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Why I Don’t Let Computers Handle Your Case: The Dangerous Limits of Legal AI
As a Pennsylvania criminal lawyer, I see people try to handle their own legal issues every day. Today, many people think they can use AI like ChatGPT to solve their legal problems. Technology is great. But relying on AI for a criminal defense case is a huge risk. Standard search engines like Google are much…
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Michael Kotik Reviews Whether Aspiring Pennsylvania Defense Lawyers Should Still Choose Law School
The constant advancement of AI leads many aspiring advocates to question the future of criminal defense. However, practicing law across Pennsylvania counties requires personal skills that AI simply cannot replicate. Human attorneys must always stand directly beside their clients to provide effective representation inside busy local courtrooms. AI can easily organize complex case files, research…
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Michael Kotik Reviews Whether One Drink Can Lead to a Pennsylvania DUI Arrest
Facing an unexpected driving under the influence arrest can completely disrupt your personal and professional life in Pennsylvania. Michael Kotik reviews DUI charges in Pennsylvania on a daily basis and understands the consequences just one drink can have on your freedom. Michael Kotik of SKA Law Group helps statewide clients navigate these complex and stressful…
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Taking Legal Action Against Harassing Neighbors
Initial Steps with Local Law Enforcement If you believe a neighbor in Pennsylvania is harassing you, the crucial first move is to notify your local police department to report their behavior. Depending on the specific details of your situation, the police will investigate the matter to decide if criminal charges or other forms of action…
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Michael Kotik Reviews Court Programs
Pennsylvania offers several diversionary programs that allow eligible individuals to resolve criminal cases without a conviction and pursue an expungement upon successful completion. Navigating these options is critical for protecting your criminal record and future. Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) ARD is one of the most common structured diversionary programs available throughout Pennsylvania. It is generally…
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Why Charges Get Thrown Out in NJ
In New Jersey, criminal charges are not necessarily permanent. Depending on the specific details of an incident, the available documentation, and whether the prosecution can actually prove their claims, a case might be completely dropped. A Lack of Solid Evidence The justice system requires a strong foundation of proof for any trial to move forward.…
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Can Dropped Criminal Charges Be Brought Back in Pennsylvania?
Yes—under the right conditions, the prosecution can refile those charges against you. To understand why this happens, it helps to know what a preliminary hearing actually is. In Pennsylvania, this hearing is not a full trial where you are found guilty or innocent. It is simply an early screening process where the state must show…
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Loaded Weapons and Gun Charges
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…
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Restitution in Pennsylvania Theft Cases
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…
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“Charge Stacking” in Pennsylvania
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…
