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Pennsylvania Municipal Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Constitutional Law and Municipal Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: curious if hanging signs much like stop signs around my area with inspirational quotes on them would that be vandalism?

a fellow named xx did it in texas a while back and didn’t face any legal consequences because it was considered as art

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 11, 2024

The legality of hanging inspirational signs in public spaces, like stop signs, depends on various factors such as local laws, the content of the signs, and the manner in which they are displayed. While the case you mentioned involving Brian Deneke in Texas may have been considered art, it's... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Gov & Administrative Law and Municipal Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: What is the form called to waive publication of my name change?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 23, 2024

The form you need to waive publication of your name change typically varies depending on the jurisdiction where you're filing for the name change. In many states, this form may be referred to as a "Petition to Waive Publication of Name Change" or something similar. However, the exact... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Municipal Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: My car is legal good reg. Good ins. And is parked with traffic has a flat and police are saying it has to be moved

It has been there for a while but we don't have the money for tires right now it's in westville out front of our apartment

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 5, 2023

In Pennsylvania, even if your car is legally registered and insured, local ordinances or state laws may require that vehicles parked on public streets are in operable condition. This often includes not having flat tires or other conditions that make the vehicle appear abandoned or inoperable.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Municipal Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: I live in Pennsylvania. Postmaster told me where to place my mailbox. Year later Borough voted mailbox isn't allowed

I've been getting mail at my house. Now the Borough voted to make any mailbox an ordinance and said I have to now get a p.o. box. Can they tell me how and where to get my mail?

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Oct 12, 2023

In a situation where a Borough changes regulations about mailbox placement after a Postmaster has already given you guidance, the legality of the situation can become complicated. Municipal ordinances may conflict with federal guidelines on mail delivery, and this could potentially be a point of... View More

Q: Police officer hurt in line of duty, car accident. 2 years Heart\Lung. Failed suicide. Approved pension denied by Chief.

Police officer hurt in line of duty, car accident. On Heart & Lung for two years. Removed from Heart & Lung and placed on admin leave and workmen's comp after Failed suicide attempt. My doctor said I could no longer be a police officer due to the accident. Sent for independent... View More

Timothy Belt
Timothy Belt
answered on Jul 6, 2023

This is a complicated fact pattern, and you really should meet with a workers' compensation attorney in your area. From the limitted information available, you certainly appear to have a workers' compensation claim. You should know that taking the pension may reduce the amount you... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Construction Law, Environmental and Municipal Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: I believe my neighbor may be digging and doing construction work without the proper permits. What options do I have?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 2, 2023

If you suspect that your neighbor is doing construction work without the proper permits, there are a few options you can consider:

Contact your local building department: You can contact your local building department to report any suspicious construction activity. They can investigate...
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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Land Use & Zoning and Municipal Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: My father has property in Puerto Rico that is under both his name and my mother, it is also registered as a church.

My father and mother can no longer taker care of it and want to transfer the deed to my siblings and self, can this be done if they are still living? We are looking to sell this property after transfer of deed. Will we encounter any other legal issues with this?

Mark Scoblionko
Mark Scoblionko
answered on May 26, 2021

They can certainly transfer the property to family members. If they can’t care for themselves, a Power of Attorney would probably be advised so that you and siblings could act directly on their behalf.

You should engage a lawyer in Puerto Rico familiar with real estate and estate...
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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Civil Litigation, Civil Rights and Municipal Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: How does one find contingency lawyer?. I'm pro se in Federal civil rights case. Judge/neutral evaluator agree strong

I'm the plaintiff in a current case against a municipality, the judge and the nuetral evaluator have suggested that I find a contingency lawyer as I have a strong case. We are currently in the process of filing depositions. Held in the Western District state of PA

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Aug 25, 2020

A Pennsylvania attorney could best guide you, but your question remains open for four weeks. You could use the Find-a-Lawyer tab above to find someone, or you could search online independently. Good luck

Tim Akpinar

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Municipal Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: How can I legally add and deed 1/2 of a paper road to my property? The other 1/2 to my neighbor? It existed since 1956.

Subdivision plan from 1956 shows a named paper road between my property and my neighbor to my right. It runs back into another property behind us. All deeds from 1956 to current, name the road on them as a boundary line with measurements of distance, utility right of way, etc. The property... View More

Cary B. Hall
Cary B. Hall
answered on Jun 8, 2020

If your unfriendly neighbors have no other access to their property, then they'll almost certainly get to keep using that "paper road" as a means to reach their property. A court will not render a property virtually worthless and unusable by "landlocking" it, and would... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Municipal Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: If I own property in hatillo P.R. and I live in pa could I loose my property if I haven’t lived there
Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Jun 5, 2020

Unlikely, unless you didn't pay any property taxes, didn't collect mail at your old address, or have judgment liens on the property.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Municipal Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: How can I clear my background check per fine careless driving a few 4 yeas ago, please ...

Was happened in Hershey, an exit of the hospital a stop bus inside the the place

Ellis B. Klein
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Ellis B. Klein
answered on Apr 2, 2020

The law says you have to wait 5 years from the date of conviction before you can file to expunge the case.

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Landlord - Tenant and Municipal Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Is it illegal for me to take my break outside of my building under the awning?

New tenant in the building is telling people who work in my office they are not allowed to stand in front of their office on the first floor. We have an awning on the building that protects from rain. I am not impeding the flow of traffic or talking to anyone. I work in the same building on a... View More

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Feb 12, 2020

Depends on how the lease defines that space. If it's part of the public entrance, anyone can stand there. Your employer may want to suggest to the landlord some alternative or approach the business owner on the first floor.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Municipal Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: 2707.1. Discharge of a firearm into an occupied structure? Do I need a lawyer and what am I looking at?

I fired two shots inside my house 9mm.

Ryan L Hyde
Ryan L Hyde
answered on Jul 3, 2019

You are charged with a felony of the third degree. Which means you could get up to 7 years in jail. There are defenses, and importantly the Commonwealth has to prove the case against you. Attorneys will be familiar with the charge against you, and all the players and potential outcomes.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Traffic Tickets and Municipal Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Is it illegal to cross a solid double yellow line when passing a vehicle in Pennsylvania

I was cited for PA vehicle code 3305 there was a suv pulling into a parking spot i waited until it was mostly in the spot and i went around the officer was on the opposite side of the road made a u-turn and followed me for like 10 blocks and waited until we got to the county line before pulling me... View More

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Jun 12, 2019

Under those circumstances I'd plead not guilty as you only momentarily were over the line and no oncoming traffic.

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Municipal Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Pro Bono Attorney

I bought a building permit which cost me $350, from the township and feel that I was not fully informed or shown just exactly what height the home had to be installed.

Elizabeth Tarasi
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answered on Aug 31, 2018

The zoning laws would be in the township ordinance. It would be your responsibility to review the ordinance. You can request a variance.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Municipal Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Hello I live in PA an was wondering if it's illegal to Grill food on my roof
Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Mar 26, 2018

No, but if it's a rental property likely a violation of your lease agreement. It can be dangerous as well. You also increase distance sparks etc can travel.

1 Answer | Asked in Land Use & Zoning and Municipal Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Is it constitutional for a large, wealthy, suburban municipality to prohibit residential parking 24/7 everywhere?

I have a soliciting job knocking on residential doors and signing up willing homeowners for free appointments. I try to be pleasant and conduct myself in a lawful manner.

My company pays significant $ to the township for legal permits to do so, but I see no way to do my job if I am not... View More

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Feb 20, 2018

It is constitutional though I wonder what happens if the UPS driver stops or if people have out of town guests unless everyone has a large driveway. Can they? Sure.

Q: Is forbidding tricks on a bicycle unconstitutional?

There is an ordinance in the city of oil city which forbids any trick to be performed on a bicycle. This in essence would prevent any city resident from competing fairly in bicycle competitions. It would prohibit equal opportunity to practice and hone skills necessary to be competitive within the... View More

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Nov 30, 2017

If it prohibited tricks on private property, likely yes.Contact the Pa. Civil Liberties Union. On public property--I don't see it being invalid unless it is used to cover non-pedestrian areas such as open spaces used by jugglers, dancers, others.

1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury, Traffic Tickets, Car Accidents and Municipal Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: I received a false citation, do i fight it? And if so, what are the downfalls if I can't prove the truth?

I was in an accident on August 19th,2017. I somehow rear ended someone. I don't remember how but i remember the impact. I was sent to the er. The other person refused the ambulance. I sustained injuries and car damage. His small truck flipped on its top with minimal damage. The officer... View More

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Sep 3, 2017

You plead not guilty. Spelling errors aren't critical. He has to show a witness stated your speed.

If you hit badly enough to flip a vehicle, some ticket's going to come out of it. Sorry, but you have to realize you rear end someone you will be at fault for something. So plead...
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1 Answer | Asked in Business Law and Municipal Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Hello, do I need a permit to advertise about an event that my non-profit is hosting? We have flyers and other papers

A volunteer group will be walking around door to door to advertise the event. We are not selling anything. We have flyers and other paper materials that we will be handing out to spread the word.

Kathleen M Hyneman
Kathleen M Hyneman
answered on May 30, 2017

The answer to this question depends upon the county where you will be distributing the flyers. Even though you are not selling anything, the township may deem that handing out the flyers is a form of soliciting contributions, and there are townships that require permits for such an activity.

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