There will be changes under certain PA DUI laws commencing on 11/15/22. The changes are significant. After 11/15/22 any 3rd Tier; 4th or more DUI will now be graded as a Felony 2 offense. A sentence imposed upon an individual under this section who has two or more prior offenses shall be served consecutively to […]
20
Jun
Jun
When you are arrested for a drug crime, the stakes are extremely high and not retaining experienced legal counsel could be disastrous for your future. While the Sixth Amendment of the Constitution gives everyone the right to represent themselves during a criminal trial, to do so successfully requires extensive knowledge of court rules and criminal […]
08
Jun
Jun
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 […]
27
Apr
Apr
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. […]
19
Apr
Apr
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 […]
19
Mar
Mar
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 […]
01
Mar
Mar
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 […]
21
Feb
Feb
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 […]
06
Feb
Feb
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 […]
31
Jan
Jan
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 […]
