If you get arrested for drinking and driving, you could face serious penalties, like jail time, the requirement to pay a fine and lost driving privileges. The penalties you face depend on several factors, such as your blood alcohol content at the time of the arrest....
Thompson Law Blog
How a DUI charge can impact your mental health
It is not always easy to tell if you are good to drive after consuming a drink or two, and even a slight miscalculation can land you behind bars. A DUI charge is often a first-time offense for young people, and if you are not familiar with the criminal justice system,...
The questionable trustworthiness of eyewitness testimony
The National Registry of Exonerations (NRE) reports that U.S. courts overturned 2,932 convictions from 1989 to 2021. Of those cases, 819 involved misidentifications. Accused individuals can prepare to defend themselves against erroneous eyewitness testimony before...
Workplace drug testing in Pennsylvania and its limits
In many states, there are laws against bosses testing employees for drug use. Pennsylvania does not have restrictions preventing private employers from checking their workers. There are many arguments for why testing may violate the civil rights of jobholders. Here...
Arrested or detained? Contact a defense attorney right away.
It is well known that anyone facing criminal charges should be represented by a defense attorney. But when in the process should that attorney get involved? Before trial? Just after charges are filed? At the time of arrest? As a general rule, you should consult with...
I just got my first DUI – what can happen to me?
Being charged with a DUI in Pennsylvania can have a significant impact on your life, even if it is the first time you have been charged. Even with a first offense, you could be facing jail time, fines, a loss of your driving privileges and mandatory classes designed...
The potential long-term impact of a criminal record
If you're convicted of a crime, it could have a significant impact on your life even if you don't get sentenced to jail time. For instance, it may be harder to find a job, which might make it difficult to earn enough money to buy a car, buy a home, rent an apartment...
Understanding probation violations in Pennsylvania
Avoiding any amount of time in jail or prison is typically a person's top priority when facing criminal charges, which is why probation can be a valuable component of a sentence. However, if you receive probation in place of jail time, there will be several rules with...
When should shoplifting be considered a felony?
Lawmakers are cracking down on shoplifting. In many states, including Pennsylvania, retailers are working hard to ensure that the shoplifting laws are strict and that prosecutors bring the toughest charges. The retail industry defends its actions by claiming there are...
What to Do If the Custodial Parent Withholds Visitation
When the divorce agreement is finalized, all parties must follow all court orders related to the official end of the marriage, including child custody and visitation. Unfortunately, some divorced parents experience difficulties coparenting, which is why it is not...