Category Archives: Pittsburgh News
Pittsburgh decriminalizes possession of small amounts of marijuana
The Pittsburgh City Council voted Monday morning to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana within city limits. The council voted 7-2 in favor of a bill that allows police to levy a maximum fine of $100 against anyone possessing up to thirty grams of marijuana or eight grams of hashish. In the… Read More »
PA drug charges attorney discusses new Pittsburgh marijuana laws
Each year in Pittsburgh, there are nearly one thousand people who face criminal charges for possessing small amounts of marijuana. Studies show that approximately 70% of those marijuana-related charges last year were aimed African-Americans. This information comes regardless of the fact that African Americans make up only 26% of the population and whites and… Read More »
City council to likely decriminalize marijuana
Four Pittsburgh City Council members lined up in support a bill that would reduce the penalty for possessing less than an ounce of marijuana. The new charged would be the equivalent of a $25 traffic ticket. Five of nine council votes are needed to pass the bill. The council president and four others agree… Read More »
Pittsburgh may vote to decriminalize marijuana
Even though marijuana is still illegal under federal law and illegal under most state laws, an astonishing majority of Americans now believe it is inevitable that marijuana use will eventually be decriminalized in every state by 2020. Until pro-legalization people get their wish, drug charges stemming from marijuana-related arrests can be very serious. In fact, a… Read More »
Pittsburgh criminal defense attorney for theft around the holidays
Being arrested for shoplifting can result in a felony on your permanent record, restitution payments, jail time, and probation, depending on what you have been accused of stealing and its worth. If you have been accused of stealing and there is video evidence, it can be extremely hard to defend yourself; however, there are… Read More »
Changing the bail conditions for a DUI in Pittsburgh
Bail is a specified amount of money or property (collateral) provided by or on behalf of a criminal defendant (possibly through a bail bondsman) as security that he or she will appear at future court proceedings. The defendant also agrees to obey all conditions of release, which may include: specific reporting requirements, required notice… Read More »
Pittsburgh drug charges attorney discusses marijuana laws
As more states begin to legalize or decriminalize small amounts of marijuana, it’s important to understand in Pennsylvania it is still illegal to possess even the smallest amount of marijuana, even with a valid out-of-state prescription for medical marijuana. Though the attitude toward marijuana is becoming more and more relaxed on a national scale, the aggressive… Read More »
Pittsburgh criminal defense lawyer on early prison releases
Working on an early release from prison is a difficult process that involves more than just “good behavior,” though it is possible. Some people get lucky and, because of the nature of their crimes and/or overcrowding, they are released on probation. Others are able to work closely with their criminal defense attorney to reevaluate their case… Read More »
Criminal defense attorney for college student in Pittsburgh
With classes starting and the lives of college-goers in Pittsburgh in full swing, Western Pennsylvania criminal defense attorney Gary Gerson would like to address college-aged kids who find themselves in trouble with the law. As a Pittsburgh criminal defense attorney who regularly represents college students from Pitt, Duquesne, Carlow, CCAC, and Carnegie Mellon who… Read More »
Youth football league president court date set
The former treasurer of the Ligonier Valley Midget Football program was charged with diverting more than $12,601 from league accounts for her personal use last year. A Westmoreland County police detective charged the 32-year-old Ligonier woman with theft, receiving stolen property and, two counts of forgery. According to the criminal complaint, the thefts occurred… Read More »
