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What Are “Reasonable Grounds” to Compel Chemical Testing for DUI in PA?
Pennsylvania has an implied consent law. Anyone who drives on the commonwealth’s roads has already consented to a blood, urine or breath test to determine the driver’s blood alcohol content level or the presence of controlled substances. But that’s only true when reasonable grounds exist. If the police have reasonable grounds to compel a test, […]
Who Has Jurisdiction Over Drug Crimes?
Most criminal offenses, including homicide, DWI/DUI, burglary, and assault and battery, are chargeable under state laws, but who has jurisdiction for certain crimes can be less clear-cut. The fact is that many drug busts are the result of investigative cooperation between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, including the May 2013 arrest of 25 […]
Balancing the Costs of Incarceration with the Goal of Rehabilitation
The United States seems to go through periods when the government cracks down on crime, arresting people and seeking imposition of jail time for even minor offenses. Then it swings to the other side, and we see those who should be incarcerated receive probation. To avoid overcrowding of jails and to keep costs reasonable, a […]
How Does Probation Work?
The possibility of going to jail is the biggest concern for most people charged with serious crimes. Being convicted of a crime and having a sentence with jail time imposed is frightening and life-changing. Your freedoms are eliminated and, while in jail, you are required to adhere to a strict set of rules and policies. […]
Traffic Tickets Shouldn’t Be Taken Lightly
While a moving violation for an offense such as speeding or careless driving is certainly less severe than DUI or fleeing an accident scene, it can significantly affect your life. Minor violations can affect your driving record, which in turn may result in increased insurance premiums. And for repeat offenders, the penalties are more severe. […]
Passengers in Underage DUI
DUI while under the legal drinking age is not the only way to get into extra trouble. Drinking drivers under 21 who get behind the wheel put everyone’s safety in jeopardy, whether they are in the same car or elsewhere on the road. And when they are pulled over, questioned by police and charged with […]
Hitting the Jackpot — Another Form of Addiction
There are drug courts for people with drug addiction issues. There are mental health courts for people with mental health problems. People convicted of domestic violence and driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol attend treatment programs as part of their probation in an effort to rehabilitate them. The addiction that receives little […]
Marijuana — Not Legal in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania citizens took to the streets to rally for the legalization of medical marijuana and marijuana for personal use. Advocates for marijuana legalization argued that 20 states and the District of Columbia permit the use of medical marijuana, while skeptics pointed to the impossibility of keeping marijuana out of the hands of minors and the […]
Methods of Getting Out of Jail After Arrest
Anyone arrested for a criminal offense has the right to have bail set at a reasonable amount. A judicial officer sets bail based on a number of factors: Someone’s prior convictions, or lack of a criminal history Seriousness of the offense Person’s prior history of making court appearances or failing to return to court The […]
Five Things You Need to Consider When Choosing a Criminal Defense Lawyer
There are two kinds of law — civil and criminal. Civil law deals with disputes between private citizens over money or property; these disagreements are usually resolved through lawsuits, mediation, money damages and court orders. Criminal law, on the other hand, involves the power of the state to impose incarceration, fines, and other restrictions on a […]
