In Episode 37 of Subject to Cross, Pete and Caroline discuss how they approach a case – backwards!
Listen to Episode 37 wherever you listen to podcasts, and email [email protected] with any questions or suggestions for next episodes.
In Episode 37 of Subject to Cross, Pete and Caroline discuss how they approach a case – backwards!
Listen to Episode 37 wherever you listen to podcasts, and email [email protected] with any questions or suggestions for next episodes.
What it is: Welcome to Subject to Review, your monthly dose of all things criminal defense! Subject to Review brings you real case updates, trending news, and answers questions you submit about the criminal justice system.
How it started: Subject to Review is the spinoff of Subject to Cross, the criminal defense podcast hosted by criminal defense attorneys and my fellow colleagues, Caroline G. Donato and Peter E. Kratsa.
So who am I? I’m Mary E. Lawrence, the newest attorney and addition to MacElree Harvey’s Criminal Defense Practice Group. You might have heard me as a guest on Subject to Cross Episodes 25, 27, and 28 or seen me in action in the courtroom. Either way, I am here to round out the content produced by our practice group and give an option to scroll through if listening to the podcast is not doable (like while waiting in court!)
Why a monthly update: Criminal law is constantly evolving. Staying on top of news, case updates, and information can be time consuming. Subject to Review will keep you informed, answer your questions, and explain complicated issues in uncomplicated terms efficiently. Stay tuned for more and see below for the next edition.
October & November 2023 Edition
Did You Know? Did you know that any conviction for a crime graded as a misdemeanor of the first degree (“M1”) in Pennsylvania results in a federal lifetime ban on possessing firearms? This collateral consequence to a criminal conviction may see its end soon.
Currently, federal law prohibits any person convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, and provides an exclusion for state misdemeanors punishable by a term of imprisonment of two years or less.
So, what does that actually mean? Any person with a conviction, for any crime, that carries a potential maximum penalty of more than two years’ imprisonment is subject to a federal ban on possessing firearms. Convictions for crimes graded an M1 are subject to a maximum of 5 years imprisonment, which means that any M1 earns this federal lifetime ban on firearms. Crimes subject to this penalty include:
This may soon change. In 2022, the United States Supreme Court ruled that in order to uphold any restriction related to firearms, the government must affirmatively prove that its firearms regulation is consistent with historical traditions that restrict a person’s right to keep and bear arms. This decision has made waves in courts across the country, and criminal defense attorneys are now brushing up on 18th Century law to best serve their clients.
Case Law Update: The Pennsylvania Superior Court decided 11 criminal appeals in September and 18 criminal appeals in October. Here is what I think is most important to know:
National News: Ohio passed new legislation legalizing adult recreational use of cannabis. This new law takes effect December 7, 2023. As the 24th state in the United States to legalize recreational use of marijuana, Pennsylvania is now surrounded on all borders by states that have legalized recreational cannabis.
What We’re Listening To: Caroline and Pete are back at it! Three new episodes of the podcast Subject to Cross were released in October and November:
What’s Next? If you have a topic that you want to see covered on Subject to Review, email me at [email protected].
This week, Pete and Caroline discuss opinions from the Supreme Court that may impact protections the public now takes for granted. And, Pete gets to use one of his favorite words.
Follow along with the conversation by reading the article discussed by Pete and Caroline: “The Supreme Court’s Right Flank Is Laying the Groundwork to Dismantle Defendant Rights”: bit.ly/49AptIn
This week, Caroline and Pete discuss the conflict of Pennsylvania’s legalization of medical marijuana with the Commonwealth’s DUI statute. Can you legally drive in Pennsylvania as a medical marijuana user? Or, how about as a lawful user of recreational marijuana in other states? Can these laws be reconciled? Listen to episode 35.
Subject to Cross is back from summer break and Pete is in the hot seat subject to an interview by Caroline. Her questions are unexpected and his answers may surprise you. Listen to episode 34.
In episode 33, Pete quizzes Caroline on some “obscure crimes” in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The questions are bizarre, and the answers may surprise you…
Listen to Subject to Cross wherever you listen to podcasts and email [email protected] with your feedback or suggestions for future episodes.