• posted: Feb. 15, 2020
• Matthew R. Zatko
• Family Law
• adoption,  guardianship,  naming a guardian for minor children

When birth parents are unable to take care of their children, a qualified individual can be appointed as legal guardian or adoptive parent. Under Pennsylvania law, there are major differences Read More

• posted: Jan. 15, 2020
• Matthew R. Zatko
• Criminal Defense
• criminal records,  expungement,  plea bargains

Arrests and criminal charges, even if they did not result in a sentencing or jail time, can lead to unpleasant repercussions. Your job prospects, housing and even child custody can Read More

• posted: Dec. 15, 2019
• Matthew R. Zatko
• Estate Planning
• advance directives,  powers of attorney,  wills in Pennsylvania

Your will gives you the chance to specify how your assets will be distributed, and to whom, following your death. But wills aren’t the only important element in a comprehensive Read More

• posted: Nov. 15, 2019
• Matthew R. Zatko
• Traffic Offenses
• commercial driver's license,  serious traffic offenses,  suspending CDLs

If your job requires you to drive a school bus, an eighteen-wheeler, hazardous material transport, or any vehicle or combination of vehicles that total 26,001 pounds or more, you are Read More

• posted: Oct. 15, 2019
• Matthew R. Zatko
• Drug Crimes
• marijuana crimes,  medical marijuana dispensaries,  medical marijuana in PA

Pennsylvania’s Medical Marijuana Program was signed into law in 2016. That means certain people can legally purchase and consume marijuana for medicinal use, but it is still illegal for recreational Read More

• posted: Sep. 15, 2019
• Matthew R. Zatko
• Criminal Defense
• hearing,  incarceration,  parole,  probation,  revocation,  violation

In Pennsylvania, judges have wide latitude in setting the terms of probation, a period of correctional supervision that serves as an alternative to incarceration. It is similar to parole, which Read More

• posted: Aug. 15, 2019
• Matthew R. Zatko
• Criminal Defense
• judge,  prosecutor

When you are facing criminal charges, you are best served by a criminal defense attorney familiar with the local court system and its judges and procedures. Local attorneys not only Read More

• posted: Jul. 15, 2019
• Matthew R. Zatko
• DUI
• blood alcohol concentration,  blood test,  breath test,  refusal

In Pennsylvania, drivers are prohibited from operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 percent or above. The legal limits are even lower for commercial drivers Read More

• posted: Jun. 15, 2019
• Matthew R. Zatko
• Criminal Defense,  Drug Crimes
• cocktail,  DDRD,  drug dealers,  drug delivery resulting in death,  heroin

Under Pennsylvania law, “Drug Delivery Resulting in Death” (DDRD) is considered a homicide, carrying a potential prison sentence of 40 years — and higher if the victim is under 13. Read More

• posted: May 15, 2019
• Matthew R. Zatko
• Criminal Defense
• bar fight,  misdemeanor,  mutual consent,  scuffle,  self-defense,  simple assault

Here’s a common scenario. You go out for a night of fun with your friends. One drink turns into three and three drinks turn into six. Before you know it, Read More