West Chester Criminal Defense Blog

ekatherine.stamatis@lawrank.com | January 13, 2023 | Self-Defense

Many people own firearms, and for a variety of reasons. Self-defense in the event of an incident is a common reason for keeping a firearm in your home. The Second Amendment to the United States Constitution gives us the right to keep and bear arms. … read more

ekatherine.stamatis@lawrank.com | November 25, 2022 | Drug Crimes

Being arrested on drug possession charges can be a very frightening experience. If you have never been through the criminal justice system before, you may not know what to expect.  The following is an overview of the process and some things you can expect if… read more

ekatherine.stamatis@lawrank.com | October 28, 2022 | Criminal Defense

Criminal defense attorneys help their clients navigate the judicial process when they are facing criminal charges. Criminal defendants can face fines and jail time and need attorneys to help them reduce their penalties or have the charges against them dropped entirely.  Criminal defense attorneys take… read more

ekatherine.stamatis@lawrank.com | September 14, 2022 | Criminal Defense

Police officers are not perfect. The vast majority of police officers perform their jobs with diligence and in compliance with the law. Unfortunately, some law enforcement officers are guilty of law enforcement misconduct or police misconduct.  Examples of police misconduct include, but are not limited… read more

ekatherine.stamatis@lawrank.com | August 22, 2022 | Criminal Defense

With its population of fewer than 20,000 individuals, West Chester, Pennsylvania, was named by Livability last year as one of the nation’s top 100 communities in which to live.  But like all communities, some parts of West Chester are not as safe as others. Knowing… read more

ekatherine.stamatis@lawrank.com | August 16, 2022 | Criminal Defense

Being accused of a crime can make you panic. The emotions you experience can overwhelm your judgment. Law enforcement officers often rely on your fear preventing you from focusing on your legal rights.  Fortunately, the accused in Pennsylvania have specific legal rights. Many of the… read more

ekatherine.stamatis@lawrank.com | July 12, 2022 | DUI

Pennsylvania makes ignition interlock devices (IIDs) mandatory for repeat DUI offenders. In addition, individuals with high blood alcohol content (BAC) are required to have an IID even if it is their first DUI conviction. The state also makes it mandatory to have an IID installed… read more

ekatherine.stamatis@lawrank.com | June 14, 2022 | Self-Defense

Generally, the use of force against another person is a crime. However, the law allows for the use of force in certain situations. Using deadly force might be justified in some cases. Pennsylvania defines the use of force in self-protection in 18 Pa. C.S. §505…. read more

ekatherine.stamatis@lawrank.com | June 13, 2022 | Criminal Law

Unfortunately, television shows and movies have resulted in numerous misconceptions about when police officers must read a person the Miranda warning. For example, many people believe that the court automatically dismisses the case if the police officers do not read the Miranda warning. While the… read more

ekatherine.stamatis@lawrank.com | June 2, 2022 | DUI

Pennsylvania has thorough DUI laws. You face severe criminal penalties if you are convicted of driving under the influence. While the legal limit for adult drivers is a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08% or higher, that is not the case for anyone under the… read more