For the police to pull someone over for a DUI, they must have “reasonable suspicion” that the driver is intoxicated. To establish reasonable suspicion, the driver must either commit a traffic violation (e.g. speeding, running a red light or stop sign, or driving...
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When Walking at Night Could Result in a Criminal Charge
Taking an evening stroll around your neighborhood is a nice way to appreciate the sights and sounds of your community. Merely walking around at night isn't a chargeable offense. However, if you have malicious intentions, you could be accused of committing a...
Is it Illegal to Be Drunk in Public in Pennsylvania?
You’ve gone out and had a few alcoholic beverages. You’re a responsible person, and you decide that, rather than get behind the wheel, you’re going to walk back home. As your heading down the street, you remember a friend telling you that it’s illegal to be drunk in...
Pennsylvania Criminalizes Sexual Extortion
On Wednesday, November 27, 2019, Governor Tom Wolf signed into law a bill that will make sexual extortion a criminal offense. The legislation will take effect 60 days after approval. The bill’s sponsor, Representative Tedd Nesbit, said that Pennsylvania’s current laws...
DUI Breath Tests: How Accurate Are They?
You’re driving down the road and see the flashing red and blue lights behind you. You don’t think you’ve done anything wrong. Maybe your taillight is out. You pull over to the side of the road, and when the officer approaches your vehicle they ask if you’ve had...
Is Making a Gun Gesture with the Hand a Criminal Offense?
You might know that pointing a firearm at a person is a crime. However, did you also know that making a gun hand gesture with your forefinger and thumb could also result in criminal charges? It may seem a little absurd that pointing a “finger gun” at another person...
What Happens if I’m Arrested for a DUI While on Probation?
After being convicted of a criminal offense, the judge might put you on probation – either as the primary form of punishment or as a penalty following a jail or prison sentence. While under court-ordered supervision, you will be required to adhere to specific terms....
Researchers Developed THC Breathalyzer
Although driving under the influence of a controlled substance has long been part of many state’s DUI laws, the legalization of medicinal and/or recreational use of marijuana in various parts of the country has brought about new questions. Specifically, people are...
Small Theft, Big Consequences
Sometimes a person falls on hard times and might take an object or two from a store to make it through the day. The items might not cost a lot of money – a $3.00 loaf of bread or a $6.00 package of socks – but the consequences of taking something without paying for it...
Blood Draw Refusals Can Be Used as Evidence in DUI Cases
In July of 2019, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that a DUI defendant’s refusal to submit to a blood draw can be presented as evidence at trial. In May of 2015, a Pennsylvania man was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. When taken to the...