NEW CRIMINAL PROCEDURE RULE WILL EFFECT PERSON’S CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS.
The United States and Pennsylvania’s 6th Amendment provides that “in all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right…to be confronted with the witnesses against him.” Generally, the right is to have a face-to-face confrontation with witnesses who are offering testimonial evidence against the accused in the form of cross-examination during a trial. However, effective April 1, 2014, pursuant to Rule of Criminal Procedure 574, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will be able to introduce a lab report without the necessity of a technician or any person testifying against the accused. People charged with drug offenses and/or DUI will be severely deprived of their constitutional rights.
In order to prevent this injustice, it s important that the lawyer demand in writing that the witness appear prior to the time elapsing or be forever barred from making this request. It is important that if you, or anyone that you know, is charged with a DUI or a drug offense to consult our experienced criminal attorneys.