Firearm charges in Pennsylvania are a major issue, especially if you are legally banned from having a firearm. When judges and prosecutors look at your case, they care deeply about whether the gun actually had bullets in it at the time. Even though every situation is different, cases involving loaded guns are handled much more…

When you are dealing with theft charges in Pennsylvania, paying back the person who lost money or property—which the court calls restitution—is a major piece of resolving your case. Sometimes, coming up with a plan to pay this money back can help your lawyer work out a better deal for you, and it might even…

Charging decisions are highly discretionary, meaning prosecutors can bring one charge—or ten—depending on how they want to position a case. This practice, known as “charge stacking,” is incredibly prevalent in the Commonwealth. Research shows that approximately 86% of criminal cases in Pennsylvania involve two or more charges, with the state averaging around five charges per…

Building Probable Cause and the Limits of a Traffic Stop Police officers use their observations during a routine traffic stop to build a case against you. If an officer observes open containers, spots contraband in “plain view,” or hears inconsistent statements, these are not just passing details—they are the building blocks used to establish probable…

In Pennsylvania, if a contractor takes money for a job but fails to finish it, lies about the timeline or materials, or spends the project funds on something else, it can turn into a serious criminal case. Instead of a simple contract dispute, you could be facing criminal prosecution for charges like theft by deception…

A routine traffic stop in Pennsylvania can quickly turn into a nightmare if the police discover the car you are driving is reported stolen. Drivers are often shocked to face serious criminal charges like unauthorized use of an automobile, receiving stolen property, or theft of a motor vehicle, even when they had no idea the…

When you are arrested in Pennsylvania, it is normal to feel like your world is crashing down. The time between your arrest and your court date is a highly stressful “waiting game” that can cause a silent mental breakdown. As a criminal defense lawyer, Michael Kotik knows that fighting for your freedom takes a heavy…

You and a few buddies are taking a road trip across the Pennsylvania Turnpike for a weekend getaway in the Poconos. You are sitting in the back seat, just listening to music, when the driver gets pulled over for speeding. The police officer claims to smell marijuana and demands to search the car. Hidden inside…

When individuals search for a criminal lawyer in Pennsylvania, they often concentrate on pricing, billboard ads, or office locations. However, the crucial question is finding the right criminal defense attorney suited for your specific situation. Michael Kotik believes that a defense lawyer’s quality is anchored in their preparation, hands-on experience, and unwavering commitment to the…

A criminal conviction in Pennsylvania or New Jersey can feel final — but in many cases, it is not the end of your legal options. If you were convicted after a trial or entered a guilty plea, you may still have the right to challenge the outcome, appeal the decision, or seek post-conviction relief. The…