Wolfe, Rice & Quinn, LLC Wolfe Rice & Quinn, LLC2026-08-22T22:52:48Zhttps://www.wolfeandrice.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1201121/2019/12/cropped-512-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Wolfe, Rice & Quinn, LLC<![CDATA[What gives police reasonable suspicion for a DUI stop?]]>https://www.wolfeandrice.com/?p=497122026-08-22T22:52:48Z2026-08-22T22:52:48Zreasonable suspicion” that the driver is not sober before they can pull them over. If the officer cannot, then the stop itself – and everything that results from it – may be unlawful and inadmissible in court.
Driving behaviors that may create reasonable suspicion
Certain actions may suggest that a driver is having difficulty safely controlling a vehicle. Examples include observation that a driver is:
Weaving repeatedly in the road’s lanes
Drifting across yellow lines or onto the road’s shoulder
Driving significantly below the speed limit without an apparent reason
Speeding up or slowing down unpredictably
Braking for no apparent reason
Nearly striking another vehicle, pedestrian, mailbox or pole
Driving on the wrong side of the road
Making an unusually wide, abrupt or illegal turn
Straddling the center line or driving between lanes
Driving at night without headlights
Following another vehicle too closely
Signaling inconsistently with the vehicle’s movements
Running a red light or stop sign without even slowing
Driving away from a bar or event venue in an erratic manner
Found asleep or unconscious behind the wheel of a stopped vehicle
Police can also lawfully stop a vehicle when they’ve received a credible report of a driver who is acting erratically or seems impaired, such as happens when others on the road call 911 to leave a tip.
One mistake doesn’t make necessarily create reasonable suspicion
Many driving mistakes have innocent explanations. A driver may briefly cross the yellow line, for example, while avoiding a pothole, slow down because of poor visibility or brake suddenly when an animal enters the road. A momentary mistake may not establish reasonable suspicion by itself, particularly when the driver otherwise operates the vehicle safely.
If you believe that an officer lacked reasonable suspicion for the initial stop that resulted in your DUI charge, a DUI defense attorney may be able to challenge the stop and seek to suppress evidence obtained afterward as part of your defense.]]>On Behalf of Wolfe, Rice & Quinn, LLC<![CDATA[Do children get a say in custody decisions?]]>https://www.wolfeandrice.com/?p=497082026-08-05T14:03:07Z2026-08-05T14:03:07ZThere are cases in which a child may be given a say in a custody decision, such as when that child’s parents are going through a divorce and dividing up physical and legal custody rights. That said, children do not have the authority to unilaterally make these decisions on their own.
Generally speaking, when a court makes a custody determination, it tries to uphold a legal standard that focuses on what will be in the best interests of the child. In some cases, one of the factors the court will weigh is if the child themselves has a preference.
The child’s age makes a difference
One of the main things to consider is simply how old the child is. Older children may be given a chance to state their preference, but younger children often are not.For instance, if a couple has a toddler, the court likely will not let them weigh in on the custody decision to begin with, but will instead look at factors like the parents’ roles in the child’s life, the parents’ living situations, their mental and physical health, and their ability to provide the care that this young child needs.If the parents have a teenager who is a junior in high school, however, then the court may listen if they have a preference of which parent they would like to live with. But even that does not mean that the court is obligated to agree with the child’s decision or uphold their preference. It is still just one factor out of many that they will consider as they look into the child’s best interests.
Navigating a custody decision
Dividing custody of children during divorce can be very complex. Parents must know what legal steps to take and what rights they have at this time.
]]>On Behalf of Wolfe, Rice & Quinn, LLC<![CDATA[How are marital assets divided in Pennsylvania?]]>https://www.wolfeandrice.com/?p=497072026-07-23T06:51:36Z2026-07-23T06:51:36ZOne of the biggest concerns people have during a divorce is how assets are divided. Who gets to keep the house? Where does the car go? What happens to all the debt?
All of these questions and more are answered by learning more about Pennsylvania’s equitable distribution model. Here is what you should know:
What is equitable distribution?
Equitable distribution means that marital assets are divided based on what is fair instead of an equal 50/50 division. This helps ensure each spouse keeps a portion of the marital estate based on their unique situation. Since every marriage is different, there are several considerations to consider when dividing marital assets equitably, including the following:
How long was the marriage?
How old is each spouse?
What is the income and earning capacity of each spouse?
How much debt does each spouse have?
How did each spouse contribute to the marriage?
What is the standard of living for each spouse during the divorce?
What is the health of each spouse?
Are there tax considerations?
These considerations can help determine how marital assets are divided.
What assets are not distributed during a divorce?
There are some assets that are not divided during a divorce. For instance, gifts given to a spouse and inheritance are typically not considered part of the marital estate. Assets that were brought into a marriage are typically considered separate property. Additionally, prenuptial or postnuptial agreements can help determine how the marital estate is divided. Professional legal guidance can help determine how marital assets are divided during a divorce.]]>On Behalf of Wolfe, Rice & Quinn, LLC<![CDATA[Understanding intent in Pennsylvania assault cases]]>https://www.wolfeandrice.com/?p=497032026-07-15T23:05:03Z2026-07-15T23:05:03Zassault charges can strengthen your case significantly. The information below is a good place to start.
How Pennsylvania defines intent
Pennsylvania recognizes several mental states in assault cases that may affect how a charge is classified and how the prosecution builds its case.
Purposeful conduct: Involves actions taken with a clear objective to cause bodily injury
Knowing conduct: Occurs when a person understands that harm is practically certain to result from their actions
Reckless conduct: Involves behavior that disregards a substantial and unjustifiable risk of injury.
Courts look to the evidence to determine which mental state applies in a particular case.
Types of evidence
Many cases hinge on the type and quality of evidence presented. Different forms of proof can help or harm a defendant.
Witness statements may describe behavior, tone or actions that suggest a particular mental state.
Physical evidence can show how an incident unfolded and whether injury was likely or intended.
Digital evidence may hold clues that reveal a person’s mindset or place them elsewhere at the time of the assault.
A thorough legal review of the evidence helps determine the strength of the prosecution's case and what defense strategies to consider.
Intent is not always straightforward and certain circumstances create uncertainty that courts must resolve. For example, alcohol use may cloud judgment and raise questions about the defendant's awareness during the encounter.
Legal support can help you sort the evidence and put the pieces together, potentially casting doubt on your guilt and improving the odds of a favorable outcome.]]>On Behalf of Wolfe, Rice & Quinn, LLC<![CDATA[Choosing the right agent when drafting powers of attorney]]>https://www.wolfeandrice.com/?p=497022026-06-28T20:32:06Z2026-06-28T20:32:06ZWho can serve as an agent?
Technically, any competent adult can potentially act as an agent on behalf of another person with valid power of attorney paperwork. However, not everyone can readily manage complex financial matters competently.
Additionally, some people might abuse their authority for personal gain, which can have devastating consequences for the principal who drafted the documents. Many people who might be trustworthy and competent live too far away, have serious medical challenges or have personal obligations that might prevent them from effectively acting as an agent.
Choosing people who live nearby, who have a history of responsible behavior and who are healthy enough to realistically offer support for the indefinite future may require a careful evaluation of friends and family members. It is also important to discuss the decision with the potential agent to ensure they agree to take that authority if their support ever becomes necessary.
Working with a lawyer when creating powers of attorney can help people ensure their documents offer them adequate protection. The agent nominated in the paperwork is one of the most important elements of powers of attorney.]]>On Behalf of Wolfe, Rice & Quinn, LLC<![CDATA[3 options for establishing paternity in Pennsylvania]]>https://www.wolfeandrice.com/?p=496972026-06-15T14:38:10Z2026-06-15T14:38:10Zformal legal process through which Pennsylvania acknowledges a man as a father. There are several different ways for new fathers to protect their rights and ensure official recognition as a parent.
What are the most common ways to establish paternity in Pennsylvania?
1. Through marriage
Married men benefit from an automatic presumption of paternity. When their wives become pregnant or give birth during the marriage, the state automatically includes them on the birth certificate. Married men have the right to request visitation or shared custody if they separate from or divorce their wives.
2. Through mutual acknowledgment
Unmarried couples can sign documents together to confirm a man's paternity. An Acknowledgment of Paternity filed with the state can ensure that a birth certificate includes a man's name. Parents can also acknowledge paternity well after the birth and have the existing birth certificate amended.
3. Through court proceedings and genetic testing
Sometimes, there are questions about who father to child. Other times, a mother may not voluntarily agree to acknowledge a man's paternity. In such cases, men can ask the courts to intervene. Court-ordered genetic testing can validate a man's paternity, which can allow him to seek joint custody or visitation.
Working with an attorney can help fathers understand and make use of their legal rights. The process of establishing paternity can be complicated, making legal guidance important for the fastest and best resolution possible.]]>On Behalf of Wolfe, Rice & Quinn, LLC<![CDATA[What if family members can’t find a will?]]>https://www.wolfeandrice.com/?p=496962026-06-06T02:27:10Z2026-06-06T02:27:10ZContact the decedent’s attorney
Even if there is no will included in an individual's personal documents, their attorney might have the document. They might also be aware that the testator previously revoked a prior version of their will. The information that they have can help families locate documents or move forward with estate administration without the will.
Initiate probate proceedings
Once people have validated that no will exists by checking the decedent’s home and belongings and contacting any attorney they worked with while alive, surviving family members can initiate intestate probate proceedings.
They will need to affirm the absence of a will in court. Then the distribution of property follows intestate succession law. When there is no will, spouses, children and other immediate family members typically inherit everything from the estate.
Those expecting to inherit from an estate or assist with administering it may need guidance when there are unexpected issues that arise, such as the inability to find a will. Getting experienced legal guidance can help people ensure that they fulfill all of their legal obligations, regardless of whether or not there is a will to guide the process.]]>On Behalf of Wolfe, Rice & Quinn, LLC<![CDATA[What people get wrong about credit card debt during divorce]]>https://www.wolfeandrice.com/?p=496942026-05-21T19:49:46Z2026-05-21T19:49:46ZThe name on the account isn't the main concern
When the courts identify separate and marital assets and debts, ownership records are not the most important element for them to consider. Instead, when people took on debt or acquired property is often the deciding factor.
Regardless of whose name is on a particular credit card account, both spouses may technically be responsible for debts incurred during the marital relationship. There are exceptions in cases where there is evidence that one spouse made an attempt to hide the debt from the other or engaged in other forms of financial misconduct, such as dissipation.
Incurring large amounts of debt as a means of diminishing the marital estate and inappropriately altering property division proceedings could change what the courts view as reasonable and just when dividing marital debts. Most other credit card balances may influence property division outcomes.
Those concerned about credit card balances and financial obligations during divorce may need to review recent financial records with their legal representative. Understanding what laws apply during property division proceedings can help spouses avoid credit blemishes and an unsustainable personal budget after divorce.]]>On Behalf of Wolfe, Rice & Quinn, LLC<![CDATA[What must the state prove to secure a DUI conviction?]]>https://www.wolfeandrice.com/?p=496932026-05-06T12:56:37Z2026-05-06T12:56:37ZMotorists in Pennsylvania may face driving under the influence (DUI) charges due to traffic stops or collisions. Those accused of DUI offenses often want to avoid convictions whenever possible to retain their driving licenses, ensure they can pass background checks and avoid the numerous criminal penalties that the courts could impose.
A successful defense requires an understanding of what the state must establish to secure a conviction. What evidence is necessary for a prosecutor to secure a DUI conviction when a defendant asserts their innocence?
Proof of control over a vehicle
To face a DUI charge, an individual must be in actual physical control of a vehicle. Typically, that means they must be present in the vehicle with the keys or electronic device necessary to start the vehicle. Police officers do not necessarily need to catch someone on the road in motion or even with the engine running to justify a DUI arrest.
Proof of impairment or elevated alcohol levels
Some people face DUI charges because police officers follow them while they swerve all over the road or people call to report concerns about their conduct in traffic. Others face charges because they cause crashes.If there is evidence ofdiminished driving capability, that can be grounds for prosecution. The state can also bring DUI charges when people have blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) above the legal limit, even if there is no evidence of actual impaired capabilities.Those facing DUI charges may need help reviewing the state's evidence and exploring different possible defense strategies. Understanding what the state must prove to secure a conviction can help people evaluate different options for fightingPennsylvania DUI charges.]]>On Behalf of Wolfe, Rice & Quinn, LLC<![CDATA[Does getting married at 32 reduce divorce odds?]]>https://www.wolfeandrice.com/?p=496912026-04-21T17:19:21Z2026-04-21T17:19:21ZHave you ever heard someone say that a young couple should wait a little bit longer to get married? Or perhaps you have heard people talk about how getting married at 32 is the ideal age. The average marriage age in the United States has gotten older over the years, so more and more people are getting married in their 30s.Some research does suggest that a marriage at 32 has the lowest odds of divorce. For every year prior, the divorce odds go up by 11%. For every year after 32, those odds go up by 5%. So if someone is just looking for marital stability, 32 may be the ideal age to get married.
Why does this happen?
There are many different things that contribute to these divorce rates. For instance, a couple in their early 20s may still be in college, so they do not have a stable career. It is hard for them to support themselves if they get married so young, whereas a couple in their early 30s has far more financial security, which can provide stability to the marriage.For older marriages, part of the issue is that second or third marriages tend to have higher divorce rates than first marriages. Some of the couples getting married in their 30s and 40s are in subsequent relationships, which are statistically more likely to lead to divorce. This pushes up the divorce rates for the overall age group.
Your rights during a divorce
While 32 may be the ideal age according to these studies, divorce can happen to couples who get married at any age. If you find yourself in this position, it is important to understand your legal rights when it comes to property division, child custody and more.
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