THE TRAVIS LAW FIRM BLOG

Serving Erie, Edinboro, Crawford and rest of Northwestern PA

Federal criminal investigations can begin long before anyone is arrested or formally charged. In some cases, investigators may contact a person directly. In others, they may question coworkers, interview family members, review financial records, or gather evidence without notifying the person whose conduct is under scrutiny.

How Do You Know if You Are Under Federal Investigation?

Federal criminal investigations can begin long before anyone is arrested or formally charged. In some cases, investigators may contact a person directly. In others, they may question coworkers, interview family members, review financial records, or gather evidence without notifying the person whose conduct is under scrutiny. For people in Northwestern Pennsylvania, learning that federal agents…

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A car accident can have serious consequences, but the situation becomes more complicated when police suspect that a driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In Pennsylvania, a DUI-related crash can lead to criminal charges, license suspension, fines, and possible jail time. The consequences may become even more severe if someone suffers serious injuries or dies. The outcome depends on several factors, including the circumstances of the crash, the driver’s level of impairment, any prior DUI offenses, and whether other people were hurt. Understanding how Pennsylvania handles these cases can help drivers better understand what they may face after an accident.

What Happens When a DUI Driver Causes a Car Accident in Pennsylvania?

A car accident can have serious consequences, but the situation becomes more complicated when police suspect that a driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In Pennsylvania, a DUI-related crash can lead to criminal charges, license suspension, fines, and possible jail time. The consequences may become even more severe if someone suffers serious…

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Drug charges can be handled in either state or federal court. The difference often depends on the laws involved, the scope of the alleged activity, and the circumstances of the investigation. In Pennsylvania, a drug offense does not automatically become a federal case because it involves a large quantity of drugs or carries serious potential penalties.

What Makes a Drug Crime a Federal Offense?

Drug charges can be handled in either state or federal court. The difference often depends on the laws involved, the scope of the alleged activity, and the circumstances of the investigation. In Pennsylvania, a drug offense does not automatically become a federal case because it involves a large quantity of drugs or carries serious potential…

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Federal law prohibits certain people from possessing firearms or ammunition. These restrictions can apply because of a person's criminal history, drug use, immigration status, military discharge, or other circumstances. The primary federal statute covering these restrictions is 18 U.S.C. § 922(g).

Who Is Prohibited From Possessing a Firearm Under Federal Law?

Federal law prohibits certain people from possessing firearms or ammunition. These restrictions can apply because of a person’s criminal history, drug use, immigration status, military discharge, or other circumstances. The primary federal statute covering these restrictions is 18 U.S.C. § 922(g). Section 922(g) identifies several categories of people who generally cannot legally possess a firearm….

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A serious illness or injury can make it difficult or impossible to keep working. When that happens, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) may provide an important source of financial support. However, qualifying for SSDI is not as simple as having a medical condition. Social Security looks at your medical condition, work history, ability to work, and other requirements before deciding whether you qualify. If you are considering applying for SSDI or have already received a denial, you may have questions about how the process works. Here are answers to some common questions.

Social Security Disability Insurance FAQ: What You Need to Know

A serious illness or injury can make it difficult or impossible to keep working. When that happens, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) may provide an important source of financial support. However, qualifying for SSDI is not as simple as having a medical condition. Social Security looks at your medical condition, work history, ability to work,…

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Many people assume a DUI only applies when someone drives a car or truck. In Pennsylvania, that assumption can be wrong. A person can face a DUI charge for riding a bicycle while under the influence of alcohol or certain controlled substances.

Can You Get a DUI While Riding a Bicycle in Pennsylvania?

Many people assume a DUI only applies when someone drives a car or truck. In Pennsylvania, that assumption can be wrong. A person can face a DUI charge for riding a bicycle while under the influence of alcohol or certain controlled substances. Pennsylvania law defines a “vehicle” broadly. The definition includes devices used to transport…

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An assault charge can have serious consequences, but not every assault charge is treated the same way. Pennsylvania law separates simple assault from aggravated assault, and the difference can significantly affect the potential penalties. The circumstances surrounding the alleged incident, the extent of the alleged injuries, whether a weapon was involved, and who was allegedly injured can all affect the charges.

Simple Assault vs. Aggravated Assault in Pennsylvania: What’s the Difference?

An assault charge can have serious consequences, but not every assault charge is treated the same way. Pennsylvania law separates simple assault from aggravated assault, and the difference can significantly affect the potential penalties. The circumstances surrounding the alleged incident, the extent of the alleged injuries, whether a weapon was involved, and who was allegedly…

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When most people hear “distracted driving,” they think of texting behind the wheel. While using a cellphone is a major source of distraction, it is not the only one. Eating, adjusting the radio, reaching for something, or even turning to talk to a passenger can take a driver's attention away from the road.

What Counts as Distracted Driving in Pennsylvania?

When most people hear “distracted driving,” they think of texting behind the wheel. While using a cellphone is a major source of distraction, it is not the only one. Eating, adjusting the radio, reaching for something, or even turning to talk to a passenger can take a driver’s attention away from the road. Pennsylvania has…

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Who Qualifies for Workers’ Compensation in Pennsylvania? If you are injured at work, you may assume workers’ compensation is only available to full-time employees who suffer a serious accident. In Pennsylvania, that isn't the case. Most employees are covered by workers’ compensation, including many part-time and seasonal workers. However, there are exceptions. Your employment status, the type of work you perform, and the circumstances surrounding your injury can all affect whether you qualify for benefits. Understanding your rights after a workplace injury can help you determine what steps to take next.

Who Qualifies for Workers’ Compensation in Pennsylvania?

Who Qualifies for Workers’ Compensation in Pennsylvania? If you are injured at work, you may assume workers’ compensation is only available to full-time employees who suffer a serious accident. In Pennsylvania, that isn’t the case. Most employees are covered by workers’ compensation, including many part-time and seasonal workers. However, there are exceptions. Your employment status,…

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Many people assume that a marijuana DUI requires proof that they were visibly high or obviously impaired while driving. Pennsylvania law makes the issue more complicated. A driver may face a DUI charge involving marijuana even when they do not believe they were impaired at the time of the traffic stop. What matters is the specific allegation, the evidence collected by police, and the section of Pennsylvania's DUI law being used. For anyone facing a marijuana DUI investigation or charge, understanding this distinction is important.

Can You Be Charged With a Marijuana DUI If You Aren’t High?

Many people assume that a marijuana DUI requires proof that they were visibly high or obviously impaired while driving. Pennsylvania law makes the issue more complicated. A driver may face a DUI charge involving marijuana even when they do not believe they were impaired at the time of the traffic stop. What matters is the…

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* THE TRAVIS LAW FIRM, P.C., only handles cases involving Personal Injury, Wrongful Death, Workers’ Compensation, DUI, and Criminal Defense.

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