On high school and college campuses across the country, teenagers and young adults continue to experiment as they have for decades. However, there’s one significant difference. Back in the 1970s and 1980s, a student caught drinking underage would be given a slap on the wrist. Today, such a discovery could be cause for expulsion. Our […]
Everyone knows non-consensual sex is against the law. If either party indicates they don’t want to have sex, the other party must respect that, or face potential criminal charges. However, there are times, under Pennsylvania law, where even when someone says “yes” to sexual acts, the law does not recognize subsequent sexual conduct as consensual. […]
Pennsylvania DUI laws are lengthy and complicated. Understanding DUIs – and understanding the nuances of “actual physical control” is essential. Without this understanding, you could be charged with a crime, even if you were trying to act responsibly. This is where a DUI defense attorney can help. A Brief Explanation of DUI Laws in Pennsylvania […]
Domestic violence is and has always been a significant problem in our society. Only within the last several decades is there any public discussion regarding this issue. Assault upon a loved one is not always what you see on television and the movies. Typically, its portrayed as a drunken husband hulking over his beating his […]
If you have been charged with a crime in Pennsylvania you may have spent some time researching what might happen in court. Perhaps you came across terms you haven’t previously seen. Specifically, you may be wondering what the term “Pre-Trial Diversion Program” means. The Law Office of Steven F. O’Meara explores the possibility of a […]
Getting arrested for your first DUI is not and should not be the end of the world for you. But if it becomes a conviction it will have serious consequences. If you had a minor under the age of 14 in your vehicle, or if you caused bodily injury while impaired, those consequences will be […]
If you have the great misfortune of being arrested for a misdemeanor or felony offense and you do not qualify for any type of pre-trial diversionary program you may have to go to trial before a jury or judge. The law of criminal procedure requires that a judge, or jury of your peers finds you […]
In Pennsylvania, the defense of self-defense is referred to as “use of force in self – protection.” It is one of the most misunderstood defenses in criminal law. In this blog post, we take the time to discuss the Pennsylvania statute on the issue. We also take some time to discuss some examples of what […]
Criminal attorneys are often asked about how cases get dismissed on technicalities. Typically, these “technicalities” are constitutional protections guaranteed to all people in the United States. When the government fails to comply with the Constitution, and fails to afford people constitutional protections, evidence may be suppressed, and in some situations, cases are dismissed because of […]
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, you may be feeling overwhelmed. With medical appointments, an adjustment in your work schedule, limitations on what you can do in your personal life – not to mention dealing with the pain of your injuries – it can be difficult to know […]