Areas of Practice

Family law is one of the areas of legal practice which is in great demand. The law dealing with the areas of Divorce, Custody and Support is continually changing, and it is extremely important to a person who is involved in any of these issues to have the services of an attorney who takes advantage of every opportunity to update himself on these changes.

Possible issues which may need to be addressed in a family law case are such things as: prenuptial or marital agreements, psychological evaluations in custody cases, tax implications of divorce and property settlement, business evaluations and potential grounds for a divorce. It is necessary for a family law client to have a good professional relationship with his or her attorney and to be made aware of any potential pitfall which may exist in their case. One of the aspects of marital property often overlooked or undervalued by a spouse is the retirement account. It is very important that the true value of this asset be accurately determined and that there be a full disclosure of any "hidden assets" be made. Competent legal counsel can mean the difference between arriving at a fair and equitable settlement or, on the other hand, becoming divorced without receiving a reasonable distribution of marital property.

The law firm of Reichard Law Offices, LLC is experienced in the representation of clients in all types of family law matters and can fully advise you as to what your rights are as well as to what your obligations may be. We have available appropriate professionals such as accountants and actuaries to assist in the evaluation of a support or distribution matter in order to provide with a complete evaluation of their case.

The assessment of a case involving allegations of Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or a Controlled Substance begins with an inquiry into the conduct of the law enforcement agency. Suppression of evidence resulting unconstitutional police conduct is often one of the most fruitful areas of defense in DUI cases. A threshold question to be examined is whether the police had "reasonable articulable grounds" to believe a motor vehicle violation had occurred prior to pulling over a suspect's vehicle. Other questions that must be answered are whether probable cause existed for the police to ask a driver to submit to field sobriety tests and/or a test of their blood, breath or urine. Other issues that must be examined are the procedures used in obtaining the blood, breath or urine sample. If a "Breathalyzer" was used, was it properly calibrated? Was the individual conducting the testing qualified to do so?

The law firm of Reichard Law Offices, LLC have the experience to help a client examine all available options, and explain the relative merits and likelihood of success of those options, so the client can make an informed decision as to whether it is in their best interest to enter into a diversionary program, plea agreement or proceed to trial.

One of the most trying times any individual might encounter is when they have been charged with violating a criminal statute. When faced with such allegations it is important to seek the advice of an experienced attorney as soon as possible. Trust in your legal representation is the most important part of your legal defense. You must be confident that your attorney is giving you the information necessary to help you make informed decisions, and that your attorney's advice is competent and skilled.

Effective representation must necessarily start with an educated and through understanding of criminal law and procedures. The charges that have been filed and the potential penalties must be adequately explained. Furthermore, the collateral consequences of a conviction, such the effect it might have on employment, professional or occupational licenses, or drivers licenses must be considered. Your counsel must continue to evaluate the relative merits of your case and explore all possible defenses and options throughout the criminal process.

A proper defense of your case may require consultation with various individuals associated with the criminal justice system, such as the District Attorney's office, probation officers, local police forces and State Police personnel. A knowledgeable working relationship with such agencies is important to the effective representation of a client. Other professionals may also be needed to assist in the defense, such as health care professionals like psychiatrist and psychologists, forensic professionals who examine documents and other evidence, toxicologists, and many other similar professionals. Mr. Weisbrod has worked with a wide range of professionals and experts who have assisted clients in the investigation and defense of their cases. Mr. Weisbrod has experience in counseling clients facing criminal charges that range from homicide and serious felonies to misdemeanors and summary offenses, including traffic offenses. He has represented criminal defendants in Franklin and surrounding mid-state counties. He has tried cases as complex as First Degree Homicide, but brings the same approach to cases as simple as speeding violations.

The law concerning Land Use and Zoning is closely tied to the Environmental area of practice. Mr. Reichard has been Solicitor for the Borough of Waynesboro since 1968, has represented the Planning Commission of the Borough for the same period and regularly represents the Borough of Waynesboro before the Zoning Hearing Board. Mr. Reichard has also represented numerous clients on matters regarding Land Use Issues before other Zoning Hearing Boards, various local governing bodies, Courts of Common Pleas and the Appellate Courts of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Clients have included Land Developers, other Municipalities and Organizations as well as Individuals.

The law firm of Reichard Law Offices, LLC can evaluate a Land Use or Zoning Question with regard to the Ordinances or Acts affecting the same and advise a client as to how a proposed project may be successfully implemented without the need to incur additional expense of litigation as well as to effectively represent a client in such litigation, if that is the required course of action.

With regard to a Land Use issue, we work closely with Land Surveyors, Consulting Engineering Firms as well as other Appropriate Professionals to provide the best advice to our clients.

The law which deals with tax deferred exchanges of Real Estate is very technical in nature and rather complex in its application. Tax deferred exchange of property is governed by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, Section 1031. The law firm of D. L. Reichard, II & Associates is experienced in the area of tax deferred exchanges and can serve as a Qualified Intermediary or structure a tax deferred exchange as the need may require. Mr. Reichard has recently participated in an instructional seminar to familiarize himself with recent developments in the law regarding this type of exchange of real estate and regularly reviews all information available in order to effectively represent his clients.

In its application, the structuring of a tax deferred exchange of real estate contains many pitfalls. If replacement property is not identified within the time permitted or if a document fails to contain required and necessary provisions, the transactions may not qualify as a tax deferred exchange and catastrophic tax consequences could result.

The law firm of Reichard Law Offices, LLC is able to advise in the structuring of a tax free exchange of real estate and to assist in the preparation of the necessary documentation, regardless of whether it is a "direct exchange" or a "three party exchange." If you can benefit from the deferring of Capital Gains Tax which would result from the sale of agricultural, commercial, industrial or investment property and may be willing to replace that property with what is considered "like kind" property, Mr. Reichard can advise you as to the options available to you.

The law dealing with the environment is in a constant state of change. The law firm of Reichard Law Offices, LLC takes advantage of every available opportunity to participate in various courses and seminars dealing with this timely and sensitive area so that we can better represent individuals and businesses with regard to environmental issues.

Enforcement of environmental concerns is regulated on the Federal level by the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act , the Safe Drinking Water Act , the Clean Water Act, the Clean Air Act, the Toxic Substances Control Act, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). Pennsylvania, as well as other jurisdictions, has enacted complimentary legislation to regulate such issues as wetlands, wastewater discharge, hazardous and toxic waste disposal as well as other environmentally sensitive areas.

The law firm of Reichard Law Offices, LLC can assist in the evaluation of environmental risk which may be involved in the acquisition and development of real estate for agricultural, commercial, industrial or residential purposes. We work closely with appropriate Consulting Engineering Firms as well as other Professionals to provide the best advice to our clients.