Law Offices of Pete Manaras

Law Offices of Pete Manaras Over 25 years of experience in medical malpractice, family law, criminal defense, and personal injury

08/21/2026

DUI CHECKPOINTS SCHEDULED

Drivers should be aware that DUI sobriety checkpoints are scheduled in Delaware County for Saturday, August 22, and Friday, September 4.

Police typically do not disclose the exact intersections or roads ahead of time. Checkpoints and DUI enforcement efforts tend to focus on high-risk corridors monitored by state and local departments and the local DUI task force.

If you plan to be out, drive responsibly, never drive impaired, and have a safe way home.

If you are stopped or arrested for DUI, remember that you have legal rights. If you or someone you know is facing criminal charges, contact Manaras Law at 610-212-8794 for experienced legal representation.

08/19/2026

Pennsylvania's Dumbest Laws: Fact or Fiction?

Every state has its share of strange laws, and Pennsylvania is no exception. Social media is filled with lists claiming it's illegal to sing in the bathtub, sleep on top of a refrigerator, or scare a pigeon. The problem? Many of these "laws" are completely made up or were repealed decades ago.
That said, Pennsylvania does have a few laws that seem unusual by today's standards.

Here are some of the most interesting ones.

1. Fortune-Telling for Profit

Believe it or not, Pennsylvania law still makes it a crime to falsely claim you can tell fortunes or predict the future in order to obtain money or other property. The law wasn't intended to target harmless entertainment or carnival acts—it was enacted to prevent fraud and protect people from being scammed.

2. No Catching Fish with Your Bare Hands

If you've ever watched someone "noodle" for catfish, don't try it in Pennsylvania. State fishing regulations generally prohibit catching fish by hand. Anglers must use lawful methods established by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.

3. A Child's Bedroom Must Be Near a Bathroom

One of the stranger regulations requires that a child's bedroom be located within 200 feet of a toilet or bathtub in certain residential settings. While it sounds odd when taken out of context, the rule was adopted as a safety and accessibility standard rather than an arbitrary restriction on homeowners.

4. Former Duelists Need Not Apply

Perhaps the most outdated law of all appears in the Pennsylvania Constitution. Anyone who has participated in a duel—or knowingly acted as a second in one—is disqualified from holding certain public offices, including Governor. While duels have long disappeared from modern society, the constitutional provision remains.

Have questions about Pennsylvania law? Unlike dueling, that's something we handle every day. Contact Manaras Law at 610-212-8794 for experienced legal representation.

08/04/2026

Can Rehab Count as Time Served in Pennsylvania?

Yes, it can.

The Pennsylvania Superior Court recently reaffirmed that time spent in voluntary inpatient drug or alcohol treatment while a criminal case is pending may be credited toward a future sentence.

While jail time is automatically credited, inpatient treatment credit is left to the discretion of the sentencing judge. The court will consider factors such as the structure of the program, restrictions placed on the defendant, and the circumstances surrounding the treatment.

This decision highlights the importance of addressing addiction issues early in a criminal case. Entering treatment may not only help someone get back on track, but it can also play an important role in sentencing.

If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges, contact Manaras Law at 610-212-8794 to discuss your options.

Case Win: Gun Charges Dismissed at Preliminary HearingAnother successful result for our client. After a preliminary hear...
07/22/2026

Case Win: Gun Charges Dismissed at Preliminary Hearing

Another successful result for our client. After a preliminary hearing, the Court dismissed the gun charges after the Commonwealth failed to present sufficient evidence to establish a prima facie case.

The police officer testified, but after carefully examining the evidence and challenging the Commonwealth’s case, we were able to demonstrate that the evidence was insufficient to move the charges forward.

A preliminary hearing is an important stage in a criminal case. It is an opportunity to hold the Commonwealth to its burden and challenge the evidence presented against the accused.

If you or someone you know is facing criminal charges, contact Manaras Law at 610-212-8794 for experienced legal representation.

07/20/2026

Case Win: Assault Charges Dismissed at Preliminary Hearing

Another successful result for our client.

Following a contested preliminary hearing, the assault charges against our client were dismissed, while the case was held for court against the co-defendant.

This result is an important reminder that guilt is individual, and the evidence against one person does not automatically apply to another. A careful review of the facts and a strong defense can make all the difference.

If you or someone you know is facing assault charges or any criminal offense, contact Manaras Law at 610-212-8794 for experienced, aggressive representation.

07/06/2026

Case Win: Mother's Relocation Request Granted

Another successful outcome for our client in a contested custody relocation case.

After a full hearing, the Court granted our client's request to relocate with her children. Relocation cases are often highly contested and require the Court to carefully evaluate numerous factors before determining what is in the children's best interests.

Our client was exceptionally well-prepared and testified with honesty, confidence, and credibility throughout the hearing. Her testimony clearly demonstrated that the proposed relocation would provide meaningful benefits for both her and the children, and the Court ultimately agreed.

If you or someone you know is facing custody issues, contact Manaras Law at 610-212-8794 for experienced and dedicated legal representation.

Wishing you and your family a proud, safe, and blessed Independence Day.God Bless America, and Happy Fourth of July!!! 🇺...
07/04/2026

Wishing you and your family a proud, safe, and blessed Independence Day.

God Bless America, and Happy Fourth of July!!! 🇺🇸

07/01/2026

Case Results: Two DUI Cases Successfully Resolved

Another successful day defending clients facing DUI charges.

In one case, after challenging the Commonwealth’s evidence at the preliminary hearing, we were able to expose weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and the DUI charges were dismissed.

In a second DUI case, we successfully negotiated a resolution that allowed our client to enter the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program — avoiding a conviction, reducing the time for driver's license suspension, and providing the opportunity for a future expungement upon successful completion.

DUI charges can have serious consequences, including jail time, license suspension, fines, increased insurance costs, and a criminal record. Every case requires a careful review of the traffic stop, investigation, and evidence.

If you or someone you know is facing DUI or any criminal charges, contact Manaras Law at 610-212-8794 for experienced representation.

Wishing all fathers a happy day!
06/22/2026

Wishing all fathers a happy day!

06/15/2026

Case Win: Father Retains 50/50 Custody

We are pleased to share a recent success in a custody matter. Our client, a father, was forced to defend against allegations that he was a danger to his son. Throughout the case, the mother made numerous accusations in an attempt to obtain primary physical custody and restrict father's custodial time.

After hearing the evidence, the court found no basis to alter the existing arrangement and ordered that the parties continue their 50/50 custody schedule. The decision ensured that the child would continue to have frequent and meaningful contact with both parents.

False allegations can be damaging in custody cases, but courts focus on credible evidence and the best interests of the child. We were proud to help our client protect his parental rights and maintain his relationship with his son.

If you are involved in a custody dispute or facing false accusations in family court, contact Manaras Law at 610-212-8794 to discuss your case.

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117-119 North Olive Street
Media, PA
19063

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