Litigating a Rule 600 Motion to Dismiss or Motion for Bail
What is Rule 600? In Pennsylvania, every citizen has a right to a prompt trial. Under Pennsylvania Rule 600, an individual is eligible for release on nominal bail if he is incarcerated for more than 180 days before his trial. Further, the Rule states that trial shall commence within 365 days. In reality, most significant […]
Self Defense in Pennsylvania
Self Defense in Pennsylvania The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has recently affirmed the case of Commonwealth v. Torres through Commonwealth v. Lineman, holding that the government must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that defendant did not act in self-defense, when there is evidence of self defense raised by the Defendant. This is a major decision, as […]
Jury Selection
SHOULD I WAIVE THE JURY TRIAL? Jury selection is an important element of a criminal trial. The Pennsylvania Superior Court has decided the case of Commonwealth v. Rosenthal, No. 1401 WDA 2018, holding that general racial animus or stereotyping is insufficient to overturn a jury verdict. For a jury verdict to be overturned due to […]