In a landmark ruling, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court held in Commonwealth v. Lee that an individual convicted of second degree murder may not be sentenced to life without the possibility of parole without an individualized determination of the person’s culpability in the crime. This represents a huge change in the law and may require the resentencing of hundreds of inmates currently serving life sentences in Pennsylvania. What is Second Degree Murder? In Pennsylvania, secon

At Schatz & Stancu, we understand that a criminal record can cast a long shadow over your life—impacting everything from job opportunities to housing applications and educational pursuits. That’s why we’re committed to helping our clients understand one of the most important reforms in recent criminal-justice policy: the Clean Slate Act (also known as “Clean Slate”) in Pennsylvania. What is the Clean Slate Act? In Pennsylvania, the Clean Slate Act refers primarily to the law

It is undeniable that we live in a politically divided country. Regardless of what side of the aisle you find yourself on, the...

When facing criminal charges, you may be eligible for certain diversionary programs. These programs are designed to divert cases away...