Law enforcement uses various tools to address traffic offenses and crash risks, including driving under the influence (DUI). Officers usually watch out for signs of intoxication before pulling over a vehicle. Then, they can perform a standard breath test to learn about their blood alcohol content (BAC) level. Despite being a common practice during traffic stops, some drivers may refuse to take the test. Pennsylvania has an implied consent rule, making refusal possible, but it can lead to penalties based on the situation. What are the penalties for refusing breath tests? Each state has distinct ..read more

More and more young adults are drinking alcohol before turning 21. Many of them drink under this age limit due to curiosity, bad influences or peer pressure. In Pennsylvania, the law is clear: underage drinking is illegal. But drinking isn’t the only thing that can get young people in trouble. Other alcohol-related actions, like buying or carrying alcohol, can also lead to legal problems. Understanding alcohol-related offenses In Pennsylvania, the law says that people under the age of 21 can’t do anything with alcohol. This includes: Trying to buy alcohol Buying alcohol Drinking alcohol Being ..read more

As most American adults are aware, St. Patrick’s Day, celebrated on March 17th, is a festive occasion that honors the patron saint of Ireland. Over time, this day has evolved into a global celebration of Irish heritage, marked by parades, wearing green and, for many, enjoying green beer and other alcohol. Because law enforcement officers are also broadly aware of the fact that St. Patrick’s Day is recognized as a “drinking holiday,” their impaired driving patrols tend to increase on the night of the 17th. For this and many other reasons, it’s important to plan ahead to celebrate responsibly an ..read more

In this age of social media, it’s terrifyingly easy to ruin another person’s life through the Internet. One such approach is the act of “doxing,” which is slang for publicly releasing private information about individuals without their consent. While it can be a prank, doxing can paint a target on victims if sensitive information such as their address or workplace spreads to the wrong people. This is especially dangerous if the leaked information belonged to a public safety official such as a police officer, firefighter or EMT. Under Pennsylvania law, doxing an official isn’t just a breach of ..read more

Drinking alcohol is not a crime if you are of legal age, which is why adults can buy alcoholic beverages in restaurants, bars and other public establishments. In Pennsylvania, no exact law prohibits you from getting behind the wheel after having a drink. The critical factor to consider is how much you consume and how it affects your ability to drive. According to Pennsylvania’s DUI laws, an individual should not drive a vehicle after “imbibing a sufficient amount of alcohol such that the individual is rendered incapable of safely driving.” You would have to have consumed enough alcohol to infl ..read more

Driving is a privilege that comes with responsibilities, and one of those responsibilities is adhering to traffic laws. Yet, sometimes due to mistakes and sometimes due to misunderstandings, motorists may find themselves facing traffic tickets due to traffic violations. Traffic violations encompass a wide spectrum of infractions, from minor offenses like speeding to more severe transgressions such as leaving the scene of an accident. Drivers caught committing traffic violations face various legal consequences that can include fines, license suspension or revocation, and, in severe cases, impri ..read more

Operating a drug lab in Pennsylvania is a serious offense with severe legal consequences that go far beyond those for simple drug possession. The state’s stringent laws aim to deter the production and distribution of controlled substances. Drug labs are also dangerous because they typically handle hazardous chemicals. Those convicted of operating a lab should also expect to pay for the cleanup of their facilities as an added punishment. Legal definition of drug lab operations According to Pennsylvania law, the operation of a drug lab is charged under the statute for manufacture, delivery or po ..read more

A criminal record can cause roadblocks when pursuing essential life endeavors, such as looking for new housing opportunities and getting a job. Individuals can experience these lasting effects long after fulfilling their legal obligations, making it difficult to move on with life. Fortunately, there are ways to address criminal records and obtain a fresh start through sealing or expunging them. In Pennsylvania, sealing a criminal record can limit access to but not remove it. An expungement can completely wipe it out, providing a clean slate. Still, this process may only apply to eligible ..read more

If you’re pulled over for suspected driving under the influence (DUI) in Pennsylvania, the officer in charge may ask you to submit to a breathalyzer test. While you can refuse, it’s important to understand that there are grave implications if you opt out of testing. Pennsylvania’s implied consent law means that by driving on Pennsylvania roads, you agree to submit to chemical testing if lawfully requested. There are legal consequences if you refuse to take part. The legal consequences of refusing Per Pennsylvania’s law, refusing a breathalyzer test can lead to penalties, including: Mandatory l ..read more

Pennsylvania prosecutors can file charges against people for a wide assortment of different behaviors. Certain criminal accusations carry worse penalties and more social stigma than others. For example, violent criminal charges have a tendency to lock people out of many opportunities in life, from new jobs to volunteering at their children’s schools. Assault and other violent crimes can lead to major criminal penalties and lasting personal consequences for those convicted. One of the possible defense strategies for an individual accused of interpersonal violence is to assert that they acted in ..read more