Year: 2011

Part 4 of 5-part series, prepared by Peter L. Johnston, Esq., Philadelphia DUI Lawyer There a couple of potential “driving under the influence” (DUI) pitfalls of which you should be aware. When you apply for a driver’s license, the small print on your application states that you are formally agreeing to submit to toxicological testing in the event you are…

Part 3 of 5-part series, prepared by Peter L. Johnston, Esq., Philadelphia DUI Lawyer If you are a first-time “Driving Under the Influence” (DUI) offender, there may be an avenue available to you which prevents the imposition a guilty verdict, jail time or a lengthy suspension. Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition, or A.R.D., is a highly beneficial program, if you can get…

Part 2 of 5-part series, prepared by Peter L. Johnston, Esq., Philadelphia DUI Lawyer Drinking and driving – or driving under the influence cases – are treated by a sliding scale of penalties. Higher concentrations of alcohol or successive violations lead to more stringent penalties. Driving under the influence convictions, aside from the first-time offenses in which a very small…

Part 1 of 5-part series, prepared by Peter L. Johnston, Esq., Philadelphia DUI Lawyer Arguably, the most serious type of motor vehicle violation is one that involves driving while under the influence of alcohol or another controlled substance. The consequence of drunk driving are indeed dire and can kill. It is for that reason that driving under the influence has…

Part 3 of 3-part series, prepared by Peter L. Johnston, Esq., Philadelphia Car Accident Attorney In Philadelphia, on the other hand, traffic matters are handled exclusively by the Philadelphia Traffic Court. As is the case with the district courts, cases in Traffic Court are heard by judges alone. However, unlike the district courts, the officer who gave you the ticket…

Part 2 of 3-part series, prepared by Peter L. Johnston, Esq., Philadelphia Car Accident Attorney It is important to bear in mind that traffic ticket hearings are conducted dramatically different in the City of Philadelphia as compared to the rest of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In the rest of the Commonwealth, traffic tickets are handled by local magisterial district courts…

Part 1 of 3-part series, prepared by Peter L. Johnston, Esq., Philadelphia Car Accident Attorney Getting a traffic ticket is not only an aggravating and embarrassing event, but it also has significant legal ramifications which can lead to costly fines, greatly affect the amount that you pay for automobile insurance and, in some cases, jeopardize your privilege to drive. One…

Prepared by Peter L. Johnston, Esq., Philadelphia Car Accident Attorney Being in a car accident can undoubtedly be a traumatic and unsettling situation. Nevertheless, it is important to keep a few suggestions in mind. #1 Keep your wits about you and act sensibly. Make sure that you get all of the essential information from the other driver (his/her name, address,…

Part 4 of 4-part series, prepared by Peter L. Johnston, Esq., Philadelphia Car Accident Attorney Another important factor to consider in purchasing a car insurance policy is whether or not to purchase underinsured or uninsured coverage. Declining to purchase this coverage does reduce the cost of your premium. However, doing so also precludes you from being able to obtain compensation…

Part 3 of 4-part series, prepared by Peter L. Johnston, Esq., Philadelphia Car Accident Attorney Should Pennsylvania drivers purchase an automobile insurance policy that is limited tort or full tort? Limited tort policies do cost less money. However, almost any attorney who practices personal injury law will strongly recommend that you purchase a full tort policy. The reason for this…