Recent Posts in Criminal Defense Category
| February 26, 2010 |
| Prosecutor Removes Ash From Forehead at the Request of Judge |
| Posted By Bompiani Law Group LLC |
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The following article was published in the American Bar Association's Journal this month.
A
defense lawyer objected last Wednesday when an Iowa prosecutor returned to an attempted murder trial after a lunch break with ash on his forehead.
Assistant Marshall County Attorney Paul Crawford was observing Ash Wednesday, the Marshalltown, Iowa,
Times-Republican
reports. Defense
lawyer
Aaron Hawbaker objected, saying he
feared
jurors could be swayed for
or against the prosecution by the religious display.
Judge Michael Moon said he tended to agree with the defense objection, spurring Crawford to remove the ash, the story says. "I understand his position and his request was made out of an abundance of caution," Crawford told the newspaper. "I can live with it."
Rob Boston, a spokesperson for Americans United for Separation of Church and State, told the Times-Republican that the issue involves a gray area. In some instances, a display of religious preferences can be the basis for an appeal or mistrial, but he was unsure if this instance would meet the criteria.
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| January 31, 2010 |
| Youngwood Man Charged in Check Fraud |
| Posted By Bompiani Law Group LLC |
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A Youngwood man is in Westmoreland County Prison on charges he used an ex-girlfriend's checks to defraud a local bank of more than $9,300.
Joseph A. Malago, 37, of 411 N. Fourth St., was arrested this week on two counts of theft and receiving stolen property, according to documents filed with Unity Township District Judge Michael Mahady.
County Detective Will Brown said that in January 2009, Malago deposited four checks from the woman's closed checking account into a savings account at Commercial National Bank & Trust in Unity. Malago then withdrew $9,300 and used $4,500 to purchase a vehicle, authorities said.
Malago's former girlfriend told police she was unaware of the scheme and "she was visibly upset that Malago would do this and implicate her in the theft of funds from the bank," according to court documents.
Malago was arraigned before Night Court District Judge Frank Pallone and held without bond after officials discovered Malago is wanted by authorities in Corpus Christi, Texas, on forgery and theft charges.
His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Feb. 12 before Mahady.
If you have been charged with a crime in Pennsylvania, contact
Bompiani Law Group, LLC now for a free consultation by calling (724) 925-9600.
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