Media, Pennsylvania, Criminal Defense Law Blog

Will I go to jail with a DUI in Delaware County?

On behalf of The Law Offices of Joseph Lesniak, LLC posted in blog on Friday, April 6, 2018.

The possible penalties for a charge of driving under the influence - DUI - are numerous and vary depending on a wide range of circumstances. If police arrested you and charged you with a DUI in Delaware Valley, you are likely wondering what the next steps will be and what impact this charge can have on your life and future.

In some cases, jail time may be a real possibility in a DUI case. Everything depends on the specifics of your arrest and your case. Hiring a qualified criminal defense attorney is a must to set yourself up with the best possible chances for a strong defense and minimizing the impact of possible consequences resulting from a conviction. Here is a brief look at some of the possible consequences of a DUI conviction in Delaware Valley, including information about when jail time may come into play:

What does a child abuse report mean when it's "founded, indicated or unfounded?"

By Joe Lesniak of The Law Offices of Joseph Lesniak, LLC posted in Criminal Defense on Monday, March 26, 2018.

Local children and youth agencies in the Commonwealth are also entrusted with the responsibility for investigating allegations of child abuse, and determining whether reports are "founded," "indicated" or "unfounded." A "founded report" is defined as "a report made pursuant to this chapter if there has been any judicial adjudication based on a finding that a child who was a subject of the report has been abused." An "indicated report" is defined as one in which the local children and youth agency determines that there is substantial evidence of the alleged abuse. An "unfounded report" is a report which is neither founded nor indicated.

Police can arrest you for DUI even if the car is motionless

On behalf of The Law Offices of Joseph Lesniak, LLC posted in blog on Thursday, February 22, 2018.

Sometimes, one drink leads to another, and with everyone passing the pitchers of beer around the table, it may be difficult to determine how much alcohol you had over the evening. On your way to your car, you may discover that you do not feel as steady as you thought. You have to make a decision now, and driving home seems iffy at best. You decide to take a nap in your car first.

Even though you are not driving, you could still face arrest for DUI.

How to behave at DUI checkpoints

On behalf of The Law Offices of Joseph Lesniak, LLC posted in blog on Tuesday, January 16, 2018.

DUI checkpoints are legal in the state of Pennsylvania. Police officers can test drivers at these locations to determine if they have an illegal blood alcohol content. If caught driving under the influence, then a person without any previous criminal record could still face up to six months probation, a suspended license, and a $300 fine.

Many people do themselves a disservice by acting suspiciously at DUI checkpoints. It is actually quite simple to pass through without drawing attention, and here are some steps for driving through these locations safely.

Protecting yourself against false child abuse accusations

On behalf of The Law Offices of Joseph Lesniak, LLC posted in blog on Wednesday, November 29, 2017.

The courts take crimes against children very seriously. Therefore, when an adult faces false accusations of child abuse, it is important he or she knows how to fight them.

In order to prove the allegations as false, a parent needs to be aware of the details of the charge itself. There are a few key things to understand that may help protect an individual against false child abuse accusations.

Joeseph Lesniak participates in Villanova University's BRIDGE Society politics and law meet & greet

By Joe Lesniak of The Law Offices of Joseph Lesniak, LLC posted in Community on Wednesday, November 22, 2017.

On Thursday, November 16, 2017 Joe participated in the Villanova University's BRIDGE Society politics and law meet and greet. The BRIDGE Society in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences strives to build relationships among students and alumni, to inspire both student professional development and alumni engagement, and provide a forum for students to gain the experiences necessary to forge their future career and professional direction.

Don't get caught flat-footed by sex crime penalties

On behalf of The Law Offices of Joseph Lesniak, LLC posted in Sex Crimes on Friday, November 3, 2017.

No one facing allegations of committing a sex offense needs to be reminded of what's at stake. Many of these offenses carry significant prison sentences and registration as a sex offender, which can make it difficult to find housing and work for decades to come.

However, many people don't think about the collateral consequences that they didn't think about until it's too late.

World Polio Day Fundraiser Held by Joseph Lesniak and Rotary Club of Swarthmore

By Joe Lesniak of The Law Offices of Joseph Lesniak, LLC posted in Community on Wednesday, October 25, 2017.

On October 24, 2017, Joe and the Rotary Club of Swarthmore participated in World Polio Day by setting up displays around the town to both educate and seek donations for the eradication of polio, Those who donated $3.00 (the cost to vaccinate one child) had their pinkie painted purple. Pictured is Joe and his son in front of one of the displays. The Club has raised thousands of dollars over the past 30 years to help with the polio vaccinations around the world. Today polio is found in only 3 countries: Nigeria, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

How to talk to kids about drugs and alcohol before college

On behalf of The Law Offices of Joseph Lesniak, LLC posted in blog on Wednesday, September 6, 2017.

Drinking during college is common. In fact, a study performed by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism found that nearly 60 percent of college students drank alcohol within the last month. That includes college students under the age of 21. A significant portion of that percentage binge drank alcohol.

While colleges have programs to talk to students about the dangers of drinking too much, it is also important for the parents to play an active role. Any parents worried about how to breach the subject with their soon-to-be college student should keep these tips in mind.

Should you refuse a chemical test if arrested for a DUI?

On behalf of The Law Offices of Joseph Lesniak, LLC posted in blog on Thursday, August 10, 2017.

If you get arrested for driving under the influence in Pennsylvania, you might be wondering what your options are. For example, are you required to take a chemical test? What happens if you refuse testing for your blood alcohol content? Due to the varying state laws about implied consent, this can be a confusing topic for many people.

According to Pennsylvania law, you must consent to a chemical test after your arrest or risk suspension of your driver's license. Do not confuse this with field sobriety tests, which you have the right to refuse without penalty.