Author Archives: David Eshelman
Berks County Criminal Courts
Individuals accused of a crime in Berks County can expect to have contact with two different courts within the county during the criminal process. The most important is the Berks County Court of Common Pleas. This is a trial court of general jurisdiction that handles most criminal and civil matters arising within its jurisdiction. Most… Read More »
How ARD Works
Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) is a program under Pennsylvania law that provides an alternative for first-time DUI offenders. It is especially valuable for those accused of driving with a high (0.1 percent or above) or highest (0.18 percent or above) BAC because it can allow them to avoid jail time that would otherwise be required… Read More »
DUI Checkpoints in Pennsylvania
In the past, there was a great deal of controversy regarding the constitutionality of DUI checkpoints. Opponents argued that they are an unreasonable search that can occur in the absence of reasonable suspicion and that police utilize them arbitrarily. Proponents argue they are valuable tools in fighting drunk driving that allow police to target specific… Read More »
CDL Violations and Disqualification
If you are a professional driver, your commercial drivers license (CDL) is very important to you. It is more than just a license; it is your livelihood and your ability to provide for yourself and your family. For you, losing your license is often equivalent to losing your job. Commercial drivers face a number of… Read More »
What to Expect During a DUI Arrest
The last several years have seen a national crackdown on drunk driving. And Pennsylvania is no exception. State police and local police departments have stepped up efforts to catch drunk drivers, including strategic use of DUI checkpoints. Officers at DUI checkpoints briefly interview drivers passing through and detain those who appear intoxicated. Whether police detain… Read More »
Capital Crimes in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is among 33 jurisdictions in the United States, including the federal government, that still imposes the death penalty upon some criminal offenders. In fact, as of April 2011, Pennsylvania had 216 inmates on death row, the fourth highest number of inmates on death row—behind only California, Florida, and Texas. In Pennsylvania, the death penalty… Read More »
What Defense Attorneys Do Outside the Courtroom
Theodore Roosevelt once said, “Speak softly, but carry a big stick.” What he meant was that reputation is important. This applies perfectly in the context of criminal defense, where a defense lawyer’s reputation for competence and zealousness in the courtroom can often go a long way toward keeping his or her clients out of court. … Read More »
Drunk Driving Penalties in PA
Pennsylvania, like many other states, bases DUI penalties in part upon how intoxicated a person is at the time of the offense. Penalties may also vary based on the number of previous offenses. Many people have the misconception that you do not get jail time for your first DUI offense. This can be true if… Read More »
What Happens After Arrest
Criminal process in Berks County Arrest on criminal charges might be a surprise following a traffic stop, or result from an ongoing investigation. For the accused, understanding the road ahead is important when facing criminal charges in Berks County. Contacting a criminal defense law firm upon arrest is critical. Reputable defense lawyers are available 24… Read More »
