Litigation

By: Christopher L. Turner

If you are arrested for driving while under the influence of alcohol in Chester County, an Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) Program is available for those who qualify. Essentially, admission into ARD and satisfactory completion of the ARD Program gives an individual the opportunity to earn a clean record and dismissal of the pending charges. ARD should be considered by those who are willing to lend themselves to treatment and rehabilitation rather than punishment.

Participation in the ARD Program is not mandatory and compliance with certain requirements imposed by the Chester County District Attorney’s office is absolutely necessary for acceptance into the ARD Program. Certain people are simply not eligible for the program and acceptance to it is determined on a case by case basis. Because there is no right to participate in the ARD Program, you should consult an attorney to determine whether ARD is a viable option for you. For more information on the ARD Program or driving under the influence laws in Pennsylvania, please contact Christopher Turner.

By: John K. Fiorillo

In this economic climate, chances are the assessed value of your home is higher than it should be. Your assessment should represent a specified percentage of your property’s fair market value. In Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, properties are supposed to be assessed at 54% of their fair market value. In Chester County, Pennsylvania, properties are supposed to be assessed at 53% of their fair market value. In Delaware County, Pennsylvania, properties are supposed to be assessed at 63.1% of their fair market value. If your current assessment represents a higher percentage of the fair market value, you are a candidate for an annual assessment appeal. An appeal filed now will impact your taxes starting in 2010. The deadline for appealing is rapidly approaching. For Chester and Delaware Counties, the annual appeal deadline is August 1, 2009. The annual appeal deadline for Montgomery County is September 1, 2009. Click here for your county’s assessment website:Delaware County,Pennsylvania, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania,or Chester County, Pennsylvania.

To view an article in the Wall Street Journal on how one property owner in California lowered her tax bill by more than $1,000. Click here.

My office is located in West Chester, Pennsylvania. I am a shareholder in Unruh Turner Burke and Frees. I have successfully helped many Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery County, Pennsylvania residents successfully challenge their property assessments and reduce their real estate tax burden. I would be happy to do the same for you. For more information on whether you are a candidate for an assessment reduction, please contact our office.

By: Donald C. Turner

Many Chester County residents use their property, in whole or in part, for various types of equine activities. Regardless of whether the use is of a personal or a commercial nature, these activities pose a variety of risks to property owners, horse owners, riders and trainers. As a result, those involved in these activities should carefully consider what they can do to minimize their exposure to liability and to provide for insurance.

Please read this larger article on preventative measures that you can take to protect yourself from the various risks associated with equine activities.

For more information on Equine Law or any type of property owner liability, contact Donald Turner.