Month: February 2017

American DUI Checkpoint Highway Road Sign, Red, White and Blue American Highway Sign with words DUI Checkpoint with stormy sky background

What Is the “Ziploc Defense”?

Posted by Steven E. Kellis on

Over the past couple years, a video has surfaced over and over of a man in Florida coming up to a DUI checkpoint, then presenting his license, insurance card and registration in a resealable plastic bag. Also in the bag is a card that states, “I remain silent. No searches. I want my lawyer. Please put any tickets under windshield wiper.” In the video (which has since been removed from YouTube), he seems to get through the checkpoint just fine.

Though the original video is gone, the man responsible, an attorney named Warren Redlich, is encouraging others to use his Fair DUI Flyer. While this seems like a great plan, is it really the get-out-of-jail-free card Redlich says it is? Further, would such a card work for a Pennsylvania DUI checkpoint?

Your Constitutional Rights

DUI checkpoints are set up every now and again by state and local police to catch drunk drivers.… Read More

How to Talk to Your Children about Drinking and Driving

Posted by Steven E. Kellis on

One of the most exciting aspects of being a teenager in Pennsylvania is finally getting a driver’s license. No longer is your teen reliant on you to get them around. They now have more freedom to drive themselves to school and work. However, they may also decide to drive to social functions and parties as well. If these parties will have alcohol, there is a risk of your teen being pressured into drinking — and then driving.

As much as we would like to assure ourselves that our kids would never drink, much less drive drunk, the fact of the matter is that sometimes, things just happen. Being prepared for such a situation, and knowing what to do if your teen is ever in a situation where they may be drinking and driving, can save lives.

1. Set Clear Rules

When your teenager gets their license, set strict ground rules for drinking.… Read More

Teenage Boys Drinking Beer

Booze and Minors at a Party? Don’t Risk It

Posted by Steven E. Kellis on

After a long week of work, few things take the edge off like throwing back a few brews with the gang. Going out to bars can get expensive quickly, so why not just party at someone’s house? After all, if everyone gets too drunk to drive a car, they can just crash on the couches and floor. Really, everyone wins.

But what happens if a minor shows up to the party? In general, you’re still in the clear. You and your friends over 21 can continue to pound back the beers, while your 20-year-old coworker nurses root beer instead. While it may be tempting to think, “He’s close enough to 21. Give him a drink!” doing so is downright illegal.

Minors Drinking at Home

In some states, minors may drink at home (and even in some establishments) if they have parental consent and supervision. However, Pennsylvania is not one of these states.… Read More