Blog

Going Out This Labor Day? Here Is How You Can Avoid a DUI Charge

August 31, 2022
labor day dui

Labor Day is an occasion to honor the accomplishments of American workers. It also marks the unofficial end of summer and the opportunity to enjoy cookouts and warm beach days. Alcohol drinks may be served at these festivities. If you plan to drink this Labor Day Weekend, take steps to prevent driving under the influence…

Read More »

Can I Get a DUI for Being Under the Influence of a Prescription Medication?

July 28, 2022
medication

When you hear “driving under the influence (DUI),” it is most often associated with alcohol use. However, alcohol is not the only intoxicating substance that can lead to penalties for drivers. Being under the influence of prescription drugs while behind the wheel can also lead to a DUI charge. In Pennsylvania, driving under the influence…

Read More »

What Happens When You Violate Parole?

June 22, 2022
violate parole

Parole allows incarcerated individuals to have early release. A parole violation is a serious matter that can result in returning to prison for the remainder of the sentence. Violating parole can also mean the offender committed an additional crime, leading to more legal penalties. The return to prison could be much longer than completing the…

Read More »

How Can I Avoid a DUI Charge on Memorial Day Weekend?

May 24, 2022
memorial day

For many people, Memorial Day weekend signifies the beginning of summer, and many Americans take to the roads for vacation over the long weekend. However, more people die on Memorial Day weekend each year than any other holiday weekend combined.  The AAA estimates that over 39 million people will travel this Memorial Day weekend. The…

Read More »

What Are Juvenile Shoplifting Penalties?

April 22, 2022
West Chester Criminal Defense Lawyers at the Law Offices of Heather J. Mattes Will Protect Your Child if They Are Accused of Juvenile Shoplifting.

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania takes juvenile shoplifting seriously, however, its penalties are designed to teach and not necessarily to punish. The goal is to demonstrate to the youth that they have made a mistake and they should not engage in that activity again. It is still a serious affair if your child has been arrested…

Read More »

How Can I Avoid a DUI Charge on St. Patrick’s Day?

March 8, 2022
West Chester DUI Defense Lawyers at the Law Offices of Heather J. Mattes Fight for Those Charged with Drunk Driving

Although St. Patrick’s Day was intended to honor a revered priest in Ireland, it has become a drinking holiday around the world.   Parades, parties, special events at bars and clubs, and pub crawls are scheduled all over the United States for St. Patrick’s Day, and often the days around it. Many drink heavily at…

Read More »

What Are the Underage Drinking Laws in Pennsylvania?

March 2, 2022
underage drinking

The lawful age to buy or drink liquor in Pennsylvania is 21. Under Pennsylvania law, it is unlawful for anybody under 21 to buy, drink, possess, or transport alcohol, malt, or mixed drinks. The punishments for a conviction are obligatory fines and loss of driving privileges. These fines and subsequent suspensions increase with each ensuing…

Read More »

What Is the Expungement Process in Pennsylvania?

January 27, 2022
expungement process

With the wide range of digital search options employers now use to screen job applicants, misdemeanors from a decade ago or even longer may come up when a person is being considered by a firm. We live in an era in which people have lost their jobs from inappropriate social media postings. A lot of…

Read More »

What Are Types of Fraud and Their Consequences?

December 17, 2021
fraud

The crime of fraud is treated very seriously in Pennsylvania and can have severe consequences if you are charged and convicted. Criminal fraud is when a person engages in a scheme or plan to cheat and/or steal something from another, either money or something else of value. It is illegal in Pennsylvania for someone to…

Read More »

How Can Drivers Avoid Blackout Wednesday?

November 19, 2021
drivers DUI

For most of us, Thanksgiving Eve is a time of great anticipation for spending the holidays with family and friends. Unfortunately, there are those who take to drinking on the night before Thanksgiving and are even encouraged to do so. The phrase Blackout Wednesday earned its name from people passing out from heavy drinking on…

Read More »
Heather Mattes Map