King Laird, P.C.

Our staff will be working remotely to continue to assist our clients during this time. We have full access to all client files and are available to assist you with current and new legal matters. Need to prepare a Last Will and Testament, Financial Power of Attorney, Healthcare Power of Attorney, or Living Will? Need to update existing documents? We are currently scheduling teleconferences and preparing/updating Estate Planning documents for our clients. Experience the los...s of a loved one? We are available to assist in the Estate Adminstration process to ensure an efficient and effective process. Do you have a new legal matter? We are aware of the Court Emergency Procedures and are available to help with Criminal and Domestic matters such as Divorce, Custody, Protection From Abuse, and related matters. We are available and are committed to ensuring our clients receive the attention and dedication to their matter required. Please call our office 610-489-0700 or e-mail [email protected]. All voicemail messages will be transcribed and forwarded to an attorney. For more information please visit www.kinglaird.com

Pennsylvania's New DUI law Now in Effect Pennsylvania’s new DUI law concerning repeat offenders has officially taken effect. For the first time act 153 allows police to charge third-time DUI offenders with a felony.... Until now, Pennsylvania was one of four states to treat repeat DUI as a misdemeanor -- no matter the number of DUI convictions. The new law also increases penalties for 'homicide by vehicle while DUI ' and increased penalties for various offenses associated with driving illegally while under a DUI -related license suspension.

Our offices assist many clients each year with personal Injury claims from auto accidents. Often clients are discouraged due to their selection of limited tort. There are several exceptions to limited tort which may allow you to recover personal injury damages resulting from an auto accident. These exceptions include: Pedestrian or Cyclist... If the victim was a pedestrian or on a bicycle and was hit by a motor vehicle, this is an exception. The individual’s automotive insurance will still provide medical coverage. However, he or she will not be subject to the limited tort provision. The rationale behind this exception is that the driver should not be penalized by limited tort when he or she was not driving his or her vehicle at the time of the accident and should not be bound by this tort option that is based on the operation of a motor vehicle. Occupant of a Non-Private Passenger Vehicle Another exception to limited tort is if the victim was an occupant in a vehicle that is not a private vehicle. Non-private vehicles include a business vehicle, company vehicle, commercial vehicle and buses. If the victim was a passenger or a driver in a vehicle of this nature, he or she is not subject to limited tort. Victim of DUI or DWI If the at-fault driver is convicted of, pleads guilty to or is placed onto Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition of DUI or DWI, the victim is not subject to limited tort. The public policy behind this exception is that the state does not want to reward drunk drivers or drivers who are under the influence of drugs by limiting their civil liability. No Car Insurance Similarly, the state does not want to reward drivers who do not abide by the laws to carry mandatory car insurance. If the at-fault driver did not have car insurance, the victim can pursue a lawsuit against him or her. However, uninsured drivers may be difficult to recover from because they may have limited assets and income, or they may file bankruptcy. Additionally, if the victim brings an uninsured motorist claim against their own policy, the limited tort exception does not apply. The rationale for this is that the victim has an existing contract with his or her insurance carrier to which he or she is bound. Vehicle from Another State Another exception to limited tort is if the at-fault driver’s vehicle is registered in another state outside of Pennsylvania. The victim is considered full tort by exception.

Thought I would share a message from Our client. If you get a chance look at the campaign. Hey Andy,... Happy New Year. Hope all is well. My brother and I are just contacting our family and friends to let them know that we just launched a crowdfunding campaign (Kickstarter) last Monday for our board game, Monster Highway. This will allow those who are interested in the game to buy a copy or copies. It runs until February 11th. If we reach the funding goal we will have the game manufactured and shipped to everyone. I have attached the link to our company website and to the Kickstarter campaign in case you would like to check it out. Also, feel free to pass it along to anyone you may think might be interested in checking it out. https://www.kickstarter.com//onedaywestgam/monster-highway Thanks again for your help with getting our company set up. We really appreciate it! Bob & Ryan Craig One Day West Games www.onedaywestgames.com

Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday season.

Pennsylvania’s New Ignition Interlock Law Is Finally Here It was over a year ago on May 25, 2016 that Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf signed Senate Bill 290 into law which has been coined by many the ignition interlock law. Now 15 months later this new ignition interlock limited license goes into effect on August 25, 2017. Pennsylvania has never had anything like this before as it applies to penalties for DUI offenses. Prior to this drivers had the option of applying for a...Continue reading

How to Demonstrate Respect in the Workplace Use These Tips to Create a Respectful Workplace Ask anyone in your workplace what treatment they most want from their bosses and coworkers at work. They will likely top their list with the desire for their employer and coworkers to treat them as if they have dignity and with respect.... Respect is when you feel admiration and deep regard for an individual. You believe that the person is worthy of your regard and admiration because of the good qualities and capabilities that they bring to your workplace. After feeling the respect and regard, you demonstrate them by acting in ways that show you are aware of your colleagues as people who deserve respect. As such, you recognize that they have rights, opinions, wishes, experience, and competence. Tips for Demonstrating Respect You can demonstrate respect with simple, yet powerful actions. These ideas will help you avoid needless, insensitive, unmeant disrespect, too. Treat people with courtesy, politeness, and kindness. Encourage coworkers to express opinions and ideas. Listen to what others have to say before expressing your viewpoint. Never speak over, butt in, or cut off another person. Use people’s ideas to change or improve work. Let employees know you used their idea, or, better yet, encourage the person with the idea to implement the idea. Never insult people, name call, disparage or put down people or their ideas. Do not nit-pick, constantly criticize over little things, belittle, judge, demean or patronize. A series of seemingly trivial actions, added up over time, constitutes bullying. Be aware of your body language, the tone of voice, and your demeanor and expression in all of your interactions at work. People, who are radar machines, are hearing what you're really saying in addition to listening to your words. Treat people the same no matter their race, religion, gender, size, age, or country of origin. Implement policies and procedures consistently so people feel that they are treated fairly and equally. Treating people differently can constitute harassment or a hostile work environment. Include all coworkers in meetings, discussions, training, and events. While not every person can participate in every activity, do not marginalize, exclude or leave any one person out. Provide an equal opportunity for employees to participate in committees, task forces, or continuous improvement teams. Solicit volunteers and try to involve every volunteer. Praise much more frequently than you criticize. Encourage praise and recognition from employee to employee as well as from the supervisor. The golden rule does apply at work, or, as professional speaker Leslie Charles, says, Implement the platinum rule: treat others as they wish to be treated. There are many other ways to demonstrate respect at work. These ideas constitute a solid foundation but your imagination and thoughtful consideration will bring you many more.

New DUI Law to Take Effect Aug. 25 A new law set to go into effect Aug. 25 will change the way first-time DUI offenders are punished in Pennsylvania. The new law will require most first-time offenders with a blood-alcohol level higher than 0.10 percent to have an ignition interlock device installed on their vehicle. Under the new law, most first-time offenders would be eligible to drive with the ignition interlock immediately. Otherwise, they would have to have their driver’...s license suspended for a year before installing the interlock device for 12 months. Those who are eligible can petition PennDOT for a new Ignition Interlock Limited License, allowing them to install the device for one year and continue to drive. The law will also apply to drivers who refuse to submit to chemical testing. They will be eligible for early interlock after six months.

Drug Offenses in Pennsylvania Many non violent, and for the most part, law abiding citizens turn to drugs at some point in their lives. However, Pennsylvania’s drug penalties do not take into account the person’s individual circumstances and can create harsh and unfair results. Police can overstep their bounds and violate people’s right to privacy through unreasonable and illegal searches of people’s homes, bags, or persons. Possession of Marijuana...Continue reading

Overview of Pennsylvania Drug Possession Laws In Pennsylvania, it is a crime to possess illegal or controlled substances such as marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamines, and other drugs. A defendant will be found guilty of drug possession if the prosecutor proves beyond a reasonable doubt that he/she knowingly and intentionally possessed a controlled substance. If the defendant has a valid prescription or physician's order for the drug, then he/she may not be charged. Also, if ...the defendant is a registered or licensed practitioner who has a license under the appropriate Pennsylvania State Board, he/she may not be charged with possession. Defenses to Drug Possession Charges Lack of intent Lack of knowledge Insufficient quantity of the drug The drug was prescribed by a medical doctor The defendant has a license to carry the drug or is a medical practitioner licensed by the State Board Drugs did not belong to the defendant Unlawful search and seizure Entrapment NOTE: Addiction is not a defense. Penalties and Sentences Penalties for drug possession vary widely depending on the type of drug and how much of it was found in the defendant's possession. Possession of less than 30 grams of marijuana will be an ungraded misdemeanor. This carries a penalty of up to 30 days in prison and/or a fine of up to $500. For other narcotic drugs, the defendant can be charged with a felony and may receive a sentence of up to fifteen years in prison and/or a fine of up to $250,000 or more if necessary to exhaust the assets and profits built up from the illegal activity. Depending on the type of drug, the amount found in possession, and the classification the state puts them in, penalties may range from minor probation or fines to lengthy periods in jail and large fines.

Pennsylvania Estate Taxes Definition of Probate Pennsylvania has an inheritance tax, not an estate tax. The Keystone State is among one of several states that still assess a separate state inheritance tax on certain property owned by Pennsylvania residents and real estate and tangible personal property located in Pennsylvania that is owned by a nonresident.... The rates for the Pennsylvania inheritance tax is as follows: 0 percent on transfers to a surviving spouse or to a parent from a child aged 21 or younger ; 4.5 percent on transfers to direct descendants and lineal heirs; 12 percent on transfers to siblings; and 15 percent on transfers to other heirs, except charitable organizations, exempt institutions and government entities exempt from tax. Property owned jointly between husband and wife is exempt from inheritance tax. For deaths occurring on or after June 30, 2012, working family farms and some related agricultural commodities are exempt from the Pennsylvania inheritance tax. When is estate tax due? Inheritance tax payments are due upon the death of the decedent and become delinquent nine months after the individual’s death. If inheritance tax is paid within three months of the decedent’s death, a 5 percent discount is allowed. What Expenses Can Be Deducted From the Value of a Pennsylvania Estate? Funeral expenses Attorney's fees Personal representative and trustee fees Lawful debts owed by the decedent, including mortgages Certain unpaid taxes Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.

7 delayed injury symptoms after a car crash Vehicle accidents are generally horrific experiences even when the damage is not severe. Everyone reacts differently to a crash. Some experience a mental fog, making it difficult to think or focus. Others might find their minds flooded by thoughts and concerns. In addition to the mental trauma and emotional disorientation, sometimes vehicle accidents cause physical damage that’s hard to notice amidst immediate distractions. Even s...Continue reading

12 Steps Auto Accident Victims Can Take to Strengthen Their Claim If you’ve been injured in an auto accident caused by another driver’s negligence, you may be able to file a personal injury claim for compensation. To have a legitimate claim, you must show that the other driver caused the collision, and that you suffered tangible damages. Tangible damages include:...Continue reading