Smith Kosanke & Wright PLLC

driving under the influence (DUI) in California is typically a misdemeanor, but under certain circumstances, it can be charged as a felony. Understanding when a DUI escalates to a felony is crucial if you’re facing charges.

international Women’s Day is the perfect time for women to break barriers, embrace financial empowerment, and take bold steps toward lasting security and independence. Estate planning is one of the key steps forward in the journey through life.

podcast: Newport Beach Real Estate Attorney Juliet Sussman on "Why Timeshares Cause Divorce"

if your car insurance claim is denied, speaking with a lawyer improves your chances of success, especially in cases of bad faith, delays, or serious injuries.

new York City is home to millions of rides each day, and with the convenience of services like Uber comes the risk of accidents. If you’ve been involved in an Uber accident, understanding your legal rights and the steps you should take immediately afterward can make a significant difference in your recovery—both physically and financially.

during the holidays, spending time with family often reveals changes in aging relatives that might otherwise go unnoticed. Whether it's a physical decline, cognitive issues, or struggles with daily tasks, these observations can serve as reminders to have important conversations about future care. Advanced directives and powers of attorney are essential legal tools that ensure your loved ones' wishes are respected, and relieve potential stress on family members during challenging times.

advanced directives are vital legal documents that empower individuals to make their Health Care preferences known in the event they are unable to communicate or make decisions themselves.

memory loss from many causes, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's or other dementias can be progressive, so it’s important to revisit budgets,  medical assessments,  financial and legal plans periodically to make adjustments as circumstances change. Having open conversations with family members, lawyers and other  trusted individuals about financial decisions, the individual’s wishes, and the role they may play in the future can make memory loss less  stressful for all involved.

estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy, or older individuals. It’s for anyone who wants to ensure their wishes are carried out, their loved ones are cared for, and their assets are protected. What should I include in my Plan?

when facing abuse, harassment, or intimidation, Pennsylvania offers several legal protections to ensure safety and peace of mind. Whether you’re seeking to shield yourself or a loved one from harm, understanding the types of protection orders available is crucial. Here’s an overview of the key protection orders in Pennsylvania:

when facing abuse, harassment, or intimidation, Pennsylvania offers several legal protections to ensure safety and peace of mind. Whether you’re seeking to shield yourself or a loved one from harm, understanding the types of protection orders available is crucial. Here’s an overview of the key protection orders in Pennsylvania:

hiring a criminal defense lawyer for a DUI in Pennsylvania is a critical step in protecting your rights and securing the best possible outcome. A lawyer can guide you through the legal process, explore all options, and advocate on your behalf, whether it’s your first offense or you’re facing more serious charges.

facing a DUI arrest in Pennsylvania can be overwhelming, but taking the right steps immediately can help protect your rights and minimize the consequences. Here’s a guide to navigate this challenging situation:

the Luzerne County DUI Treatment Court provides participants with a unique opportunity to change their lives, offering a path to freedom from drugs and/or alcohol and a future filled with hope and promise. This program is a post-plea/post-conviction special court initiative designed for nonviolent repeat DUI offenders. It employs a team-based approach to address the specific treatment needs of participants while ensuring accountability for their actions. Instead of incarceration, participants serve their sentences under home confinement with electronic monitoring. The program lasts a minimum of 18 months, though the duration depends on the participant's progress and compliance with treatment goals.

learn about your rights after a Missouri construction site accident involving heavy equipment. Get trusted guidance on workers' compensation claims and critical steps to protect your interests.

as a proud veteran of the United States Army, I strongly support the Luzerne County Veterans Track (Veterans Court), a vital program dedicated to assisting veterans struggling with substance abuse and mental health challenges.

facing criminal charges is stressful, but being prepared for your first meeting with a criminal defense lawyer can make the process smoother and more productive. This meeting is an opportunity for you to provide essential details about your case, ask questions, and begin building your defense strategy. To make the most of this crucial first step, here’s a checklist of items and information to bring to your first meeting.

if you’ve ever watched a crime drama on TV, you’ve likely heard the phrase: “You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law…” These are the opening lines of what are known as Miranda Rights, a critical legal safeguard in the U.S. criminal justice system. But what do Miranda Rights really mean, and how can they impact your case? Let’s break it down.

you are required by the FAA to take The Recreational UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System) Safety Test. You are also required to follow the FAA’s recreational model aircraft rules. The FAA prohibits shooting at any aircraft, including drones.

owning a gun in Pennsylvania, like throughout the United States, is both a constitutional right and a significant responsibility. Gun owners must adhere to state and federal laws to retain this right.