Derek Maninfior, Esquire Stephen McDonald, Esquire On May 30, 2025, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court issued a significant decision in Commonwealth v. Shifflett. The Court ruled that entry into Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) for a prior DUI cannot be treated as a “prior offense” when imposing enhanced penalties for a subsequent DUI conviction. The rationale was straightforward: ARD is not a conviction, and offenders who are admitted into ARD are not afforded the constitutional safeguards of a trial, such as proof beyond a reasonable doubt or the right to a jury. This decision had immediate and sweeping consequences. For decades, Pennsylvania… read more »
Resolve to Avoid DUI Trouble in 2023
It happens too often. You are driving your vehicle after having a drink (or more than one) and suddenly you see the flashing lights of a police car behind you. You’re about to be confronted with a situation that happens to tens of thousands of Pennsylvanians every year. What will happen during the police stop and afterward? How should you handle it? Will you have a criminal record and what will happen to your driver’s license? This article addresses some of those issues. Driving under the influence (DUI) is far and away the most common reason for arrest every year…. read more »
CGA Law Firm Elects Stephen R. McDonald to Shareholder
CGA Law Firm is pleased to announce the election of Stephen R. McDonald, Esq. to shareholder. Stephen has been practicing law for over 25 years and has acquired extensive experience in multiple areas. He is a seasoned attorney in both civil litigation and criminal defense. Well versed in municipal law, Stephen serves as the solicitor for multiple municipalities in South Central Pennsylvania, and the York County Clerk of Court’s Office. He often represents clients in front of zoning hearing boards and other municipal and local government entities. Prior to joining CGA, Stephen worked at the Office of the District Attorney for… read more »
Pardon Me and My Marijuana
Laws regarding marijuana have been one of the fastest evolving parts of the criminal justice system. In recent times, there has been an obvious change in the attitudes toward marijuana and its use in one form or another. However, the rapidity with which the marijuana laws have evolved has resulted in a patchwork of hodgepodge and often disconnected laws. A large majority of states have adopted laws that legalize cannabis use for medical reasons, and almost half the states have also legalized the recreational use of marijuana. However, marijuana remains illegal at the federal level and is still regulated by… read more »
