Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Scranton

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Scranton, Pennsylvania?

  For non-emergency matters, dial 570-348-4130 to contact the Scranton, Pennsylvania, Police Department.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Scranton, Pennsylvania?

  Scranton, Pennsylvania residents who need a copy of an incident report may request one by accessing an online database at https://secure.coplogic.com/rar/en/filing/showdisclaimer?dynparam=1678422649647. The cost of a police report for an incident is $20.00. Whoever has been a victim of the crime will not be required to pay a fee.

• How long does a sex offender have to register in Scranton, Pennsylvania?

  Scranton, Pennsylvania, has three tiers of mandatory registration for anyone convicted of sex crimes: 15 years (Tier 1), 25 years (Tier 2), and life (Tier 3) depending on the severity of the offense committed. Additionally, under Megan's Law, codified at 42 Pa.C.S. 9799.32(1) and 9799.67(1), all residents, transients, employees, and students who have been convicted, pled guilty to, or adjudicated are required to register with the publicly available website operated by the State Police.

• What constitutes a criminal charge for stalking in Scranton, Pennsylvania?

  In Scranton, Pennsylvania, stalking is defined as the persistent and intrusive following of a person, the investigation of that person, or administering unwanted communication to a person intending to cause fear, other forms of emotional distress, or bodily harm. For a first-degree misdemeanor to a third-degree felony stalking conviction, offenders can face up to $15,000 in fines and 2.5-7 years in jail.

• In a criminal illegal possession prosecution in Scranton, Pennsylvania, what types of weapons would be considered offensive?

  In Scranton, Pennsylvania, Title 18 Pa.C.S.A. Crimes and Offenses 908 defines offensive weapons as implements for inflicting serious bodily injury which serves no common lawful purpose. These weapons include (1) Firearms designed for concealment or silent discharge, including machine guns and sawed-off shotguns; (2) Explosives such as grenades; (3) Blades or other cutting instruments, including those that can be automatically exposed by a switch, push-button, or spring mechanism; and (4) Electric weapons like stun guns or batons, and tasers.

• Does one need to wield an offensive weapon to face criminal charges in Scranton, Pennsylvania?

  No, not exactly. But even if a person may be arrested and prosecuted even if they are not using or carrying the weapon at the time of their arrest. In Scranton, an individual commits a misdemeanor of the first degree in violation of Pennsylvania Statutes of Chapter 18, Section 908 if he fixes, sells, or otherwise trades in, uses, or possesses any offensive weapon, except as allowed by law. This crime is punishable by up to 5 years in jail.

• What constitutes an organized retail theft in Scranton, Pennsylvania?

  Organized retail theft is a criminal enterprise of at least two people. In Scranton, Pennsylvania, a person can be charged with committing a felony if he commits organized retail theft if the individual organizes, controls, coordinates, manages, supervises, or finances any of the activities of the organization. Under Title 18 Pa.C.S. § 3929.3, the offense is punishable by up to 10 years of imprisonment and over a $25,000 fine on account of the value of the stolen merchandise ranging from $5,000 to $20,000.