Under SORNA, those who are convicted of a Tier 3 offense are subject to lifetime registration as a sex offender. Examples of Tier 3 offenses are: Kidnapping of a minor, Rape, Statutory Sexual Assault, and Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse. In addition to these crimes, SORNA also requires those convicted of two or more registration offenses must register for life.
Basic SORNA information
This past year, Pennsylvania changed their sex offender registration from the previously titled "Megan's Law" to Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act or SORNA. SORNA is a must stricter and more inclusive version of a sex offender registration law than Megan's Law.
Rape Shield Law under Pennsylvania Rules of Evidence
During a trial for an alleged sexual assault, there may be evidence concerning the alleged victim's sexual history that someone accused of the sexual assault wants to introduce. Pennsylvania courts generally do not allow this type of evidence because the courts do not want the trial to shift focus from the innocence of the defendant to an attack on the alleged victim. This specific statute is commonly known as the Rape Shield Statute.
Update on DUI law in Pennsylvania
Supreme Court changes application of Minimum Mandatory sentences
On June 17, 2013, the United States Supreme Court held that any fact that increases the Minimum Mandatory sentence a defendant could face must be submitted to the jury and proven beyond a reasonable doubt. This case is specifically important for drugs and any other offenses that carry minimum mandatory sentences.
