South Hills Criminal Lawyer
DUI: What Is ARD?
Q: What is ARD?
A: ARD means “accelerated rehabilitative disposition.” It is a diversion program available to some first-time DUI offenders that generally involves serving a brief license suspension, attending an alcohol education program, and receiving substance abuse counseling.
Completion of ARD results in the dismissal of DUI charges and the removal of DUI from the person’s permanent record.
Spivak Law Firm strongly defends people arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol, illegal drugs, or controlled substances. To learn more, call (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
DUI and Expungement
Q: Can I have a DUI expunged from my record?
A: In Pennsylvania, criminal proceedings involving misdemeanor or felony charges can be expunged if (1) you were not convicted, (2) the charges were dismissed or withdrawn, or (3) you successfully completed an ARD program on a first and only charge. Thus, it may be possible to have a DUI arrest expunged from your record.
Spivak Law Firm handles expungements and strongly defends people arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol, illegal drugs, or controlled substances. To speak with an experienced criminal-defense attorney, call (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
No Guns for Domestic Abusers
If you have been charged with a domestic violence related crime, your gun ownership rights may be at stake.
Under federal law, if you have been convicted of a misdemeanor involving domestic abuse, you are banned from purchasing or owning firearms or ammunition. The law aims to protect victims of domestic abuse by keeping guns out of the hands of convicted abusers.
Recently, the U.S. Supreme Court expanded the applicability of this law in Voisine v. United States. The Court ruled that the law applies not only to individuals who intentionally committed domestic abuse, but also to individuals who did so recklessly.
If you have been charged with assault, harassment, terroristic threats, or any other domestic violence related crime, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
Keep Your Cool in Criminal Court
Tensions run high in criminal court. You are likely worried about how the pending charges will affect your job, reputation, and most importantly, your freedom. But you must stay calm in court.
Trust that your attorney is working to obtain the best deal possible to resolve your case. Having a bad attitude or making snide remarks to the court staff or judge could result in your deal being withdrawn or unaccepted.
Don’t risk the chance to resolve your case. Be on your best behavior in court.
To speak with an experienced attorney, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
Theft Crimes in Pennsylvania
Penalties for theft crimes in Pennsylvania can be severe. The penalty is based on the value of the stolen property. A first offense for stolen property valued at less than $150 is punishable by up to 90 days in jail, though many first-time offenders serve probation only. Theft of property valued between $150 and $2,000 is punishable by up to five years in prison.
With an experienced attorney, you may be able to participate in an accelerated rehabilitative disposition (ARD) program that allows you to avoid incarceration so long as you pay a fine and complete your probation, which often includes a provision restricting you from entering the business where the theft occurred.
For a free consultation with an experienced criminal defense attorney, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
Pennsylvania Juvenile Law
Q: My child has been charged with a crime. Can you help?
A: Yes. Unlike the adult criminal system, the juvenile justice system emphasizes rehabilitation over punishment with the ultimate goal of helping children become functioning members of society.
First-time offenders are usually eligible for probation, which may include performing community service and paying restitution.
Spivak Law Firm provides strong defense for juveniles accused of misdemeanor and felony crimes. If you or your child is charged with a crime, call us at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
Resisting Arrest Penalties
Pulling away from an officer attempting to arrest you could be enough to sustain the charge of resisting arrest, which is usually filed in addition to the charges for which the police were arresting you.
Resisting arrest is a second-degree misdemeanor, which could result in up to two years in prison and as much as a $5,000 fine.
Spivak Law Firm handles all criminal defense matters, including: preliminary hearings, summary trials, and expungements. For a free consultation call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
Marijuana Laws in Pennsylvania
Criminal charges for possessing marijuana may not seem as serious as other offenses, especially since it is legal in over 20 states. But in Pennsylvania, marijuana-related crimes are still often treated with the same severity as other drug crimes.
Federal law classifies marijuana as a Schedule I drug, which means that it is considered among the most addicting drugs, such as heroin, and has no medical benefits.
Spivak Law Firm advocates for the legalization of marijuana and more research into the medicinal benefits of the drug for people suffering from multiple sclerosis, cancer, and other debilitating diseases.
If you face drug possession charges, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
Domestic Violence Defense
Were you defending yourself from an aggressor and charged with a domestic-violence crime? This may seem unjust, but it happens routinely. Police officers responding to domestic violence incidents generally make arrests if they observe injuries on the other party.
Spivak Law Firm routinely helps those accused of domestic-violence crimes by providing strong, effective representation. Common domestic-violence crimes include:
- Simple Assault
- Aggravated Assault
- Harassment
- Stalking
- Terroristic Threats
- Recklessly Endangering Another Person
To speak with an experienced domestic-violence defense attorney, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
Drug Crimes in PA
If you’ve been criminally charged with drug possession, punishment can be greater if it is a Schedule I or II drug. Schedule I drugs include marijuana, heroin, and LSD. Schedule II drugs include methamphetamine, cocaine, Oxycontin, and Percocet.
If this is your first Schedule I or II drug offense, you face a mandatory six-month driver’s license suspension. You also face as much as a $5,000 fine and up to one year in jail.
The penalties associated with drug possession could harm your educational opportunities, employment opportunities, and even your child custody rights.
If you face criminal drug possession charges, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.