does the incidence of cybercrimes. Any industry that relies on computers to get work done is vulnerable to exploitation from hackers and other cyber bad actors. This includes the education sector, where faculty and students rely...
Hazing: When is it considered a crime?
On Behalf of Bellwoar Kelly, LLP | Nov 10, 2023 | College Crime, Criminal Defense
One of the highlights of college life is the many clubs, sports teams and social organizations a student can join. However, several of these organizations have a dark side: as a rite of initiation, senior members would subject new recruits to hazing. Hazing methods...
Using another person’s urine in a drug test – is it a crime?
On Behalf of Bellwoar Kelly, LLP | Nov 3, 2023 | Criminal Defense, Drug Charges, Juvenile Crimes
There are various reasons for a drug test. Maybe an employer wants to ensure that prospective new hires are free from the influence of illegal substances. Or a sports organization wants to test if student-athletes aren’t taking any performance-enhancing or...
The open alcohol container law – Who’s banned from holding a drink?
On Behalf of Bellwoar Kelly, LLP | Oct 12, 2023 | Criminal Defense, DUI
Per Pennsylvania law, driving while drunk or under the intoxicating effects of a controlled substance is illegal. Inebriation impairs a driver’s ability to react and motor skills, making them a danger to themselves and others on the road. The state also has laws that...
Key violent crime statistics in Pennsylvania
On Behalf of Bellwoar Kelly, LLP | Sep 26, 2023 | Criminal Defense
Violent crime takes place in Pennsylvania, just as it does in any other state. However, crime rates show that Pennsylvania actually has slightly less crime than the national average. The national median has been measured at four violent crimes for every 1,000...
Underage drinking can lead to trouble with the law
On Behalf of Bellwoar Kelly, LLP | Jul 31, 2023 | Children Youth & Services, Criminal Defense
You might think that of all the various things that Pennsylvania prohibits, underage drinking is one of the least damaging to society. Children will grow up and eventually start drinking alcohol when they’re older, so what’s wrong with letting them have a sip now and...
Understanding the two types of immunity
On Behalf of Bellwoar Kelly, LLP | Nov 19, 2022 | Criminal Defense
Often, people who are facing charges – particularly when they involve criminal activity that involves multiple people – have information that can be valuable to law enforcement and prosecutors. That information can be a bargaining chip to get their own charges...
When can police search your car without a warrant?
On Behalf of Bellwoar Kelly, LLP | Oct 19, 2022 | Criminal Defense
Many of our basic rights and protections as Americans come from language included in the U.S. Constitution. The protection against “unreasonable searches and seizures” is included in the Fourth Amendment. With some exceptions, that means law enforcement officers can’t...
What constitutes an unlawful search and seizure?
On Behalf of Bellwoar Kelly, LLP | Aug 8, 2022 | Criminal Defense
An unlawful search and seizure can have a great impact on the outcome of your criminal case. The U.S Constitution outlines several protections for the citizens against government overreach. Specifically, the 4th Amendment protects Americans from unreasonable search...
Can the police force you to unlock your cellular phone?
On Behalf of Bellwoar Kelly, LLP | Jul 21, 2022 | Criminal Defense
That cellular device you keep in your hand or pocket is really a powerful little computer that can do incredible things and hold a ton of information. If you’re like most people, you keep a lot of personal information on your device – and you may not fancy the idea of...
Your estate plan is not just your assets
On Behalf of Bellwoar Kelly, LLP | Jul 13, 2022 | Criminal Defense
One of the most common mistakes that people make with estate plans is that they only think about their assets. They think about the items that they own or the money they still control in various accounts. They believe that the point of the will or the estate plan is...
Why would the judge reject a plea bargain?
On Behalf of Bellwoar Kelly, LLP | Jul 11, 2022 | Criminal Defense
When you are charged with a crime, and you know the evidence against you is overwhelming, one of the options you can consider is a plea bargain. A plea bargain offers a variety of benefits such are removing the uncertainty that the trial might bring. However, a plea...
Can you share medicine with a family member?
On Behalf of Bellwoar Kelly, LLP | May 11, 2022 | Criminal Defense
You would do anything for your family. You care about them and you just want them to be happy and healthy. That's why, when a family member comes to you and says that they would like to try out your medication, you're tempted to give them some. You know how much it...