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Probable Cause and Vehicle Search
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Building Probable Cause and the Limits of a Traffic Stop Police officers use their observations during a routine traffic stop to build a case against you. If an officer observes open containers, spots contraband in “plain view,” or hears inconsistent statements, these are not just passing details—they are the building blocks used to establish probable…
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Pennsylvania Traffic Stops
You and a few buddies are taking a road trip across the Pennsylvania Turnpike for a weekend getaway in the Poconos. You are sitting in the back seat, just listening to music, when the driver gets pulled over for speeding. The police officer claims to smell marijuana and demands to search the car. Hidden inside…
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Marijuana Charge in Pennsylvania
Can You Lose Your Driver’s License for a Marijuana Charge in Pennsylvania? Surprisingly, the answer used to be yes—but that is no longer the case. New Updates to Marijuana Laws in PA Under current Pennsylvania law, simple possession of marijuana or another controlled substance, by itself, does not result in a driver’s license suspension. In…
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How Prosecutors Establish DUI Cases
Understanding the Building Blocks of a Pennsylvania DUI Prosecution To convict someone of DUI in Pennsylvania, the Commonwealth must meet specific legal requirements and prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Prosecutors rely on several key elements to support their case, and when any of these elements are weak, incomplete, or unconstitutional, the defense can use…
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Refusing to Provide Blood in a PA DUI
If you refuse to provide a blood sample during a DUI stop in Pennsylvania, there are serious consequences that can cost you your license or worse… your freedom — even if you are not ultimately convicted of DUI. License Suspension for Refusal Once the arresting officer submits their report to PennDOT, your driver’s license will…
Michael Kotik Criminal Lawyer