Law Offices of Heather J. Mattes | Criminal Defense Attorney Pennsylvania

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…

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,…

What Are the Dangers of Driving on a DUI Suspended License in Pennsylvania?

January 8, 2026

A West Chester DUI Lawyer at the Law Offices of Heather J. Mattes Will Give You the Legal Support You Need

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Common Defenses Against Drug Possession Charges in West Chester, Pennsylvania

August 2, 2025

If you have been charged with drug possession in West Chester, Pennsylvania, it is important to understand that the prosecutor must prove every element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt to convict you. You have legal options, and working with a skilled West Chester criminal defense attorney can help you identify defenses specific to your…

What Happens If You’re Accused of Violating a Protection From Abuse (PFA) Order in Pennsylvania?

June 21, 2025

Facing a PFA Violation Charge? Contact a West Chester Criminal Defense Lawyer at the Law Offices of Heather J. Mattes

In Pennsylvania, a Protection From Abuse (PFA) order is a serious legal tool meant to shield individuals from alleged domestic violence. But when someone is accused of violating a PFA, the situation quickly becomes a criminal matter, even though PFAs originate in civil court. If you’re facing allegations of violating a PFA order, you could…

Can You Get a DUI on a Boat?

May 23, 2025

Contact a West Chester DUI lawyer at the Law Offices of Heather J. Mattes

Pennsylvania has a law that applies specifically to boating under the influence. This statute is very similar to the one that prohibits driving a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The legal limits for alcohol and the penalties imposed on the boater are similar to those in the context of motor vehicles.…