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FAQs

General Law Firm FAQs

Do You Charge for Case Evaluations?

Your initial case evaluation is always free on any new matter. It is a chance to share your situation with a lawyer, receive honest feedback, and get an idea of what to do next at no cost. If you like what we have to say, hire us, and we will get started immediately.

You can schedule Your Free Case Evaluation by calling (215) 774-1371 or messaging Brad V. Shuttleworth, Esq. here.

What Are Your Business Hours?

Shuttleworth Law’s office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. We are closed on all federal holidays.

Our firm also offers after-hours emergency legal services when possible, meaning you can call us 24/7/365. Leave a message if we do not answer. Someone will call you back as soon as we receive it.

What Types Of Cases Do You Handle?

Shuttleworth Law represents individuals and businesses in personal injury, criminal defense, and intellectual property (IP) infringement defense cases throughout Pennsylvania and South Jersey. Our founder has extensive experience as a trial lawyer and demonstrates an effective legal track record of results.

You can see the different types of cases we handle here.

Do You Do Video Conferencing With Clients?

Yes, we will gladly meet through video conferencing if that is the best method of communication for you. Let us know that you prefer video chat, and our legal team will set up the call and send out the invite.

If you end up hiring us and we ever need to meet in person, Shuttleworth Law will give you ample notice and gladly travel to you if you cannot do so physically. We will also continue to communicate via video in-between case events.

We are always on the cutting edge of technology and law, so we use them both to our advantage when communicating with clients and litigating against our opponents.

Do I Get To Work With My Lawyer Directly?

You always get to work with your lawyer directly if you hire Shuttleworth Law. We will provide you with updates and legal advice by phone, email, case-management portal, or video conferencing. Our paralegal may contact you from time to time to confirm meeting times or ask for documents.

How Do You Keep Me Informed About My Case?

Our founder understands how to leverage technology, not only in the courtroom but also in the office. Shuttleworth Law uses secure, private methods of communication via phone, video conferencing, email, and through our case-management portal.

We also provide clients with a case-management portal that keeps them updated and connected with us throughout the legal process. After hiring us, your lawyer will set you up with a login to give you peace of mind from day one.

Some meetings are better when held face-to-face, usually at our Philadelphia office. However, if you or your loved one cannot physically travel, Shuttleworth Law can come to your preferred location to pick up or drop off important documents or to meet if necessary.

Criminal Practice FAQs

Where Can I Learn More About PA Criminal Laws?

There are several legal resources available to the public online. You can find PA’s Crimes and Offenses statutes under Title 18. Shuttleworth Law also writes a weekly criminal defense blog for prospective and current clients.

What is the difference between criminal and civil law?
Criminal law involves an action filed by or on behalf of the State or Commonwealth by the prosecution against a defendant, a person charged with committing a crime. The criminal action seeks the enforcement of the penalty or punishment that is created by law. Civil law involves an action filed by one party (the plaintiff) against another (a defendant) to enforce or protect a private right, or prevent a private wrong. Most significantly, in criminal law, a guilty defendant is penalized by incarceration, a fine, or execution. However, a defendant in a civil action is generally only required to pay the plaintiff for damages caused by the defendant’s behavior.
What is a crime?
A crime is the commission or omission of an act in violation of a penal law that forbids or commands such action. It is a wrong that the government deems to hurt not only to the victim, but also to the public at large, and it is punishable by the government.
What defenses are available to a person charged with a crime?
An accused has the right to use any or all of the defenses that are applicable in the circumstances of the case. A criminal case may be defended based upon the lack of evidence, and a defense attorney may seek to have the court exclude any evidence that was found or seized by the police in violation of constitutional protections. Legal defenses may include an alibi or misidentification, self-defense, and entrapment. A criminal attorney can assist you to determine the best defenses and strategy applicable to your situation.
When is a police warrant required?
The U.S. and state constitutions require generally that police searches and seizures be reasonable and based upon probable cause, and many searches and seizures require a court-issued warrant. Probable cause exists to issue an arrest or a search warrant when an affidavit presents sufficient information from which a magistrate could reasonably conclude there was a fair probability that a person has committed a crime or a place contains evidence of a crime.
What is an investigative detention?
A police officer may briefly stop and question a person, without a warrant, when the officer observes unusual conduct that gives rise to a reasonable suspicion that criminal activity is taking place. An investigative detention occurs when the officer briefly stops the suspicious person to make reasonable inquiries to confirm or dispel the officer’s suspicions. The investigative detention becomes illegal if it is based only on insufficient factors that include the race or sex of the suspect, curiosity or rumor, or the suspect’s presence in the crime area or his nervous behavior.
What is the definition of "criminal trespass?"
Although the definition for “criminal trespass” differs from state to state, in general the offense of criminal trespass is committed when someone enters or remains on another’s property without the permission of the owner. Defenses against criminal trespass may be available if the property was open to the general public, or the conduct did not substantially interfere with the owner’s use of the property.
What is arson?
If a person willfully, maliciously, and deliberately, with an intent to cause injury or damage to a person or property sets fire to, or attempts to burn or aids or procures the burning of a forest land or property, or any structure he or she may be charged with committing arson. This includes placing of any explosive or flammable material or substance with intent to set fire to any structure or any property or the forest land.
Could my driver's license be suspended if I refuse or fail to submit to blood alcohol tests?
Yes. The Pennsylvania Vehicle Code provides that if any person arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance refuses a request to submit to chemical testing, the test shall not be given but, upon notice by the police officer, the Department of Transportation shall suspend the person’s driver’s license for a period of one year.
What is assault?
The Pennsylvania Crimes Code provides that a person is guilty of a simple assault if he or she: (1) attempts to cause or intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causes bodily injury to another; (2) negligently causes bodily injury to another with a deadly weapon; or (3) attempts by physical menace to put another in fear of imminent serious bodily injury; or (4) conceals or attempts to conceal a hypodermic needle on his or her person and intentionally or knowingly penetrates a law enforcement officer. Just pointing a gun at someone can constitute an assault.
What is a Miranda Warning?
The Miranda warnings require that an accused should be warned that he or she has a right to remain silent, and any statement made by the accused can be used as evidence against him or her. The accused has a right to the presence of an attorney during questioning and if the accused cannot afford an attorney, the court will appoint an attorney. The warnings do not apply to any volunteered statements. The accused may waive his or her Miranda rights, provided the waiver should be made voluntarily and knowingly.
Can a minor enjoy the same Miranda rights?
Yes. A minor child enjoys the same rights regarding the Miranda warnings as an adult and may invoke the privilege against self-incrimination. The minor may ask to see or telephone his or her parent or guardian or some other adult standing in a relationship to the minor similar to that of an attorney.

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