Tag Archives: dui
When Does a DUI Become a Felony?
Many DUI crimes are classified as misdemeanors, but when do the charges rise to the level of a felony? Each state has its own rules regarding DUI punishments, so it is important to be familiar with state law for Pennsylvania if you face DUI charges. Here’s a quick overview of when Pennsylvania classifies a DUI […]
Common Examples of Field Sobriety Tests
Law enforcement officers often use field sobriety tests when they have pulled people over on suspicion of DUI to gauge whether or not the suspect is under the influence of alcohol. Here are a few common examples of these field sobriety tests and how they’re conducted. Horizontal gaze nystagmus This test involves the officer asking […]
An Overview of Marijuana Laws in Pennsylvania
While Pennsylvania is still lagging behind some other states in terms of legalizing marijuana, the state is not completely archaic. In 2016, the state legalized marijuana consumption for medicinal purposes. Below is a quick overview of some of the marijuana laws currently on the books in Pennsylvania: Possession: State-approved medical marijuana cardholders may possess up […]
When Are Police Allowed to Search Your Vehicle?
The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects you from unreasonable searches and seizures. However, it does not mean you are fully protected from a search if an officer pulls you over in your vehicle. There are some circumstances in which officers can search your vehicle without a warrant, including when the following are present: […]
Pennsylvania to Ramp Up DUI Enforcement for Halloween
The last few weeks have been busy ones in Pennsylvania when it comes to the enforcement of driving under the influence (DUI). In early October, the Pennsylvania legislature passed a bill that introduces felony DUI charges in the state. Previously, Pennsylvania was one of only four states that did not require felony charges for those […]
Study: Ride-Sharing Apps Cut DUI Arrests in Philadelphia
Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft have exploded in popularity over the last five years. This is thanks in large part to their convenience. However, their greatest benefit might be the effect they are having on drunk driving — especially in big cities. A recent study focused on driving under the influence (DUI) arrest figures […]
Pennsylvania Youth Drinking and Driving Less Frequently
A recent report from the State Epidemiological Outcomes Workgroup (SEOW) indicates there is a downward trend in alcohol use, drunk driving and alcohol-related arrests among Pennsylvania minors. The numbers in the report indicate that from 2011 through 2015, the rates of drinking among 12- to 17-year-olds declined by 18 to 20 percent. These numbers came […]
Pennsylvania State Trooper Gets Jail Time After Punching DUI Suspect
Pennsylvania State Trooper John Robert Sromovsky was recently sentenced to two-and-a-half to 12 months in county jail after being convicted by a jury of simple assault. The incident that prompted the charges came in September 2016. Sromovsky taunted, swore at and repeatedly punched a crying man who was belted into his seat in a patrol […]
Police Say Mother Framed Son for DUI
Local police in Williamsport say a woman framed her son for driving under the influence (DUI). According to a report by WNEP-TV, the 38-year-old woman from West Milton admitted to investigators that she put her 20-year-old son behind the wheel of a car in February, then called police and told them he had passed out […]
Calls Increase for Pennsylvania to Toughen DUI Laws
Pennsylvania’s driving under the influence (DUI) laws have been the subject of criticism for some time. Many consider the laws to be too lenient on offenders and point to some of the following statistics as evidence of that: Every year, there are 12,300 crashes caused by impaired drivers, resulting in an average of 9,000 injuries […]
