Law office of Kathryn Roberts, Esquire

   When a loved one is arrested, one of the first questions families ask is: How can we get them out of jail? The answer usually lies in understanding the rules of bail. Bail is not about punishment—it is about whether the person can be trusted to return to court and whether they pose a danger to the community. Bail in Pennsylvania In Pennsylvania, bail is generally available in most criminal cases except for homicide. When someone is arrested, a magistrate judge will typically set the initial bail amount. Unfortunately, this amount is often higher than what families can afford. The good news is that bail is not always final. By requesting a hearing before a higher judge, the bail amount can sometimes be reduced. This process requires strong legal preparation. The court needs to see evidence that the accused has ties to the community, is not a flight risk, and will appear for future hearings. That often means gathering documents, witnesses, and presenting arguments that show ...

 Being stopped by law enforcement for suspected DUI can be stressful and confusing. However, understanding your rights can make a significant difference in how the situation unfolds. Knowing what to do—and what not to do—can protect your legal standing and help ensure fair treatment under the law. Your Rights During a DUI Stop When you are pulled over for a DUI investigation in Pennsylvania, remember that you have several important rights designed to protect you. These include: 1. The Right to Remain Silent You are not required to answer questions that could incriminate you. Politely inform the officer that you are exercising your right to remain silent. Anything you say can be used against you in court, so it’s best to stay calm and limit your responses. 2. The Right to Refuse a Field Sobriety Test You can decline field sobriety tests, such as walking in a straight line or following a light with your eyes. While refusing these tests may not prevent an arrest, it can limit evidence...

  GREEN CARD, DEPORTATION, CITIZENSHIP? ARE YOU HAVING PROBLEMS WITH RE-ENTRY DUE TO A CRIMINAL CASE? In the past several years, immigration laws have gotten more complex and the ways that immigration courts handle cases has gotten much more complex. I am a criminal defense attorney. Immigration courts are specialized and are not the same as criminal courts. However, it is good practice for criminal defense attorneys to understand  immigration consequences  if they have a client charged with a criminal offense. For any client that I represent who is charged with a criminal offense, I always refer him or her to an immigration lawyer. Virtually anyone who is not a U.S. citizen (visa holder, refugee, asylum seeker,  permanent resident/green card ) is at risk of  deportation/removal  from the United States if the person is charged with a crime in Pennsylvania. There are very few criminal offenses for which a person cannot legally be deported/removed. Consequent...

   If you've been charged with a DUI, you may be wondering: "Do I really need a DUI lawyer near me?" The answer is almost always yes. A local DUI attorney doesn’t just understand the law—they understand your local courts, prosecutors, and what it takes to get the best result for your case. DUI Charges in Pennsylvania Are Serious Getting arrested for a DUI in Pennsylvania isn’t just a traffic issue—it’s a criminal charge that can carry serious penalties. Depending on your blood alcohol content (BAC), prior offenses, or whether anyone was harmed, you could face jail time, heavy fines, license suspension, and even mandatory alcohol treatment programs. These penalties can affect your job, family life, and future. Why a Local DUI Lawyer Makes a Difference Hiring a DUI lawyer near you means having someone who understands how local judges and prosecutors handle DUI cases. They know how to spot weaknesses in the arresting officer’s report, challenge the breathalyzer results, or q...