Pittsburgh Harassment Lawyer
Underage Drinking In Allegheny County
Underage drinking is illegal in Pennsylvania for people under age 21. But the law provides an exception for underage drinkers who seek medical attention for another.
If an underage drinker calls the police or campus safety to report another person in need of immediate medical attention to prevent death or serious injury, then the person who made the call cannot be prosecuted for underage drinking.
The purpose of this exception is to save lives without risk of criminal prosecution.
Spivak Law Firm handles all criminal-defense matters, including: summary trials, summary appeals, preliminary hearings, and criminal-record expungements. To speak with a Pittsburgh criminal defense attorney, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
Criminal Mandatory Minimums
Earlier this year, Attorney General Jeff Sessions rescinded a 2013 policy that sought to avoid mandatory minimums for low-level, nonviolent drug offenders.
Mandatory minimums have swelled the federal prison population and led to racial disparities. Under the policy, a person with one prior drug felony who is charged with possession of a small amount of drugs can face 20 years to life.
Sessions’ actions might make sense if mandatory minimums for minor drug offenses were necessary to combat crime – but they are not. A 2014 study by the U.S. Sentencing Commission found that defendants released early were not more likely to reoffend than prisoners who served their whole sentences.
At Spivak Law Firm, we strongly defend people accused of drug crimes. If you have been arrested for a drug crime or are the target of an investigation, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
Charged with Harassment?
Break-ups are painful, but repeated calls and texts to an ex, especially late at night, could lead to harassment charges filed against you.
Pennsylvania law defines harassment as acting with the intent to harass, annoy, or alarm another person, which includes:
- Violent physical contact, or attempt of violent physical contact;
- Following the other person in a public place;
- Repeated acts serving no legitimate purpose;
- Communicating any lewd, lascivious, threatening or obscene words, language, drawings or caricatures;
- Communicating repeatedly in an anonymous manner; or
- Communicating at inconvenient hours.
If you have been charged with harassment, immediately cease all forms of contact with the alleged victim. Continued attempts at communication could demonstrate to a judge that you intend to continue the behavior, thereby hurting your chances of getting the criminal charges dismissed.
To speak with an attorney experienced in criminal defense and family law, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
Charged with Assault?
An emotionally charged argument could lead to assault charges, even if you didn’t physically harm the other person. A mere threat of bodily injury could result in criminal charges such as simple assault or terroristic threats—both of which are misdemeanors that could result in jail time and remain on your record for life.
Spivak Law Firm handles all areas of family law and criminal defense with a special focus on domestic violence and child custody.
Charged with assault? Terroristic threats? Harassment? Stalking? PFA violation? To speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
Defending College Students at Summary Trials
If you’re a college student, the last thing you need is a criminal record. Even a summary offense on your record may limit your employment opportunities before and after graduation.
Spivak Law Firm routinely helps young adults in their late teens and early 20s by providing strong, effective representation at summary trials. Common offenses include:
- Disorderly Conduct
- Harassment
- Retail Theft
- Public Urination
- Criminal Mischief
- Underage Drinking
- Defiant Trespass
- Animal Cruelty
- Loitering
- Traffic Violations
If you’re charged with a summary offense, we recommend fighting the charge to avoid a criminal record. For a free consultation, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.