Spivak Law Firm

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Daily Archives: December 24, 2019

5 DUI Tips In Pennsylvania

Posted on December 24 2019 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

If you are stopped for driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol, illegal drugs, or controlled substances, protect your legal rights by following these five tips:

  1. Treat the Officer with Courtesy and Respect: Behaving badly when you’ve been stopped can only make your case worse.
  2. Answer Questions Directly Without Volunteering Additional Information: Do not hurt your case by giving information to the officer that could later be used against you.
  3. Politely Decline Any Field Sobriety Tests: Field sobriety tests are not mandatory in Pennsylvania.
  4. Allow the Police to Administer Breathalyzer or Blood Test: If you decline to take one of these tests, your driver’s license may be suspended automatically for one year, even if you are not criminally convicted.
  5. Call a DUI Lawyer: Having an experienced lawyer on your side can help your case.

Spivak Law Firm strongly defends people arrested for DUI.  If you face DUI charges, call us at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.

PFA Orders Restrict Child Custody Rights

Posted on December 24 2019 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

Q: I was served with a PFA. Can I see my kids?

A: Please review the PFA order closely. There is a section in the PFA that addresses your child custody rights while the order remains active.

In many cases, the order states that the defendant shall have no contact with their minor children until the PFA is resolved. This may occur even if the allegations of abuse do not involve the children.

In other cases, the PFA order will allow contact with the children on a limited basis, including by phone or in person if arranged by a third party.

You must follow the PFA order. If you are accused of violating the PFA even by having non-threatening contact, you may face arrest and criminal charges.

Spivak Law Firm handles all areas of family law and criminal defense with a special focus on domestic violence and child custody. To schedule a consultation, call us at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.