Pennsylvania Federal Criminal Defense Law Blog

In 2011, the U.S. Supreme Court issued several decisions that impacted criminal defense law. We will review some of the Supreme Court's key decisions in the next several blog posts and discuss how they may affect those facing criminal charges.

J.D.B. v. North Carolina

This case involved the admissibility of statements made by a 13-year-old accused of burglary. The child was interviewed in a conference room at his school by a police officer. The boy was not issued a Miranda warning and the court had to consider whether the statements he made to the officer were made while he was "in custody" and were therefore rendered inadmissible evidence by the Fifth Amendment.

The recent theft of computers from a YMCA has created an interesting issue of criminal liability for stealing technology that contains sensitive data. The stolen computers contained personal information about the YMCA's branch members, including bank account data and credit card numbers.

While the theft did not occur in Philadelphia - the crime took place in Atlanta - the issue is intriguing to prosecutors throughout Pennsylvania. If suspects are arrested in the case, could they be charged with theft of information?

Earlier today, a California jury found Conrad Murray guilty of involuntary manslaughter. The verdict was the result of a long criminal battle against Michael Jackson's former physician that began when the "King of Pop" died of a prescription drug overdose on June 25, 2009.

Even though Jackson was 50 years old and competent to make his own decisions, his tragic death prompted family, friends and fans to seek out someone to hold responsible for the beloved musician's death. That man was Murray, as he had long served as Jackson's personal physician and had supplied him with the medication that was ultimately responsible for his death, according to the coroner.

As a result of a series of arson fires in Coatesville from 2007 to 2009, legislators have drafted Senate Bill 903 which would create a new Pennsylvania criminal charge of aggravated arson. It would also increase criminal penalties for arson and define mandatory sentencing for an aggravated arson conviction.

If the bill passes, the new criminal charge of aggravated arson will be a first degree felony. A person could face charges if a) he or she starts start a fire, b) pays someone else to start a fire or c) helps someone start a fire at an occupied building OR if the perpetrators' intent was to injure someone by lighting a fire (such as a firefighter or police officer).