What is Harassment by Text? - Potter and Mckean County, PA Attorney

By David B. Ross, Esq.

Many people are shocked to find themselves charged with Harassment because of something that they texted or posted on line.  Such a charges can be an absolute shock when we are taught that we have freedom of speech. 

The relevant statute in PA is 18 Pa. CSA 2709.  

§  2709.  Harassment.

(a)  Offense defined.--A person commits the crime of harassment when, with intent to harass, annoy or alarm another, the person:

(1)  strikes, shoves, kicks or otherwise subjects the other person to physical contact, or attempts or threatens to do the same;

(2)  follows the other person in or about a public place or places;

(3)  engages in a course of conduct or repeatedly commits acts which serve no legitimate purpose;

(4)  communicates to or about such other person any lewd, lascivious, threatening or obscene words, language, drawings or caricatures;

(5)  communicates repeatedly in an anonymous manner;

(6)  communicates repeatedly at extremely inconvenient hours; or

(7)  communicates repeatedly in a manner other than specified in paragraphs (4), (5) and (6).

 (c)  Grading.--

(1)  Except as provided under paragraph (3), an offense under subsection (a)(1), (2) or (3) shall constitute a summary offense.

(2)  An offense under subsection (a)(4), (5), (6) or (7) or (a.1) shall constitute a misdemeanor of the third degree.

 The Courts have interpreted this to include sending a text after being told to stop or sending a series of texts with no legitimate purpose.  The statute is intended to stop people from being able to harass other individuals by repeatedly sending unwanted communications.  Unfortunately, the statute has also been weaponized by people who provoke conversations and then claim that the communication was unwanted.  We see this a lot in the context of divorce or break ups. 

If you have been accused of harassment, call our law firm to inquire about a consultation.  You may very well have a defense if the communication was for a legitimate purpose or was invited by the other party.  Evidence of exactly what happened is important.  Do not delete the messages.  Your attorney will need to review them.  If you delete them, you may well delete the only defense that you have.

Give us a call today:  (814) 274-8612 or (570) 309-6690.  Our attorneys will help you to reach your goals.  We have friendly and helpful staff members when you just need to talk to someone.

* Federal law requires the following disclosure: We are a debt relief agency helping people file for relief through bankruptcy under the bankruptcy code.

** There are other types of bankruptcies.  Chapter 11 is for businesses and Chapter 12 applies to farms.
***Legal Disclaimer: The contents of this site are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice.  No lawyer-client relationship exists until one of our attorneys meets with you and agrees to accept you as a client.

Pennsylvania Cities served by County:
McKean County, PA
Aiken, Betula, Big Shanty, Bradford, Bullis Mills, Burning Well, Ceres, Clermont, Colegrove, Corwins Corners, Coryville, Crosby, Custer City, Cyclone, Dallas City, Degolia, Derrick City, Duke Center, East Kane, East Smethport, Eldred, Farmers Valley, Foster Brook, Freeman, Gardeau, Gifford, Gilmore, Griffiths, Hazel Hurst, Hazelton Mills, Hutchins, Kane, Kanesholm, Kasson, Kushequa, Lafayette, Lantz Corners, Larabee, Lewis Run, Liberty, Ludlow, Marshburg, Marvindale, Mount Alton, Mount Jewett, Myrtle, Ormsby, Port Allegany, Prentisvale, Rew, Rixford, Sergeant, Smethport, Tally Ho, Turtlepoint, Westline, Westmore, Wrights, Wrights Corners

Potter County, PA
Andrews Settlement,  Austin, Brookland, Burtville, Carter Camp , Cherry Springs, Clara, Colesburg, Coneville, Conrad, Costello, Coudersport, Cross Fork, Eleven Mile, Ellisburg, Elmer, Galeton, Genesee, Germania, Germania Station, Gold, Harrison Valley, Hebron, Hebron Center, Honeoye, Inez, Keating Summit, Loucks Mills, Millport, Mills, Mina, Newfield, North Bingham, North Fork, Odin, Oleona, Oswayo, Potato City, Raymond, Roulette, Sharon Center, Shinglehouse, Sunderlinville, Sweden Valley, Ulysses, West Bingham, Wharton

Tioga County, PA
Academy Corners, Ansonia, Antrim, Arnot, Austinburg, Blackwell, Blossburg, Brookfield, Canoe Camp, Cherry Flats, Covington, Cowanesque, Daggett, Davis, Draper, Eastpoint, Elbridge, Elkland, Fallbrook, Farmington, Gaines, Gleason, Hartfield, Holliday, Jackson Summit, Jobs Corner, Keeneyville, Knapp, Knoxville, Lawrenceville, Leetonia, Leolyn, Liberty, Little Marsh, Mainesburg, Mansfield, Marshland, Middlebury Center, Millerton, Morris, Morris Run, Nauvoo, Nelson, Niles Valley, Ogdensburg, Osceola, Potter Brook, Rexford, Roaring Branch, Roseville, Round Top, Sabinsville, Sebring, Stonyfork, Tiadaghton, Tioga, Trowbridge, Watrous, Wellsboro, Westfield

Our attorneys are licensed in PA and GA.  We cannot provide legal advice involving any other state.

Zip codes served: 15870 16701 16720 16726 16727 16729 16731 16732 16735 16738 16740 16743 16744 16745 16748 16749 16750 16901 16912 16914 16917 16920 16921 16928 16929 16930 16932 16933 16935 16936 16938 16942 16943 16946 16947 16950 17724 17765 15834 16720 16743 16746 16748 16915 16921 16922 16923 16927 16937 16941 16943 16948 17729 15832 15834 15861 16720 15821 15822 15823 15824 15827 15828 15832 15834 15845 15846 15853 15857 15860 15868 15870 16728 16735 17701 17702 17703

Attorney David B. Ross is responsible for the content of this site.  PO Box 310, Coudersport, PA 16915

Coudersport Borough may not sell Arboretum

In a not unsurprising opinion, Senior Judge, Michael Williamson has ruled that the Borough may not sell the land near Sheetz that has been used for a public park. In what was characterized as a "weak argument by the Judge," the Borough argued it could no longer maintain the park.

 Our attorneys have been following the case for some time, and the Judge's ruling is exactly what we anticipated as the Borough has no basis to claim that it cannot maintain the Park.

Regardless of what you think of the outcome, it was great to see the law fairly applied.

It is unclear what will happen to the caboose, which has been a central character in the saga. At one time, John Wright was said to have facilitated the purchase for a land developer from the Chamber of Commerce. More recently, the Borough has claimed ownership of the caboose. The Historical Society at one point expressed interest in the little Bobber. We can only hope that this historical gem is preserved for all to enjoy.

Here is a copy of the entire opinion if you would like to read it.

New penalties are now in effect in Pennsylvania for habitually violating the state law on driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

You can expect that State Troopers will periodically being aggressively enforcing the new DUI laws in Potter County Pennsylvania, Bradford and McKean County PA, and Wellsboro and Tioga County PA.   Our PA DUI lawyers note that State Troopers often use violations consisting for speeding, reckless driving, seat belt violations, and child seat belt infractions, stop lights, and turn signal infractions as a pretext to stop drivers suspected of DUI.

Pennsylvania’s stricter penalties for repeat offenders were signed into law by Gov. Tom Wolf on Oct. 24, as Act 153 of 2018.

Under the new law, any individual convicted of their third DUI with a blood-alcohol content of 0.16 or higher could be found guilty of a felony offense.

The same penalty would apply to all individuals convicted of four or more DUI offenses.

The law also increases penalties for motorists who cause the death of another person as a result of a DUI, including a potential first-degree felony charge for repeat offenders. It allows for an additional five years' imprisonment for a person who commits homicide by vehicle while driving without a license or driving under suspension. It provides for up to an additional two years imprisonment for a person who commits aggravated assault when driving without a license.

In addition, the law increases the penalty for driving under suspension for a prior DUI, from a summary offense with a minimum $500 fine and up to 60 days in jail to a summary offense with a mandatory minimum of 90 days in jail and $1,000 for a second offense, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. A third and subsequent offense will be a misdemeanor of the third degree with a mandatory $2,500 fine and six months in jail.  Those under 21 who drive may face penalties with any amount of alcohol in their system.

As always, our DUI lawyers urge travelers to “Think before You Drink” and be mindful of continuing efforts to enforce the legal blood alcohol limit of 0.08 for adult drivers.  While our attorneys can help you with your DUI, the best option is always to plan ahead, drink responsibly, and have a ride home with a sober friend or use an UBER. 

Give us a call today:  (814) 274-8612 or (570) 309-6690.  Our attorneys will help you to reach your goals.  We have friendly and helpful staff members when you just need to talk to someone.

* Federal law requires the following disclosure: We are a debt relief agency helping people file for relief through bankruptcy under the bankruptcy code.

** There are other types of bankruptcies.  Chapter 11 is for businesses and Chapter 12 applies to farms.
***Legal Disclaimer: The contents of this site are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice.  No lawyer-client relationship exists until one of our attorneys meets with you and agrees to accept you as a client.

Pennsylvania Cities served by County:
McKean County, PA
Aiken, Betula, Big Shanty, Bradford, Bullis Mills, Burning Well, Ceres, Clermont, Colegrove, Corwins Corners, Coryville, Crosby, Custer City, Cyclone, Dallas City, Degolia, Derrick City, Duke Center, East Kane, East Smethport, Eldred, Farmers Valley, Foster Brook, Freeman, Gardeau, Gifford, Gilmore, Griffiths, Hazel Hurst, Hazelton Mills, Hutchins, Kane, Kanesholm, Kasson, Kushequa, Lafayette, Lantz Corners, Larabee, Lewis Run, Liberty, Ludlow, Marshburg, Marvindale, Mount Alton, Mount Jewett, Myrtle, Ormsby, Port Allegany, Prentisvale, Rew, Rixford, Sergeant, Smethport, Tally Ho, Turtlepoint, Westline, Westmore, Wrights, Wrights Corners

Potter County, PA
Andrews Settlement,  Austin, Brookland, Burtville, Carter Camp , Cherry Springs, Clara, Colesburg, Coneville, Conrad, Costello, Coudersport, Cross Fork, Eleven Mile, Ellisburg, Elmer, Galeton, Genesee, Germania, Germania Station, Gold, Harrison Valley, Hebron, Hebron Center, Honeoye, Inez, Keating Summit, Loucks Mills, Millport, Mills, Mina, Newfield, North Bingham, North Fork, Odin, Oleona, Oswayo, Potato City, Raymond, Roulette, Sharon Center, Shinglehouse, Sunderlinville, Sweden Valley, Ulysses, West Bingham, Wharton

Tioga County, PA
Academy Corners, Ansonia, Antrim, Arnot, Austinburg, Blackwell, Blossburg, Brookfield, Canoe Camp, Cherry Flats, Covington, Cowanesque, Daggett, Davis, Draper, Eastpoint, Elbridge, Elkland, Fallbrook, Farmington, Gaines, Gleason, Hartfield, Holliday, Jackson Summit, Jobs Corner, Keeneyville, Knapp, Knoxville, Lawrenceville, Leetonia, Leolyn, Liberty, Little Marsh, Mainesburg, Mansfield, Marshland, Middlebury Center, Millerton, Morris, Morris Run, Nauvoo, Nelson, Niles Valley, Ogdensburg, Osceola, Potter Brook, Rexford, Roaring Branch, Roseville, Round Top, Sabinsville, Sebring, Stonyfork, Tiadaghton, Tioga, Trowbridge, Watrous, Wellsboro, Westfield

Our attorneys are licensed in PA and GA.  We cannot provide legal advice involving any other state.

Zip codes served: 15870 16701 16720 16726 16727 16729 16731 16732 16735 16738 16740 16743 16744 16745 16748 16749 16750 16901 16912 16914 16917 16920 16921 16928 16929 16930 16932 16933 16935 16936 16938 16942 16943 16946 16947 16950 17724 17765 15834 16720 16743 16746 16748 16915 16921 16922 16923 16927 16937 16941 16943 16948 17729 15832 15834 15861 16720 15821 15822 15823 15824 15827 15828 15832 15834 15845 15846 15853 15857 15860 15868 15870 16728 16735 17701 17702 17703

Attorney David B. Ross is responsible for the content of this site.  PO Box 310, Coudersport, PA 16915

Changes to Pennsylvania’s DUI laws are here.

David B. Ross, Esq is a former prosecuting attorney who handles DUI cases in Potter County, Tioga County and McKean County Pennsylvania.

The new law focuses primarily on ignition interlock devices.  It went into effect in August of 2018, with some of the changes not going into effect until October of 2018.

The purpose of the law was to provide for greater restrictions on certain DUI offenders while at the same time allowing even first-time offenders to receive a limited license once an ignition interlock device is installed on your vehicle. The goal of the law is to prevent DUI offenders from driving drunk while at the same time allowing them to keep their licenses so that they do not lose employment.

Previously, DUI laws prevented you from obtaining an ignition interlock device for a first offense.

Ignition interlock devices will be expensive. The cost to the driver will likely range from $650 to $1100 for the ignition interlock. However, PennDOT does offer a program for defendants who are unable to afford the device. Additionally, if the defendant drives an employer-owned vehicle for work, the defendant may submit the appropriate documentation to PennDOT in order to apply for a waiver of the ignition interlock requirement for the employer-owned vehicle

If you are facing a DUI in Coudersport, Potter County, PA or Bradford or Smethport, McKean County Pennsylvania, call our DUI lawyer to discuss your options.  We will review your case to determine what defenses you have and what your options are, including an ARD, plea, withdrawal of charges, or trial.

More information about the changes can be found at the DMV website here.

Don’t Get Smoked – What you Need to Know About Medical Marijuana and Driving in Pennsylvania

Whether you love it or hate it, medical marijuana use is here to stay in PA.  That means that a number of our citizens are going to be using marijuana in one form or another and then engaging in the activities of daily life, which include operating motor vehicles.  Our lawyers are former prosecutors who know the laws on marijuana and DUI and help people to navigate them in Mckean, Potter, and Tioga County, PA.

The medical marijuana laws are new, and that means that there is a lot of confusion on the part of the public and law enforcement over the new law in terms of what is permissible and what will get you into trouble fast.  The information provided in this article is taken directly from our own cases and discussions with District Attorneys about their views on medical marijuana and driving.  Below are a few scenarios that illustrate likely outcomes. 

Scenario 1

You have your medical marijuana license.  You go to the dispensary and you purchase some dry leaf and some oils and devices o use the same to deal with your Multiple Sclerosis.  On your way home you are pulled over for a broken tail light.  The officer notices marijuana in your car.  What happens?   

In this scenario, the officer is likely to ask you about the marijuana.  He may also seize it to investigate the marijuana and the related devices to determine whether you have used them to smoke marijuana.  If everything is in order, you will be allowed to get the marijuana back, but you will likely have to go to the station to get it.

Take away:  Have everything in order.  Better not to have the marijuana or devices out in plain sight.  Better to put them in the truck or at least away in bags. 

Scenario 2

You have your medical marijuana license.  You have oils and leafy material at home.  You are pulled over for high beaming the officer.  You have some marijuana in the vehicle as well as devices to ingest it including a pipe.  The officer asks you if you smoked any marijuana recently.  You reply, yes last night. 

In this scenario, the officer may seize the marijuana and devices.  He is also likely to read you implied consent law and attempt to get you to agree to a blood draw. 

Likely outcome – charged with possession of drug paraphernalia.  In PA it is illegal to have any amount of THC (the active ingredients in marijuana) in your blood.  This means that you are likely to get charged with DUI if your blood draw shows any THC.

Take away:  Vaping marijuana with a medical license is lawful.  Smoking marijuana is not legal.  Do not smoke it.  If you do, do not have a smoking device in your car.  There are pipes that will allow you to vape leafy material.  Get the right equipment so you don’t have to worry about a drug paraphernalia or DUI charge.

Scenario 3    

You have your medical marijuana license.  You have oils and leafy material at home.  You are pulled over for high beaming the officer.  You have some marijuana in the vehicle as well as devices to ingest it including a pipe.  The officer asks you if you smoked any marijuana recently.  You reply, no.  I only vape it. 

In this scenario, the officer may seize the marijuana and devices to investigate further and return them later.  In PA it is illegal to have any amount of THC (the active ingredients in marijuana) in your blood, but because you have not smoked it, you are not likely to be charged with DUI unless your blood shows levels way above a therapeutic dose and you show signs of impairment. 

Call us today!   (814) 274-8612

If you are facing something you cannot handle by yourself or you are ready to quit.  Call our attorneys.  We  serve Wellsboro, Mansfield and all of Tioga County PA, Coudersport 16915 and Potter County, and Bradford and McKean County.  Our bankruptcy attorneys care passionately about helping people.  Let our attorneys work for you!  We will counsel you on whether to seek ARD, a plea or trial.  The right advice makes all the difference, and each case is different.

If you need help in other areas of the law, our firm handles injury cases, bankruptcy, general litigation, and family law.

When you need help, you can count on us.  Call our criinal defense attorneys if you live in Williamsport, PA 17701, Wellsboro, Tioga County, PA 16901, Potter County 16915 or Bradford, Smethport, Port Allegany or elsewhere in McKean County.  We offer appointments in person and by telephone.   

We do not charge for car accident consultation or for a bankruptcy evaluation. We take most injury cases on a contingency basis, which mean that you will not owe us anything unless we get money for you.  Leave our office armed with powerful information about your rights.  For Lycoming, Clinton, and Tioga Counties reach us at (570) 309-6690.  For help in McKean and Potter County 16915, call us at  (814) 274-8612. 

 
* Federal law requires the following disclosure: We are a debt relief agency helping people file for relief through bankruptcy under the bankruptcy code.
***Legal Disclaimer: The contents of this site are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice.  No lawyer-client relationship exists until one of our attorneys meets with you and agrees to accept you as a client.

A debt free life by David Ross | Bradford| Coudersport Bankruptcy Attorney

NerdWallet (you’ve got to love the name) conducted a recent study that found that debt for Americans in 2017 (the most recent year for which complete data is available) has reached an estimated $927 billion (that's billion with a capital B) — a more than 5% increase from the previous year. 

The same study found that the average household has credit card debt with a balance of $15,482. On average, Americans owe $134,058 (including mortgages).

Interestingly, several major spending categories have outpaced income growth over the past decade and Americans are incurring medical expenses at an alarming rate, with much of that ending up on credit cards or in collections.  These trends mirror what our bankruptcy attorneys see locally in Williamsport 17701 and Wellsboro, PA 16901    

What our debt relief and  bankruptcy attorneys do in Bradford, Coudersport, Williamsport and Wellsboro:

Our goal is to help you live a debt free or at least a balanced debt lifestyle.  How do we do that?  First, you should sit down with one of the lawyers at our law firm.  We will analyze your debt and have frank discussions about income, debt, and assets.  There are different kinds of debts and assets.  Not all of them are bad, and they are certainly not equal.  We will help you sort through secured versus unsecured debts and debts that have value, such as a mortgage, which allows you to enjoy your home while building principle and which has tax benefits.

One of the great things about sitting down with our law firm is that we have many more tools available to deal with debt than debt settlement companies.  As attorneys, we have the ability to litigate debt, negotiate debt, contest amounts owed, contest items on your credit report, threaten bankruptcy, file bankruptcy and help you to refinance.  Understanding your debt, how to manage it and reshape it and the tools available to deal with it, is a powerful first step toward debt freedom. 

When you achieve debt freedom, you will no longer have to deal with calls from creditors, embarrassing or harassing calls from collectors, bills in the mail, collections notices from the hospital or any of the other million things that happen when you fall behind.  You can also stop living in fear that the sheriff is going to show up knocking on your door with legal papers or come in and auction off your items or that a creditor will garnish your bank account.  In short, you will know freedom.

If freedom from the bondage of debt sounds good to you, call our bankruptcy attorneys today.  We have offices in Coudersport and Williamsport and serve Wellsboro and Tioga county as well.

Call us today!   (814) 274-8612

If you are facing something you cannot handle by yourself or you are ready to quit.  If you are facing a mountain of debt you cannot pay, don't give up.  Call our attorneys.  We  serve Wellsboro, Mansfield and all of Tioga County PA.  We will help you figure out how to get out from the medical bills, loans, credit cards, business debts or whatever the debt is.  Our bankruptcy attorneys care passionately about helping people to be debt free.  Let our bankruptcy attorneys work for you!

If you need help in other areas of the law, our firm handles injury cases, bankruptcy, general litigation, and family law.

When you need help, you can count on us.  Call our debt relief and bankruptcy attorneys if you live in Williamsport, PA 17701, Wellsboro, Tioga County, PA 16901, Potter County 16915 or Bradford, Smethport, Port Allegany or elsewhere in McKean County.  We offer appointments in person and by telephone.   

We do not charge for car accident consultation or for a bankruptcy evaluation. We take most injury cases on a contingency basis, which mean that you will not owe us anything unless we get money for you.  Leave our office armed with powerful information about your rights.  For Lycoming, Clinton, and Tioga Counties reach us at (570) 309-6690.  For help in McKean and Potter County 16915, call us at  (814) 274-8612. 

 
* Federal law requires the following disclosure: We are a debt relief agency helping people file for relief through bankruptcy under the bankruptcy code.
***Legal Disclaimer: The contents of this site are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice.  No lawyer-client relationship exists until one of our attorneys meets with you and agrees to accept you as a client.

What Can I Keep in a Bankruptcy - thoughts of an attorney serving Wellsboro, Tioga County, PA 16901

In Chapter 7 bankruptcy, exemptions determine what you can keep.  These include your home, car, personal belongings, bank accounts, cash on hand, investment accounts, 401(k) guns, four wheelers, tools of the trade – and the list goes on. If your property is exempt, you may keep it. If property is nonexempt, the trustee may sell it to pay your unsecured creditors. That is why it is important to hire a bankruptcy attorney who understand exemptions and how to protect everything that you have. 

Each state has its own bankruptcy exemptions.  If you live in Wellsboro, Tioga County, PA 16901, for example, the state bankruptcy exemptions available to you will be different from those if you lived in New York.  Some states require that you use the state exemptions.  Some states, however, such as Pennsylvania allow your bankruptcy lawyer to use federal exemptions that differ from the state exemptions.  In Pennsylvania, the state exemptions are very stingy so almost universally your attorney will use the more generous federal exemptions.

How Bankruptcy Exemptions Work

Exemptions set a dollar amount for certain classes of property that are protected.  If the equity in that asset is worth less than that, then you can keep that piece of property. For example, if your car is worth $3,000 and your state has a vehicle exemption of $4,000, then you will be able to keep the vehicle under a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy regardless of whether you live in Wellsboro, Tioga or anywhere in Tioga County or the State of Pennsylvania.  

Determining Your Exemptions  

To determine what property you will get to keep if you file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, start by making an inventory of your property and each piece of property’s replacement value. Then compare the value to your state’s exemption, if any, for that type of property. If your state offers a choice between systems, do this for each system to determine which one allows you to keep the property that matters to you.

If you are facing something you cannot handle by yourself or you are ready to quit.  If you are facing a mountain of debt you cannot pay, don't give up.  Call our attorneys.  We  serve Wellsboro, Mansfield and all of Tioga County PA.  We will help you figure out how to get out from the medical bills, loans, credit cards, business debts or whatever the debt is.  Our bankruptcy attorneys care passionately about helping people to be debt free.  Let our bankruptcy attorneys work for you!

If you need help in other areas of the law, our firm handles injury cases, bankruptcy, general litigation, and family law.

When you need help, you can count on us.  Call our debt relief and bankruptcy attorneys if you live in Williamsport, PA 17701, Wellsboro, Tioga County, PA 16901, Potter County 16915 or Bradford, Smethport, Port Allegany or elsewhere in McKean County.  We offer appointments in person and by telephone.   

We do not charge for car accident consultation or for a bankruptcy evaluation. We take most injury cases on a contingency basis, which mean that you will not owe us anything unless we get money for you.  Leave our office armed with powerful information about your rights.  For Lycoming, Clinton, and Tioga Counties reach us at (570) 309-6690.  For help in McKean and Potter County 16915, call us at  (814) 274-8612. 

For more information on bankruptcy in general, click here!

In Williamsport?  Click here!

In Potter, McKean or Cameron Counties?   Click here!

* Federal law requires the following disclosure: We are a debt relief agency helping people file for relief through bankruptcy under the bankruptcy code.
***Legal Disclaimer: The contents of this site are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice.  No lawyer-client relationship exists until one of our attorneys meets with you and agrees to accept you as a client.

Common Injuries in a Car Crash - Potter County, PA injury attorney

Whether you’re a new driver or have been driving for decades, being in a car accident is a traumatic, anxiety-filled experience. 

I should know. 

Since acquiring a driver’s license about twenty-seven years ago, I have had more than my fair share of car wrecks.  Many of them, I can’t deny, were my own fault.  My mom likes to pick on me for that time when I was seventeen and begged her to let me take the family minivan to drive myself and a bunch of friends despite her objection that I wasn’t “used to driving” it.  She insisted that I drive it to and from school a few times first to see how I handled it.  No problem.  I dropped my younger brother off at his school, and in doing so, had to pull into a parking space.  Well, in the two minutes I was there someone erected a telephone pole behind me, which of course, I backed into.  (I stand by that version of events.).  Others were not my fault, such as when someone pulled out in front of me.  Or when I hit a patch of black ice and ran off the road - a common occurrence in Potter County, Pennsylvania 16915, where I now practice law.

One thing these all have in common is that they were frightening.  (Well, the minivan incident was mostly frightening for how it bruised my pride and meant having to tell my parents I had backed into something . . . again.)  Thankfully, I was not injured in most of these collisions, but a few times I was.  Once my airbag deployed, and that left me with painful bruises and even a couple of burns.  Another time, I pulled something in my neck as my head hit the driver’s side window.  It turns out all of these are among the most common car accident injuries.  The symptoms I suffered - soreness, headaches, bruising, stiffness - these are the most common car accident injuries.  But, while they are common, they should not be ignored.

Below are six symptoms that should never be ignored if they occur after a car accident, even if they don’t arise until a few days or even weeks after the crash:

• Headache - this can be a sign of a concussion, whiplash, brain injury, or even a blood clot.

• Neck and Shoulder Pain - these can indicate whiplash, pulled or torn ligaments, or a spinal injury.

• Abdominal Pain - a potentially serious symptom that can be an indicator of internal bleeding.

• Back Pain - like neck and shoulder pain, this can be a symptom of whiplash, spinal injury, or ligament injury.

• Numbing and Bruising - can indicate a herniated disk or other spinal injury.

• Emotional Distress - this can signal post-traumatic stress disorder, concussion, or brain injury.

These common car accident injury symptoms need to be evaluated by a doctor. 

If you aren’t sure what your next steps should be, our Coudersport, Potter County, Pennsylvania 16915 personal injury attorneys can help you.  Unfortunately, we can’t make your car accident less painful, but we can make sure the aftermath is pain free.

In my opinion, debt negotiation or debt consolidation companies are not what they claim to be. Based upon my observations in handling volumes of bankruptcy cases as a consumer bankruptcy attorney, the debt consolidation industry preys on consumers when they are at their lowest point – when they owe money, are receiving incessant phone calls from collection agencies, and generally are desperate to make the overwhelming pressure of it all go away.    

Have you heard the ads from these debt relief companies or seen the commercials of seemingly overjoyed people leaping and jumping about their new found freedom?

In my opinion, the image they portray is a lie and not just a little white lie.  These companies want to be your new debt masters.  That makes you their slave.  They will make you sign a contract with them and make money off of you for as long as they can.  Read the disclaimers on the web sites.  They don’t guarantee anything!  My experience is that in many cases they pay off a few of the dates while making money off of you and when one or more of the companies sues you, then they tell you there is nothing they can do.  You are left worse off than when you started years before!  My advice without qualification or hesitation is do not fall for it: if you are even remotely tempted to hire a debt negotiation or consolidation company.......

DON'T DO IT!!!

And why would you ?  These debt plans go on for years.  Did you know that with a chapter 7 bankruptcy your debts will be discharged in as little as 4 months without paying the unsecured creditors back!  So armed with this information, you can make an informed choice – enter into a repayment program that lasts years and costs thousands and thousands of dollars – or have the debt discharged in 4 months.

So, our position is that you should stop whatever you are doing, turn around, and run the other direction.  Don’t fall for the slick advertising and false promises.

Just say no. When you and I chat, I can explain why I believe debt reduction or debt consolidation companies are the worst possible place to spend your money when you have debt issues.  Oh and remember, we do not charge you anything for a consultation.  That’s how much we believe in what we do!

If you are facing something you cannot handle by yourself or you are ready to quit.  If you are facing a mountain of debt you cannot pay, don't give up.  Call our Williamsport and Lycoming County 17701lawyers.  We will help you figure out how to get out from the medical bills, loans, credit cards, business debts or whatever the debt is.  Our bankruptcy attorneys care passionately about helping people to be debt free.  Let our bankruptcy attorneys work for you!

If you need help in other areas of the law, our firm handles injury cases, bankruptcy, general litigation, and family law.

When you need help, you can count on us.  Call our attorneys if you live in Williamsport, PA 17701, Wellsboro, Tioga County, PA 16901, Potter County 16915 or McKean County.  We offer appointments in person and by telephone.   

We do not charge for car accident consultation or for a bankruptcy evaluation. We take most injury cases on a contingency basis, which mean that you will not owe us anything unless we get money for you.  Leave our office armed with powerful information about your rights.  For Lycoming, Clinton, and Tioga Counties reach us at (570) 309-6690.  For help in McKean and Potter County 16915, call us at  (814) 274-8612

You are likely considering bankruptcy because you need relief from overwhelming debt. This includes immediate things like relief from collections and long-term relief from crushing debts that you simply cannot pay back no matter how long you had to do so. Bankruptcy provides both immediate and long-term debt relief.

Beyond the basic relief you expect, bankruptcy can provide same extraordinary benefits that you would never expect. In this blog post from your Lycoming County, Tioga County and Potter County bankruptcy lawyers, will give you details these unexpected benefits of Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy:

1. Undo Judgment Liens on Your Home

Through judgment lien “avoidance” you can often permanently remove a judgment lien.  This will allow you to sell or refinance your home without having to pay off the judgment.  

2. Get Back Your Driver’s License after an Unpaid Judgment

You can reinstate your license lost because you did not pay a debt from an uninsured or underinsured motor vehicle accident.

3. Reinstate Your Driver’s License from Failing to Pay Tickets

Reinstate your license when suspension is for unpaid traffic infractions.

4. Get Out of an Unaffordable Payment Plan with the IRS/State

Bankruptcy may allow you to deal with an IRS payment plan that you can not handle and provide other tax relief.

5. Prevent Debt Collections from Re-Starting after Being “Stayed”

Bankruptcy doesn’t just stop debt collection temporarily.   It will permanently deal with your debt.

6. Bankruptcy Can Often Reduce Some or All of a Tax Lien’s Financial Impact

In some situations, a tax lien can be made either wholly or partially ineffective. Besides saving you lots of money you get the peace of mind that your home is not at risk.

7. Avoid Paying Your Ex-Spouse Most of Your Property Settlement Debts

Chapter 13 allows you to discharge—write-off—some or all non-support obligations of your divorce.

8. Get Out of Your Vehicle Lease through Bankruptcy

If you want out of your lease – great news.  You can surrender the vehicle and be done with the monthly obligation.

If you are facing something you cannot handle by yourself or you are ready to quit.  If you are facing a mountain of debt you cannot pay, don't give up.  Call our Coudersport and Potter County 16915 lawyers.  We will help you figure out how to get out from the medical bills, loans, credit cards, business debts or whatever the debt is.  Our bankruptcy attorneys care passionately about helping people to be debt free.  Let our bankruptcy attorneys work for you!

If you need help in other areas of the law, our firm handles injury cases, bankruptcy, general litigation, and family law.

When you need help, you can count on us.  Call our attorneys if you live in Williamsport, PA 17701, Wellsboro, Tioga County, PA 16901, Potter County 16915 or McKean County.  We offer appointments in person and by telephone.   

We do not charge for car accident consultation or for a bankruptcy evaluation. We take most injury cases on a contingency basis, which mean that you will not owe us anything unless we get money for you.  Leave our office armed with powerful information about your rights.  For Lycoming, Clinton, and Tioga Counties reach us at (570) 309-6690.  For help in McKean and Potter County 16915, call us at  (814) 274-8612.