Divorce

Divorce is considered a lawsuit that legally ends a marriage and any associated legal duties. Any debts, assets, and the issue of children will also be settled at this time. The first step to a divorce is filing the appropriate paperwork. It should be noted that divorce is complicated and can be very stressful, so having an experienced attorney can be invaluable in obtaining the best outcome.

If you are considering filing for divorce or have been served with a petition for divorce, contact Margetas Legal for our expertise in handling divorce cases.

Custody

Pennsylvania Courts will use the best interest of the child standard when determining custody. They will consider which parent would be more likely to encourage continuing contact between the other parent and child, any history of family abuse or drug and alcohol abuse, and which parent is more likely to provide a stable environment.

In Pennsylvania there are special rules which can make determining custody details a complicated process. Empower yourself with the help of Margetas Legal in order to obtain the best outcome for your children.

In Pennsylvania there are special rules which can make determining custody details a complicated process. Empower yourself with the help of our attorneys in order to obtain the best outcome for your children.

Support

Financial support refers to either child support or spousal support (otherwise known as alimony). Both parents have a legal obligation to provide financial support for their children.

Anyone who is raising children can file for child support against one or both parents. The child must be under the age of 18 but courts may also award special needs children over the age of 18. In Pennsylvania the guidelines for child support attempt to balance the ability of the parent to support the child with the child’s needs.

DUI

Defending a client for a DUI requires experience and thorough knowledge of Pennsylvania DUI laws. DUI Defense varies based on the details of the case, blood alcohol limits, and whether the client is a first time or multiple time offender.

Be sure that you do not answer questions until you have consulted with an experienced attorney. Margetas Legal has extensive knowledge of guidelines and practices in Pennsylvania courts and can mount an aggressive defense for you immediately.

Traffic

Being issued a traffic citation does not mean that you are considered automatically guilty, however traffic tickets should not be taken lightly. If you pay your traffic citation without contacting Margetas Legal this could result in unwanted points being placed on your license. Multiple infractions can result in the loss of your license. We believe it is your right to contest any summons you may receive to protect your driving record in Pennsylvania.

Summary Non-Traffic

Summary offenses can include basic traffic citations such as speeding tickets but also can include many non-traffic related violations such as harassment, disorderly conduct, bad checks and retail theft. Although such charges are not as serious as misdemeanors and felonies, they must be taken seriously. These will appear in criminal background checks and can result in up to 90 days of incarceration plus fines. It is important you contact us if you have been charged with a summary offense.

Misdemeanors / Felonies

The state of Pennsylvania has three categories of misdemeanors: first, second, and third-degree offenses. First-degree offenses are the most serious type while third-degree are the least serious. First degree offences can result in 5 years imprisonment and $10,000 in fines. Some misdemeanor crimes have mandatory minimum sentences as well. Do not make any decision about your case until you have consulted with Margetas Legal because misdemeanor offenses within Pennsylvania can carry significant penalties, an experienced defense lawyer should be considered absolutely necessary.

Margetas Legal has extensive experience in all types of felonies. Our office handles murders, possession with intent to deliver, all types of sex offenses, burglaries, and robberies. Felony 1 offenses carry up to 20 years imprisonment and $25,000 fines, these are very serious cases. Do not go to court without contacting a lawyer. Our office will fight vigorously to defend you in court.

Appeals

Pennsylvania has special rules for filing criminal appeals. You have a limited amount of time to act before you lose your right to appeal. Appeals can be made as Post Sentencing Motions, Direct Appeals, Post-Conviction Relief Act (PCRA) Appeals, and in rare cases Habeas Corpus Actions. Both at the federal level and at the state level, Margetas Legal can help you. If you have been convicted of a crime in the York Pennsylvania area contact us immediately for consultation.

Landlord / Tenant

In the state of Pennsylvania, a law called the Landlord/Tenant Act establishes what landlords must do to evict a tenant. Landlords must follow this law no matter what the grounds are for eviction. If a landlord does not follow this law by doing something such as changing locks or shutting off utilities, you should contact Margetas Legal for legal consultation.

Small Claims

The maximum you can sue for in the Pennsylvania Small Claims Court is limited to $12,000. If you have a written or oral contract you have up to 4 years to make your claim. For property damage or personal injury you have up to 2 years. Small Claims can cover a wide variety of cases including unpaid debts, breach of contract, back rent, damaged property, and doctor or hospital bills. If you require filing a claim or have been served for a claim, contact Margetas Legal for legal consultation.

Collections

With the rise of delinquent debt and the outsourcing of debt to questionable collection agencies, having an attorney to defend your interests is vital. Many collection agencies have a reputation for a systematic collection process which often violates state and federal collection laws. You are protected under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). If you have been threatened by a debt collector, contact Margetas Legal for a consultation.

Personal Injury / Wrongful Death

Personal injury refers to physical injuries and financial losses as a result of someone else’s careless or intentional wrongdoing. Under Pennsylvania law, a person who suffers a personal injury can recover compensation for both immediate and long-term care, lost wages, and earning potential.

The burden of proof is upon the injured person and can be a difficult task. Contact Margetas Legal if you are considering a personal injury lawsuit in order to receive the best possible outcome.

Contract Law

Many assume when entering into contracts that common sense is enough until it is fairly late and litigation is required. There is a detailed body of law called Contract Law which governs a universal framework to determine whether you have a binding agreement, what are the terms, when a breach occurs, and what damages are available. If you have issues regarding Contract Law contact Margetas Legal immediately as these guidelines can be very complicated and specific.

Appeals

Civil appeals cases can cover a wide variety of subjects such as health care, tort claims, commercial disputes, coverage issues, construction law, amendment law, complex family law and probate/estate/trust matters.

Margetas Legal is dedicated to protecting the rights of its clients throughout the entire civil appeals process. Contact us so these can be resolved with an experienced attorney which is necessary for a streamlined process.

George H. Margetas, Esq.

• - Life long member of the York community and a graduate of West York High School in 1996.
• - Graduate from Dickinson College in 2000, with a Liberal Arts degree in Political Science and Spanish. Spent a year studying abroad in the University of Malaga in Malaga Spain.
• - Graduated of the Thomas M. Cooley School of Law in 2003, concentration in International Law. Spent time studying at Oxford University in Oxford of the United Kingdoms.
• - Member of the Pennsylvania Bar and New Jersey Bar.
• - Fluent in both Spanish and Greek.
• - Member of the York County Bar, served as a member on the Continuing Legal Education Committee.
• - Member of the Inns of Court, served on the executive board.
• - Experience in thousands of cases in his career.