One of the highlights of college life is the many clubs, sports teams and social organizations a student can join. However, several of these organizations have a dark side: as a rite of initiation, senior members would subject new recruits to hazing. Hazing methods...
Using another person’s urine in a drug test – is it a crime?
On Behalf of Bellwoar Kelly, LLP | Nov 3, 2023 | Criminal Defense, Drug Charges, Juvenile Crimes
There are various reasons for a drug test. Maybe an employer wants to ensure that prospective new hires are free from the influence of illegal substances. Or a sports organization wants to test if student-athletes aren’t taking any performance-enhancing or...
The open alcohol container law – Who’s banned from holding a drink?
On Behalf of Bellwoar Kelly, LLP | Oct 12, 2023 | Criminal Defense, DUI
Per Pennsylvania law, driving while drunk or under the intoxicating effects of a controlled substance is illegal. Inebriation impairs a driver’s ability to react and motor skills, making them a danger to themselves and others on the road. The state also has laws that...
Key violent crime statistics in Pennsylvania
On Behalf of Bellwoar Kelly, LLP | Sep 26, 2023 | Criminal Defense
Violent crime takes place in Pennsylvania, just as it does in any other state. However, crime rates show that Pennsylvania actually has slightly less crime than the national average. The national median has been measured at four violent crimes for every 1,000...
Underage drinking can lead to trouble with the law
On Behalf of Bellwoar Kelly, LLP | Jul 31, 2023 | Children Youth & Services, Criminal Defense
You might think that of all the various things that Pennsylvania prohibits, underage drinking is one of the least damaging to society. Children will grow up and eventually start drinking alcohol when they’re older, so what’s wrong with letting them have a sip now and...
Understanding the two types of immunity
On Behalf of Bellwoar Kelly, LLP | Nov 19, 2022 | Criminal Defense
Often, people who are facing charges – particularly when they involve criminal activity that involves multiple people – have information that can be valuable to law enforcement and prosecutors. That information can be a bargaining chip to get their own charges...
When can police search your car without a warrant?
On Behalf of Bellwoar Kelly, LLP | Oct 19, 2022 | Criminal Defense
Many of our basic rights and protections as Americans come from language included in the U.S. Constitution. The protection against “unreasonable searches and seizures” is included in the Fourth Amendment. With some exceptions, that means law enforcement officers can’t...
What constitutes an unlawful search and seizure?
On Behalf of Bellwoar Kelly, LLP | Aug 8, 2022 | Criminal Defense
An unlawful search and seizure can have a great impact on the outcome of your criminal case. The U.S Constitution outlines several protections for the citizens against government overreach. Specifically, the 4th Amendment protects Americans from unreasonable search...
Can the police force you to unlock your cellular phone?
On Behalf of Bellwoar Kelly, LLP | Jul 21, 2022 | Criminal Defense
That cellular device you keep in your hand or pocket is really a powerful little computer that can do incredible things and hold a ton of information. If you’re like most people, you keep a lot of personal information on your device – and you may not fancy the idea of...
Your estate plan is not just your assets
On Behalf of Bellwoar Kelly, LLP | Jul 13, 2022 | Criminal Defense
One of the most common mistakes that people make with estate plans is that they only think about their assets. They think about the items that they own or the money they still control in various accounts. They believe that the point of the will or the estate plan is...
Why would the judge reject a plea bargain?
On Behalf of Bellwoar Kelly, LLP | Jul 11, 2022 | Criminal Defense
When you are charged with a crime, and you know the evidence against you is overwhelming, one of the options you can consider is a plea bargain. A plea bargain offers a variety of benefits such are removing the uncertainty that the trial might bring. However, a plea...
Can you share medicine with a family member?
On Behalf of Bellwoar Kelly, LLP | May 11, 2022 | Criminal Defense
You would do anything for your family. You care about them and you just want them to be happy and healthy. That's why, when a family member comes to you and says that they would like to try out your medication, you're tempted to give them some. You know how much it...
3 ways the police can try to trick you during an investigation
On Behalf of Bellwoar Kelly, LLP | Jan 12, 2022 | Criminal Defense
You have certain civil rights established under federal law, and police officers investigating alleged criminal activity should not violate those rights. However, they can trick you into giving up those rights yourself in some cases. Knowing your rights before the...
Drinking and romantic encounters can lead to legal charges
On Behalf of Bellwoar Kelly, LLP | Dec 22, 2021 | Criminal Defense
Many college students consume alcohol fairly frequently, often as a major part of socialization. They go to parties and drink to meet new friends, to spend time with the friends they have and to meet potential romantic partners. This is so common that studies have...
Factors that can make penalties for drug crimes more severe
On Behalf of Bellwoar Kelly, LLP | Nov 24, 2021 | Criminal Defense, Drug Charges, Drug Crimes, Drug Violations
If you find yourself facing the prospect of criminal charges for drug possession, you might not know what to expect. While there is no way to predict exactly how your trial might go, you can get an idea of the types of penalties that the prosecution might seek...