Key Takeaways Attorney Heather J. Mattes has spent more than 25 years handling criminal and DUI cases in Chester County, including service as an assistant public defender and an assistant district attorney. The Law Offices of Heather J. Mattes offers a free initial consultation for every DUI case. The firm’s office is located at 105…
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Police errors during a DUI/drunk driving stop can weaken the evidence used against a driver. Mistakes such as an unlawful traffic stop, an improperly administered field sobriety test, or a mishandled breath or blood sample often give a West Chester DUI lawyer grounds to challenge the charges. Reviewing police conduct closely is a critical step…
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Being pulled over on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI) is a stressful experience, and the decisions you make in those first moments can have a direct impact on the outcome of your case. Pennsylvania law gives law enforcement broad authority during a DUI stop, but you also have legal rights. An attorney at…
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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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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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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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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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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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Getting behind the wheel with a DUI suspended license in Pennsylvania is not just a minor traffic violation: It is a serious criminal offense that comes with harsh penalties. You could be looking at hefty fines, an even longer suspension period, and the very real possibility of spending time behind bars. Can You Be Arrested…
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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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