Subject to Cross | Podcast on Podbay

Subject to Cross

Subject to Cross is a podcast on criminal law hosted by Caroline G. Donato and Peter E. Kratsa, both attorneys from the law firm, MacElree Harvey, Ltd. in West Chester, PA. Criminal defense practitioners work to ensure a fair process and outcome for all individuals. Our state and federal constitutional rights encourage fairness. In this country, we all have the same rights. If the system fails for one, it fails for all. As criminal defense lawyers, we fight to make the system work; to make it fair. That’s why what we do matters. Our mission with this podcast is to put you, the listeners, on the ground floor of that process so that we, and you, can help make it better. If you have questions you would like us to address on the podcast, email [email protected]

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Episode 46: Clearing Criminal Records

This week in Episode 46 of Subject To Cross, Pete and Caroline discuss expungement and the expansion of sealing of criminal records in Pennsylvania. What’s the difference between expungement and sealing? How long does it take to seal a record? Can you seal felonies? How is it beneficial? Learn more wherever you listen to podcasts.

Apr 22, 2024

12 min

Episode 45: “Free Meek”

This week in Episode 45, Pete and Caroline discuss changes to probation in Pennsylvania via the Probation Reform Act of 2023. What does probation entail? What happens when you violate probation? Listen and learn on platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Apr 2, 2024

25 min

Episode 44: Mental Health and Criminal Justice

This week in Episode 44, Caroline and Pete touch upon the issue of the treatment of mental health in the criminal justice system. Their discussion is triggered by recent news in Dauphin County of inmates facing "two weeks of darkness" in solitary confinement.

Mar 21, 2024

22 min

Episode 43: Confirmation Bias in American Nightmare

This week in Episode 43, Pete and Caroline analyze the popular Netflix series, American Nightmare, covering the 2015 home invasion and kidnapping in Vallejo, California. *Spoiler alert warning* The duo discuss the case in detail from the handling of evidence, interrogation of key witnesses, and management of the case by the Vallejo police force. If you have watched the series, this episode is not one to miss. Email [email protected] with comments and suggestions for future episodes.

Mar 14, 2024

20 min

Episode 42: The Full Force of the 2nd Amendment

This week, Caroline and Pete discuss the Second Amendment in the post-Bruen era. Did the Supreme Court go too far? Will Pete and Caroline ever see eye-to-eye on this one? Caroline has permission to discuss a case she is currently working on, and explains how she is arguing this constitutional right in court. Listen to Episode 42 wherever you listen to podcasts, and email [email protected] with any questions or suggestions for next episodes.

Mar 4, 2024

26 min

Episode 41: The Real Deal with Child Abuse Appeals (CYF Appeals)

In Episode 41 of Subject to Cross, Caroline and Pete discuss the muddy waters of child abuse appeals (CYF Appeals). Listen to find out what kind of cases each of them tend to take on and the reality behind this consequential administrative process.

Feb 16, 2024

20 min

Episode 40: Criminal Cases in the News: Manslaughter in New Mexico and Sexual Assault in Canada

In Episode 40 of Subject to Cross, Pete and Caroline pivot to current events discussing actor Alec Baldwin's recent (re-)indictment for manslaughter in New Mexico and charges of sexual assault in Canada against multiple National Hockey League players. A discussion of defense strategies inside and outside the courtroom in high profile cases ensues.

Feb 9, 2024

32 min