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Probable Cause and Vehicle Search
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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…
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Construction Company Criminal Charges
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…
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Facing Stolen Vehicle Charges?
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…
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Protecting Your Mental Health During Trial
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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…
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Pennsylvania Traffic Stops
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…
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Selecting a Criminal Lawyer
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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…
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Criminal Conviction in PA or NJ?
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…
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Need a Defense Attorney in PA or NJ
When choosing a defense attorney in Pennsylvania or New Jersey, the most important factors are courtroom experience, strategic preparation, knowledge of local court systems, and a genuine commitment to protecting your future. The right lawyer is not simply the one with the biggest advertisement or the most online visibility — it is the attorney who…
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Don’t Lie to The Police
Encounters with law enforcement can be stressful and intimidating, especially when the outcome feels uncertain. In these moments, some people feel tempted to provide misleading information or alter the truth in an effort to protect themselves. However, lying to the police in Pennsylvania almost always creates more problems than it solves. What may seem like…
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Expectations When Arrested While on Probation
An arrest that occurs while you are on probation in Pennsylvania can have immediate and serious consequences, potentially affecting both the new criminal case and your existing probation sentence. Consequences of a New Arrest While on Probation If someone on probation is arrested and charged with a new criminal offense, probation authorities will often treat…
