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What Is the “5-Day Rule” in Pennsylvania?

June 5, 2026
West Chester DUI Lawyer at the Law Offices of Heather J. Mattes Will Help You Understand Your Legal Rights

Typically, when you are arrested for a crime in Pennsylvania, your arraignment is often held before you are released from custody. However, what happens in your case depends on the individual facts and circumstances. The authorities may not be in a position where they are ready to file criminal charges immediately after you have been…

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What Are Medical Conditions That Mimic Intoxication?

May 8, 2026
West Chester Criminal Defense Lawyer at the Law Offices of Heather J. Mattes Can Help Dispute a DUI Charge

Medical conditions can sometimes look a lot like alcohol or drug impairment, especially during a traffic stop, medical emergency, or after an accident. That overlap matters because symptoms such as confusion, slurred speech, poor balance, or agitation do not always mean a person is intoxicated. These situations can lead to wrongful suspicion or arrest when…

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Can You Receive A DUI While Driving a Motorcycle?

April 24, 2026
West Chester Criminal Defense Lawyer at the Law Offices of Heather J. Mattes Will Prepare Your Strongest Legal Defense

Driving under the influence (DUI) is a very serious charge in Pennsylvania that can lead to significant penalties. Depending on the circumstances, you may even be facing jail time for a conviction. DUI is a very broad category that can encompass many types of motor vehicles. You do not have to be driving a passenger…

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What Should Families Know About Teenage Drivers Facing DUI Charges?

March 13, 2026
West Chester DUI Lawyer at the Law Offices of Heather J. Mattes Will Protect Your Teen’s Future

Teenage drivers in West Chester, Pennsylvania, face serious consequences when charged with driving under the influence. For a young person, a driving under the influence (DUI) arrest can affect education, future employment opportunities, insurance rates, and personal freedom. Pennsylvania’s laws are particularly strict when it comes to underage DUI, reflecting a zero-tolerance approach aimed at…

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Does Tiredness Increase the Effects of Alcohol in Drivers?

February 20, 2026
West Chester DUI Lawyer at the Law Offices of Heather J. Mattes Will Vigorously Defend Your Rights

Fatigue alone is often enough to cause a serious car accident. The effects of driving after an extended period without sleep are similar to when a motorist gets behind the wheel impaired. Combining the two can lead to even more serious car accidents. Even if a driver has not consumed a large amount of alcohol,…

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What Is the “Two-Hour Rule” in Pennsylvania DUI Cases?

December 5, 2025
West Chester DUI Lawyer at The Law Offices of Heather J. Mattes Will Fight to Get You the Best Legal Result

If you are the defendant in a driving under the influence (DUI) case in Pennsylvania, you have legal rights. The prosecutor intends to use evidence against you that can prove that you were impaired when you were driving. However, that evidence needs to have been taken in close time proximity to when you were stopped…

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Will I Get Fired if My Employer Finds Out I’m Facing a DUI Charge?

November 14, 2025
Protect Your Employment Future with a West Chester DUI Lawyer at the Law Offices of Heather J. Mattes

Getting arrested for a DUI can be frightening, but the anxiety often escalates when you start worrying about your job. Many people ask: “Will I lose my job if my employer finds out?” In Pennsylvania, the answer depends on several factors—but the short answer is that your job could be at risk. Your employer can…

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What Happens if You Get a DUI While Driving a Rental Car?

October 17, 2025
Contact a West Chester Criminal Defense Lawyer at the Law Offices of Heather J. Mattes to Discuss Your DUI Charges

Pennsylvania laws that make Driving Under the Influence (DUI) illegal apply to everyone who owns the car that you were driving at the time of your arrest. Whether you have borrowed or rented a car, you could still be subject to severe penalties if you are convicted of the crime. If you are in a…

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What Convictions Cannot Be Expunged in Pennsylvania?

September 26, 2025
West Chester Criminal Defense Lawyer at the Law Offices of Heather J. Mattes

Having a criminal record in Pennsylvania can impact many areas of your life, from securing employment to obtaining housing. Criminal records are often publicly accessible, meaning potential employers, landlords, and others can easily see them. For this reason, you may want to pursue expungement, a legal process that limits access to your criminal record. An…

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