In a major decision in Commonwealth v. Shifflett, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that a prior Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) can't be used to enhance a DUI sentence. The ruling protects people from getting longer sentences without proper legal protections. Key … [Read more...]
A Parent’s Guide to PA Juvenile Court
For parents, the experience of their child being charged with a crime in Pennsylvania juvenile court can be intimidating and perplexing. In the following blog post, I will provide a parent's guide to PA juvenile court. In addition, I will explain what to expect in juvenile court, including: The … [Read more...]
Signs that a DUI Case is Weak
DUI cases are notoriously difficult to win in court. However, there are a few telltale signs that a DUI case is weak and may be worth fighting. Therefore, if you are facing a DUI charge, it is essential to have an experienced driving while intoxicated lawyer fighting for you in court. In the … [Read more...]
Smart Ways to Avoid a DUI Charge in PA
DUIs are no joke. They can cost you a fortune in lawyer fees, court costs, fines, and increased insurance rates. Also, a DUI conviction can lead to jail time and the loss of your driver's license. With drunk driving fatalities accounting for nearly one-third of all traffic deaths in the United … [Read more...]
New PA Law is Aimed at Repeat DUI Drivers
On July 11, 2022, Governor Tom Wolf signed a new law aimed at repeat DUI drivers. The law expands penalties for Pennsylvania drivers convicted of multiple driving under the influence offenses. The legislation is referred to as "Deana's Law" and would also prohibit a judge from imposing … [Read more...]
How to Use Cellphone Evidence to Win Your Criminal Case
If the police charge you with a crime in Pennsylvania, social media, text messages, and cell phone evidence can prove you did not commit the crime. Criminal cases involving mobile devices are very common. In the following blog post, I explain how to use cellphone evidence to win your … [Read more...]
Important Facts if You are Arrested for DUI During the Summer Holidays
Many people will celebrate with friends and family this summer during Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day weekends. However, for some, the festivities may be cut short when the police charge them with driving under the influence (DUI). If you are facing a DUI charge, there are things … [Read more...]
Pennsylvania ARD Program Questions
Did the police charge you with a crime? Are you considering the Pennsylvania Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program? I answer some common Pennsylvania ARD Program questions. What is ARD in PA? Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition is the first-offender program in Pennsylvania for … [Read more...]
When Does a Prolonged Police Traffic Stop Violate Your Constitutional Rights in PA?
I recently won a pre-trial suppression of evidence hearing in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, in a case involving an extended police vehicle stop. The police initially pulled the car over for counterfeit inspection stickers. Eventually, the law enforcement officers searched the vehicle and recovered … [Read more...]
Frequently Asked PA Sentencing Questions
In this blog post, I answer the most frequently asked PA sentencing questions. Appearing in court for sentencing in a criminal case can be confusing and a highly stressful experience for most people. Also, many different factors can affect whether you receive a sentence of probation, house arrest, … [Read more...]
