Understanding simple assault charges in Pennsylvania can be anything but simple. They cover a wide range of crimes, and the penalties vary based on the circumstances.  Did you know that you can be charged with simple assault in situations where you didn’t even injure anyone? Intent alone is enough to find yourself in legal trouble....Read More

“It was only a few drinks. I’ll be fine,” you think to yourself as you drive off. Everything seems to be going okay — that is until you look up and see the flashing red and blue lights in the rearview mirror. Knowing that you’ve been drinking, your stomach drops. Your mind races to images...Read More

Bail is generally set at the accused’s preliminary arraignment, which will usually occur hours after the arrest. The terms of bail can vary from being released on one’s own recognizance (ROR) or Sign On Bond (SOB) all the way up to $1,000,000 or defendants being held without bail. In Philadelphia, defendants are generally required to...Read More

In a criminal case in Pennsylvania, the preliminary hearing is a court date that will happen following the preliminary arraignment, almost always on a different day. Prelims, as they are called for short, usually happen within a few weeks. Sometimes, there are allowable delays, and a preliminary hearing might not occur for months after the...Read More

First things first. The correct term is “Motion to Quash.” People often mishear, mispronounce, or search the Internet for “Motion to Squash.” Now you know. Also, Motions to Quash are called Writs of Habeas Corpus in many counties in Pennsylvania. Individuals accused of committing crimes in Philadelphia, the surrounding counties, and throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania...Read More

If law enforcement officers in Pennsylvania pull you over, what rights do you have during the traffic stop related to searches of your car or truck? Can the police search your vehicle for almost any reason?  In Pennsylvania, the answer to this question is “no.” The police must establish something called “probable cause” first. We...Read More

Attorney Stephen Stewart joined attorney Michael Coard’s weekly radio program “Radio Courtroom” on WURD Radio to discuss the federal civil rights lawsuit that Michael, Stephen, and four other distinguished civil rights attorneys filed on behalf of 237 plaintiffs against the City of Philadelphia. Watch the segment below and contact Stephen Stewart by calling 215-650-6500 or...Read More