Philip Friedman 17 West 10th Street Erie, PA 16512
Philip B. Friedman has been practicing law since 1978. He is admitted to practice law in Pennsylvania and New York. Mr. Friedman is a past president of the Erie County Bar Association. He is also a past chairman of the Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. He currently serves as a member of the Board of Governors of the Pennsylvania Association for Justice and as a member of the House of Delegates of the Pennsylvania Bar Association. Mr. Friedman is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers. He is a lecturer on topics involving civil and criminal litigation. Mr. Friedman was named a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer from 2004-2008.
Areas Of Practice: Litigation & Appeals, Criminal Law, Driving Under the Influence (drunk driving), Homicide by Motor Vehicle, Drug Cases, Homicide, Personal Injury - Plaintiff, Medical Malpractice, Motor Vehicle Accidents (automobiles, motorcycles, trucks), Death Cases, Commercial Litigation, Federal Civil Cases, Federal Criminal Cases, Professional Disciplinary Actions, First Amendment Cases
Litigation Percentage: 100% of Practice Devoted to Litigation
Bar Admissions: Pennsylvania, 1978; New York, 1988: U.S. Supreme Court, 1986; U.S. Court of Appeals 3rd Circuit, 1979; U.S. Court of Appeals 6th Circuit, 1985; U.S. Court of Appeals 8th Circuit, 1991; U.S. Court of Appeals 10th Circuit, 1998; U.S. District Court Western District of Pennsylvania, 1979; U.S. District Court Northern District of California, 1994; U.S. District Court District of Nebraska, 1998; U.S. District Court Eastern District of Arkansas, 1991; U.S. District Court Western District of Arkansas, 1991; U.S. District Court Eastern District of Michigan, 1999; U.S. District Court Western District of New York, 2004
Education: University of Pittsburgh School of Law, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 1978 J.D.Washington and Jefferson College, Washington, Pennsylvania, 1975 B.A.; Major: Political Science
Representative Cases: Paps A.M. v. City of Erie, 812 A. 2d 591 (Pa. 2002) P.J.S. v. Pa.State Ethics Commission, 723 A.2d 174 (Pa. 1999)
Classes/Seminars Taught: CLE Courses, Pennsylvania Bar Association, 1985 - Present CLE Courses, Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association, 1987 - Present CLE Courses, Erie County Bar Association, 1983 - Present
Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, 1994 - 1995 Chairman
Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, 1993 - 1994 Vice Chairman
Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, 1992 - 1993 Chairman, Rules Committee
Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, 1995 - 1996 Chairman, Rules Committee
Judicial Evaluation Commission, 1997 - 1998 Member
Pennsylvania Bar Association, 1999 - Present Member, Task Force on Civil Justice Coalition
Erie Day School, 1998 - Present Board of Trustees
Millcreek Community Hospital, 1990 - 1995 Board of Corporators
Erie Millennium Commission, 2000 - 2001
American Inns of Court, 1996 - 2002 Master
American Trial Lawyers Association Member
Pennsylvania Criminal Defense Lawyers Association Member
New York Bar Association Member
Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association Member, Board of Governors
Pennsylvania Bar Association Member, House of Delegates
Pro Bono Activities: Erie County Bar Association LAVA Program, 1985 - Present
Birth Information: 1953, Ellwood City, Pennsylvania, United States of America
What Happens To DUI Offenders in Pennsylvania?
There are now three levels of DUI in the state of Pennsylvania. The DUI laws of Pennsylvania create a higher set of penalties for those having higher BAC levels. It allows for treatment at all levels, and requires alcohol highway safety school for all first and second time offender
The 3 Levels are:
General Impairment (.08 to .099% BAC)
High BAC (.10 to .159% BAC)
Highest BAC (.16% and higher)
Note: Under the DUI law minors, commercial drivers, school vehicle or bus drivers, and offenders involved in an accident that injures someone or causes property damage may be subject to the high BAC penalties even if their BAC is not in the high category. Offenders who refuse breath or chemical testing may be subject to the highest BAC penalties.
The following show the penalties for each of the BAC level:
Level One (Undetermined BAC, .08 to .099% BAC)
No prior DUI offenses
Upgraded Misdemeanor
Up to 6 months probation
$300 fine
Alcohol highway safety school
Treatment when ordered
With 1 prior DUI offense
Upgraded Misdemeanor
12 month license suspension
5 days to 6 months jail time
$300 to $2,500 fine
Alcohol highway safety school
Treatment when ordered
1 year ignition interlock
2 or more prior DUI offenses
2nd degree misdemeanor
12 month license suspension
10 days to 2 years prison
$500 to $5,000 fine
treatment when ordered
1 year ignition interlock
High BAC penalties (.10 to .159% BAC)
No prior DUI offenses
Upgraded misdemeanor
12 month license suspension
48 hours to 6 months prison
$500 to $5,000 fine
Alcohol highway safety school
Treatment when ordered
1 prior DUI offense
Upgraded misdemeanor
12 month suspension
30 days to 6 months prison
$750 to $5,000 fine
Alcohol highway safety school
Treatment when ordered
1 year ignition interlock
2 or more prior DUI offenses
1st degree misdemeanor
18 month license suspension
90 days to 5 years prison
$1,500 to $10,000 fine
Treatment when ordered
1 year ignition interlock
3 or more prior DUI offenses
1st degree misdemeanor
18 month license suspension
1 to 5 years prison
$1,500 to $10,000 fine
Treatment when ordered
1 year ignition interlock
High BAC penalties (.10 to .159% BAC)
No prior DUI offenses
Ungraded misdemeanor
12 month license suspension
48 hours to 6 months prison
$500 to $5,000 fine
Alcohol highway safety school
Treatment when ordered
1 prior DUI offense
Ungraded misdemeanor
12 month suspension
30 days to 6 months prison
$750 to $5,000 fine
Alcohol highway safety school
Treatment when ordered
1 year ignition interlock
2 or more prior DUI offenses
1st degree misdemeanor
18 month license suspension
90 days to 5 years prison
$1,500 to $10,000 fine
Treatment when ordered
1 year ignition interlock
3 or more prior DUI offenses
1st degree misdemeanor
18 month license suspension
1 to 5 years prison
$1,500 to $10,000 fine
Treatment when ordered
1 year ignition interlock
The following outlines specific components of the law.
Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) Requires courts to impose suspensions for BAC ARDs based on the following BAC ranges:
Less than .10% - no suspension,
.10% to less than .16 - 30 day suspension, or
.16% and above - 60 day suspension
License Suspensions
Suspensions will be imposed as follows:
BAC below .10% and incapable of safe driving:
No suspension for first offense if the driver meets certain criteria;
12 month license suspension for second or subsequent offense.
BAC greater than or equal to .10% and less than .16%:
12 month license suspension for first and second offense.
18 month suspension for third or subsequent offense.
BAC greater than or equal to .16%:
12 month license suspension for first offense.
18 month suspension for second or subsequent offense.
Out-of-state DUI convictions:
No suspension for first offense; 12 month license
suspension for second or subsequent offense
COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
TYPE OF CASES OUR FIRM HANDLES I handle many types of cases to bench and jury trials including DUI, Criminal and Traffic.
WE THINK YOU SHOULD HIRE US IF: You want a lawyer who will personally handle your file and will be available for consultation afternoons, evenings and weekends. I will fairly evaluate your case and determine the most favorable course. I will not hesitate to go to trial on your case; that decision, however, will ultimately be yours.
OUR FIRM IS NOT RIGHT FOR YOU IF: You are looking for a lawyer who will only tell you what you want to hear. I will work with you to honestly assess the facts of the case.
IF YOU WANT TO TELL OUR LAW FIRM ABOUT YOUR SITUATION YOU SHOULD: I personally communicate with you whenever possible. If I am in Court when you call, you can leave a message with my secretary or on my voicemail. I personally guarantee you will hear back from me in 24-hours, or less - most often, much less. My office phone is (814) 453-3343 or email at pfriedman@crfwlaw.com
THE TYPICAL COST TO GET US TO START WORKING ON YOUR CASE IS: The cost varies depending on the allegation and facts of the case. A fee will be quoted at our initial consultation.
OUR CLIENTS WILL TELL YOU THAT: My level of experience, knowledge of the law, and personal familiarity with the judges, prosecutors, and system is a great advantage. In addition my personal and regular contact with clients, availability and involvement with every aspect of the case bring the most favorable results.
OUR PHILOSOPHY ON HOW WE APPROACH OUR CASES IS: Depending on the type of case I like to find out as much as I can about the facts of the case and talk to anyone who can help our defense. At that time we can discuss our options. The stronger our defense appears to the prosecutor, the better our chances are of getting a favorable result.
IF YOU WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR FIRM YOU SHOULD: During our free initial consultation I will answer any questions. Please call (814) 453-3343.
