Blog Archives
Signed Medical Authorization for College Students – A MUST
Why parents should have a Signed Medical Authorization form for their college students?
With back to school season drawing to a close, parents should consider an often overlooked issue involving their adult children. If your child is an adult, you may not be able to get information regarding Health Care issues without the proper medical authorization. Once a child reaches the age of 18, he or she must consent to the release of any medical information to any other person; this includes parents. HIPPA laws are very restrictive in defining what information can be disclosed by medical providers.
In the event that your child is injured and unable to communicate, you may not be able to get access to him or her without the proper medical authorization. …Read more
Public Drunkenness: When One More is Too Much
A person can be convicted of public drunkenness if he appears “in any public place manifestly under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance…to the degree that he may endanger himself or other persons or property, or annoy persons in his vicinity.”
Unlike the charge of Driving Under the Influence (DUI), there is no defined blood-alcohol limit for intoxicants before someone can be cited for public drunkenness. That is because there is no requirement in the law that police perform chemical analysis or other tests to determine whether a person is objectively under the influence of drugs or alcohol. …Read more
The Intersection of Politics and Law Enforcement
Over the past several months, an investigating grand jury convened in Montgomery County, has been hearing testimony and reviewing evidence to determine whether Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane violated grand jury secrecy laws when she disclosed the results of an earlier investigation in an effort to discredit her political foes. …Read more
PA Expands Vehicle Search Rules
On April 29, 2014, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court decided the case of Commonwealth v. Gary, holding that police officers do not need a search warrant to search a vehicle, as long as they have probable cause to believe that they will find evidence of a crime inside. The decision is based on the idea that a person’s right to privacy is diminished …Read more
Will Pennsylvania Legalize Marijuana?
While a number of states have legalized the use of
marijuana for medicinal purposes, Colorado recently became the first state in the country to legalize the use of marijuana for recreational purposes.
Although Pennsylvania has not taken any substantial steps towards either of these approaches, a bill recently introduced in the Pennsylvania Senate …Read more
Do Grandparents Have Custody Rights to their Grandchildren?
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania recognizes the special bond formed between grandparents and their grandchildren, and that this relationship is susceptible to strain and disruption if the child’s parents separate or divorce.
Can a grandparent file for custody rights, visitation rights or full custody of their grandchild and/or grandchildren in the state of Pennsylvania? …Read more
7 Legal Tips for 2014
As you enter 2014, here are 7 Legal Tips you should not overlook, dot your i’s and cross your t’s when it comes to protecting yourself, your family and your business.
7 Legal Tips for 2014
1. Know before you go! Are you aware of the laws in your hometown? What about when you travel out of state or out of the country? A great example is the hands-free driving when you enter city limits or a new state.
2. Educate your Children It sounds simple enough, but is often …Read more
7 Legal Tips for Summer Travel
Important legal issues are often forgotten during the frenzy of summer travel plans. Whether you are driving, flying or taking a cruise these tips can help you be prepared for the unexpected.
1. Read the fine print in any contract or agreement you sign. Package tours, vacation home leases, auto rental agreements and travel insurance documents all require you to sign a complex legal document. The fine print often limits the liability of the other party and selects a jurisdiction should legal action become necessary. Some travel packages or rental agreements may involve large sums of money and non-refundable deposits. Contact our office for any assistance in understanding these types of documents; we would be happy to review them with you. …Read more
What Can Be Done About a Criminal Record?
How can I clean up my record? Can my criminal record be expunged?
A criminal conviction can stand in the way of school admissions, job prospects, jury participation, and the ability to carry or own a firearm, to name just a few of the ramifications of having your record tarnished. Allow us to clear up a few misconceptions about your “permanent record”, and how to clean it up, if possible. …Read more
It’s A New Year for Giving Back
During this new year many people will look for ways to give back to their community and local organizations. Many non-profits, communities and organizations rely on the support of people, volunteers and the actual donations of goods in addition to a monetary donation. Here are ideas for 4 alternative ways to give back in lieu of a cash donation.
TIME
So many non-profit organizations rely on the help of volunteers to keep their doors open each year. If there is an organization you are passionate about …Read more