This past week I represented a Kutztown University student at an ARD Hearing in Berks County Court. An ARD Hearing is a fairly simple hearing at which the Judge places a defendant on the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition Program, which is run by the Berks County Adult Probation Department. If the program is successfuly completed, the case against the defendant gets dismissed and any record of the case gets expunged.
Kutztown University Student Gets ARD in Felony Aggravated Assault Case
This past week I represented a Kutztown University student at an ARD Hearing in Berks County Court. An ARD Hearing is a fairly simple hearing at which the Judge places a defendant on the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition Program, which is run by the Berks County Adult Probation Department. If the program is successfuly completed, the case against the defendant gets dismissed and any record of the case gets expunged.
Getting a Name Change in Berks County
Over the course of my career, I've helped several different clients get their name formally changed through the courts. Under Pennsylvania law, a Petition for a Change of Name must be filed in the Court of Common Pleas in the County in which the Petitioner resides. To start the process, several documents are written up and filed at the Office of the Berks County Prothonotary; there is also a filing fee of $192.90. Shortly after the documents are filed, the Judge that is assigned to handle the case will issue a court order stating the time, date, and location of a hearing on the Change of Name Petition.
Getting a Name Change in Berks County
Over the course of my career, I've helped several different clients get their name formally changed through the courts. Under Pennsylvania law, a Petition for a Change of Name must be filed in the Court of Common Pleas in the County in which the Petitioner resides. To start the process, several documents are written up and filed at the Office of the Berks County Prothonotary; there is also a filing fee of $192.90. Shortly after the documents are filed, the Judge that is assigned to handle the case will issue a court order stating the time, date, and location of a hearing on the Change of Name Petition.
Retail Theft Charges Withdrawn At Preliminary Hearing
Last week, I represented a client at a district court hearing who was charged with Retail Theft, 18 Pa.C.S.A. 3929, as well as criminal conspiracy. My client was a frequent customer of Home Depot located in Berks County, Pennsylvania. Months ago, an employee of Home Depot was arrested, charged and prosecuted with "under-ringing" merchandise. Following his arrest, the employee of Home Depot implicated my client as the supposed "mastermind" of this "under-ringing" scheme. My client and I both believe that the Home Deport employee pointed the finger at my client in an attempt to get a better outcome in his own case.
Retail Theft Charges Withdrawn At Preliminary Hearing
Last week, I represented a client at a district court hearing who was charged with Retail Theft, 18 Pa.C.S.A. 3929, as well as criminal conspiracy. My client was a frequent customer of Home Depot located in Berks County, Pennsylvania. Months ago, an employee of Home Depot was arrested, charged and prosecuted with "under-ringing" merchandise. Following his arrest, the employee of Home Depot implicated my client as the supposed "mastermind" of this "under-ringing" scheme. My client and I both believe that the Home Deport employee pointed the finger at my client in an attempt to get a better outcome in his own case.
Pennsylvania Traffic Citations - 9 License Points & Departmental Hearing successfuly Reduced To Driving Class With 0 Points
The other day I represented a client at a district court hearing in Montgomery County. My client was issued three (3) citations back in September while driving home from the Philadelphia area. She was charged with 75 Pa.C.S.A. 3714, Careless Driving, 75 Pa.C.S.A. 3310(a), Following Too Closely, and 75 Pa.C.S.A. 3362(a)(2), Speeding 88 MPH in a 55 MPH zone. Each of these citations carry a mandatory three (3) points, for a grand total of nine (9) points. After an initial accumulation of six (6) points, PennDOT mandates that a written exam be taken and passed; in the event a driver fails to take the exam or doesn't pass the exam, their driver's license become indefinitely suspended. Additionally, since the speeding citation was for exceeding 31 MPH, state law mandated a PennDOT departmental hearing if my client was found guilty.
Pennsylvania Traffic Citations - 9 License Points & Departmental Hearing successfuly Reduced To Driving Class With 0 Points
The other day I represented a client at a district court hearing in Montgomery County. My client was issued three (3) citations back in September while driving home from the Philadelphia area. She was charged with 75 Pa.C.S.A. 3714, Careless Driving, 75 Pa.C.S.A. 3310(a), Following Too Closely, and 75 Pa.C.S.A. 3362(a)(2), Speeding 88 MPH in a 55 MPH zone. Each of these citations carry a mandatory three (3) points, for a grand total of nine (9) points. After an initial accumulation of six (6) points, PennDOT mandates that a written exam be taken and passed; in the event a driver fails to take the exam or doesn't pass the exam, their driver's license become indefinitely suspended. Additionally, since the speeding citation was for exceeding 31 MPH, state law mandated a PennDOT departmental hearing if my client was found guilty.
School Zone Drug Charges in Reading, PA (Berks County, PA)
Possession with Intent to Deliver Drugs in Pennsylvania is a very serious charge with potentially serious consequences. Sentencing laws are strict and include mandatory minimum jail sentences under certain circumstances. This is a part of a series of posts meant for educational purposes for individuals or those who have friends or loved ones charged with Narcotics offenses such as Delivery or PWI of Marijuana, Cocaine, Heroin or other substances prohibited by the Drug Act.
School Zone Drug Charges in Reading, PA (Berks County, PA)
Possession with Intent to Deliver Drugs in Pennsylvania is a very serious charge with potentially serious consequences. Sentencing laws are strict and include mandatory minimum jail sentences under certain circumstances. This is a part of a series of posts meant for educational purposes for individuals or those who have friends or loved ones charged with Narcotics offenses such as Delivery or PWI of Marijuana, Cocaine, Heroin or other substances prohibited by the Drug Act.
Firearms Charges in Berks County
I recently represented a client who was charged with firearms not to be carried without a license, which is codified under 18 Pa.C.S.A. 6106(a)(2). Although this charge is typically graded as a felony, my client was charged with a misdemeanor of the first degree since he was otherwise eligible to receive a concealed weapons permit. Nevertheless, a misdemeanor of the first degree is still quite serious and carries a maximum punishment of 2.5 - 5 years in state prison.
