Is it legal for a merchant to detain someone because the person they are with shoplifts, without the first person's knowledge?

Yup its generally referred to as Shop Keepers Privilege.

Under a house search warrant can they go into someones pocket and take their cell phone who just walked in the house.

They can search your son's friend for weapons or something that might put the officers in danger but if all they found is a cell phone, Id suggest...

Can police officers take someone out in handcuffs who is not under arrest and say its for their own safety.

We really need a lot more information to respond. The could arrest her and then decide not to file charges. There is just not enough information to...

What posibilities do I have to win a civil cas. a brand computer part stolen from my bedroom from a friend of mine not anymore

A civil case to recover a part worth $50 or twice that is not really worth it but with the info you have it seems your chance of success would be...

First, Yes you should hire an attorney. This sounds like a defensible case and the type of case that an attorney might even be able to make go away...

Am I a convicted felon? Are my charges expungable, and am I ever going to be eligible to own a firearm?

Currently you cannot have your record expunged, However there is a Bill Pending in the PA legislature to allow for limited expungement in some...

You are very likely going to be charged with Retail Theft regardless of what you do. The store can't keep your stuff they have to give the purse...

I got a DUI in georgia 8 years ago moved pa before convicted. I am trying to get an interlock license in pa. Is this possible?

Use the link that Mr. Cronin provided, but I have to ask why do you need an interlock license? Was the Georgia DUI a first offense?

Can you get a probation violation if you fail a drug test for having done a drug before being put onto probation?

The purpose of a drug test upon entering probation is to get a baseline and see what is in your system and prevent a later claim of " I had it in...

How often do you see people fail the ard program for a non dui offense?

It happens. Not a lot but it happens. Usually for a new arrest.