Law Offices of Timothy Woodward

A great story about redemption and the power of second chances. Too often, we look to punish those who suffer from addiction and mental health issues, when the root cause is a public health concern, as opposed to a strict criminal justice issue. Rehabilitation always should be an option. Drug treatment courts, behavioral health courts, and veterans courts work wonders. http://www.philly.com//20160304_From_drug_court_to_law_sch

Bucks County recently enacted a countywide program requesting those arrested to provide a DNA sample. The DNA sample is analyzed and cataloged, then cross-referenced to unknown DNA collected from crime scenes. Individual police departments have used similar procedures before, but this countywide, post-arrest DNA collection program is the first of its kind in the nation. http://www.timwoodwardlaw.com/dna-collection/

Check out Matt Quigg talking to KYW about self-defense and gun laws in relation to the Hatboro councilman who shot a fleeing bank robbery suspect. http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com//montco-da-weighing-char/

Following a traffic stop, police need reasonable suspicion that a crime is being committed to reengage a motorist to investigate. The investigation is a seizure of the person where police need to point to specific facts justifying that seizure. Without those specific facts, the seizure taints any subsequent search and any evidence uncovered. http://www.timwoodwardlaw.com/extending-traffic-stop-for-c/

Cherry blossoms are in full bloom in Norristown.