The US Concealed Carry Association (USCCA) has formed the USCCALegal Defense Foundation, Inc. to provide members with protection in the event the member is required to use deadly force. Named Self-Defense Shield, it is a insurance policy, owned by the USCCA, that designated the members as beneficiaries. Depending on the level of membership (Silver PLUS, Gold PLUS, or Platinum PLUS) will … Continue reading USSCA Defense Shield – Firearm Self-Defense Insurance
“Consent” Searches
A “consent” search is nothing more than a search conducted after a person gives consent to search his or her property to police. A search warrant requires the police to justify a search with probable cause and to describe the area and the materials sought with particularity. A consent search gives the police the ability … Continue reading “Consent” Searches
My Spouse is Hiding Assets! What Can I Do?
By Matthew T. Hovey, Esquire It is unfortunate, but it happens: a spouse anticipates a divorce and begins to shift or hide assets to try avoid sharing them during property distribution. If you suspect you are the victim of this fraudulent and improper behavior, then your case will require some detective work. There are a … Continue reading My Spouse is Hiding Assets! What Can I Do?
ATF, PSP and Berks County Sheriff’s Department – Firearms Licensee Seminar
Tonight, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives conducted a Firearms Licensee seminar, along with the Pennsylvania State Police, and which was hosted by the Berks County Sheriff’s Department. Accordingly, a huge thanks goes out Sheriff Weaknecht for making this possible. In years past, ATF has attempted to hold these seminars on a more frequent basis … Continue reading ATF, PSP and Berks County Sheriff’s Department – Firearms Licensee Seminar
Search and Seizure: “Terry Stops”
Another type of stop that fits under the definitiion of “investigative detention” is the “Terry stop.” Named after the United States Supreme court case that defined it, a Terry stop is a search limited under Pennsylvania law by reasonable suspicion regarding activites personally observed by the officer and a reasonable belief that the suspect is … Continue reading Search and Seizure: “Terry Stops”
Search and Seizure: “Mere Encounters” and “investigative Detentions”
Police interactions with the public are defined as “mere encounters,” “investigative detentions,” or “arrests.” Constitutional protections against unreasonable “searches and seizures” extend only to those instances in which a “seizure” of the individual has occurred. A “seizure” occurs only when a reasonable individual would not fee “free to leave.” Any interaction where a reasonable individual … Continue reading Search and Seizure: “Mere Encounters” and “investigative Detentions”
Completing the Disability Report – Appeal
Having to complete the Disability Report – Appeal (Form SSA-3441-BK) means that your claim has been denied. This form accompanies the appeal of the unfavorable determination of your application for Social Security disability benefits. That initial denial is often a shock to people who have applied for disability benefits because they can no longer work. Don’t … Continue reading Completing the Disability Report – Appeal
I Want to Keep the House, But the Mortgage is in Both of Our Names. What Are My Options?
By Matthew T. Hovey, Esquire Most of the clients I meet with are home-owners. In this post-real estate bubble period, almost all of the homes are mortgaged to a bank. In these situations, the first two questions I will ask of the client are (1) who has an ownership interest in the home (who is … Continue reading I Want to Keep the House, But the Mortgage is in Both of Our Names. What Are My Options?
CMS Memorandum Reaffirms its Standards of Review for Workers’ Compensation Settlements
Many injured workers in Pennsylvania are receiving workers’ compensation benefits and are also entitled to, or have applied for, Social Security disability or retirement benefits. The majority of these individuals will also become entitled to the payment of medical expenses under Medicare. In the event he or she contemplates accepting a settlement of the workers’ … Continue reading CMS Memorandum Reaffirms its Standards of Review for Workers’ Compensation Settlements
New proposed change to the PA Workers’ Comp Act
Once again the Pennsylvania legislature is working to limit injured workers’ rights. This time it’s not with broad sweeping changes, but in small increments, almost as if they do not want to be noticed. Namely, they’re seeking to double the length of the “captive period” from 90 to 180 days. Just so we’re clear, 180 … Continue reading New proposed change to the PA Workers’ Comp Act
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