People in Pennsylvania may hear those accused of violent crimes argue that they only acted in self-defense and immediately dismiss such claims. This likely comes from the assumption that a reasonable person should always be able to avoid a situation devolving into a...
Restoring Hope
Criminal Law
Can you obtain medical marijuana in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania is one of the states in the U.S. where you can legally use marijuana as a medical treatment for certain conditions. If you possess a medical marijuana ID card, you can purchase it from any local dispensary. If you want to avoid legal penalties for using...
When does a drunken brawl constitute assault?
Many people in Berks County will head to area bars for happy hour after work, to watch the big game, or simply to meet up with friends. However, alcohol sometimes gets the best of us, fueling arguments between two friends or even strangers. Sometimes these arguments...
Sharing the road with horse drawn vehicles
As a driver in the Reading area, you might occasionally approach a vehicle that is not powered by an internal combustion engine. Instead, a horse is pulling the vehicle. Under Pennsylvania law, horse-drawn carriages have the right to use the road, so state drivers...
What is a Gagon hearing?
If you are on probation or parole in Pennsylvania, no one need remind you that you must adhere to numerous rules and conditions in order to remain free. Should your probation/parole officer accuse you of violating any of those conditions, you will need to go to court...
Pennsylvania’s accelerated rehabilitative disposition program
In Pennsylvania, lawmakers recognize that the best option for an offender is not always punitive. If you are facing certain charges, it may be in your best interest to undergo rehabilitation rather than punishment. At Nevins & McAllister, we often assist people...
Furnishing alcohol to a minor can get you in trouble
It may seem like a good idea to host a get-together with your teenage child and his or her peers that involves alcohol. After all, if kids are going to party, you would rather they did so under your supervision so you can make sure nobody drives home intoxicated or...
Can I get my ex’s parental rights terminated?
In most cases, those in family law prefer children to have a relationship with both parents after a divorce. However, as we at the law firm of Nevins & McAllister are aware, in some instances one or both parents might not be suited to take care of the children or...
What happens after a DUI arrest?
Getting arrested for DUI is a very serious offense in Reading. Along with the possibility of jail time and license suspension, there are a number of other consequences that can cause equally damaging effects to happen. Very Well Mind explains some of the possible...
Traffic stop leads to drunk driving and weapons charges
On Feb. 22, a 41-year-old Pennsylvania man was taken into custody on suspicion of drunk driving following a traffic stop in Lower Macungie Township. He is also facing charges of illegal possession of a weapon and attempting to flee from police. According to court...