DUI Lawyer

DUI Lawyer in Columbia County, Montour County, Northumberland County, Union/Snyder County, Luzerne and Schuylkill County.

Everyone knows that "Drunk Driving" or driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious charge that can have very harsh consequences in Pennsylvania. The punishments you can face if convicted of DUI include driver license suspension or revocation, jail time, fines, house arrest, ignition interlock device installation, probation and required alcohol highway safety school attendance.

Did you know that if you violate the Motor Vehicle Code while driving and a police officer observes the violation, that officer has the right to pull you over to investigate. This means that even driving your car or truck with a burned-out headlight or "rolling" through a stop sign gives law enforcement the right to stop your vehicle. Once pulled over, if the officer smells the odor of alcohol or other intoxicant, he or she has the ability to ask you to submit to Standard Field Sobriety Tests (SFST). If you fail the SFSTs, which are designed with that objective in mind, the officer will require you to submit to a breath, blood or urine test to determine your blood-alcohol content (BAC). If over the the legal limit or if the officer determines that you are incapable of safe driving, you will be arrested for DUI.

If you or a loved one has been charged with DUI, please don't hesitate to contact a DUI lawyer at the firm. It is important that you make the call immediately after your arrest or notification of your court date so your DUI Lawyer at the firm can begin advising you immediately. Remember, losing your drivers license for an extended period of time can devastate your life and livelihood. It is in your best interests to speak with an experienced and aggressive attorney who will work with you to provide a comprehensive defense in your case. When it comes to legal counseling and overall client satisfaction, our DUI Lawyer clearly understands that at our firm, "Every Client Matters."

DUI Attorney

Depending upon your situation, you could be subject to more serious penalties. For example, if you have prior drunk driving or other DUI convictions on your record, you could lose your license for a longer period of time and you could be subject to longer jail time, steeper fines and more. In fact, because of "mandatory" jail sentences, often prosecutors and law enforcement will seek long prison terms for repeat DUI offenders. Only a skilled DUI Lawyer can help you beat a wrongful DUI or negotiate a non-jail sentence in court.

Required installation of an ignition interlock device is also a frequent consequence of certain types of DUI convictions. The ignition interlock will be installed in your vehicle and it will require that you blow into the device to show that you do not have alcohol in your system before the vehicle will start. Additionally, you will be required to blow into the device at random times during the vehicle's operation in order to ensure that you aren't driving while under the influence of alcohol.

License restriction/suspension is also a common consequence of DUI arrests/conviction. A drivers license suspension can affect your ability to live and work successfully in the community. A loss of license often affects family members and friends, as they are often the ones providing transportation to a convicted DUI driver. If you value your driving privileges, you should speak immediately with an experienced DUI defense attorney at the firm.

PENNSYLVANIA DUI PENALTIES

Tier	1st Offense	2nd Offense	3rd Offense	4th or Subsequent
FIRST .08 - .099 Incapable of Safe Driving	6 months probation; $300 fine; no loss of license; D/A treatment; Alcohol Highway Safety School; Ungraded misdemeanor	5 days mandatory minimum - maximum 6 months jail; mandatory minimum $300 - $2,500 fine; 1 year license suspension; D/A treatment; Alcohol Highway Safety School; ungraded misdemeanor	10 days mandatory minimum - maximum 2 years jail; mandatory minimum $500 - $5,000 fine; D/A treatment; 1 year license suspension; Alcohol Highway Safety School; second degree misdemeanor	SAME
SECOND .10 - .159 Minor & .08-.099/Incapable Accident & .08-.099/Incapable	2 days mandatory minimum - maximum 6 months jail; mandatory minimum $500 - $5,000 fine;1 year license suspension; D/A treatment; Alcohol Highway Safety School; Ungraded misdemeanor	30 days mandatory minimum - maximum 6 months jail; mandatory minimum $750 - $5,000 fine; 1 year license suspension; D/A treatment; Alcohol Highway Safety School; Ungraded misdemeanor	90 days mandatory minimum - maximum 5 years jail; mandatory minimum $1,500 - $10,000 fine; 18 month license suspension; D/A treatment; Alcohol Highway Safety School; First degree misdemeanor	1 year mandatory minimum - maximum 5 year jail; SAME
THIRD .16 and above Refusal of Blood/Breath Drugs or Drug/Alcohol Combo	3 days mandatory minimum - maximum 6 months jail; mandatory minimum $1,000 - $5,000 fine; 1 year license suspension; D/A treatment; Alcohol Highway Safety School; Ungraded misdemeanor	90 days mandatory minimum - maximum 5 years jail; mandatory minimum $1,500 - $10,000 fine; 18 month license suspension; D/A treatment; Alcohol Highway Safety School; First degree misdemeanor	1 year mandatory minimum - maximum 5 years jail; mandatory minimum $2,500 - $10,000 fine; 18 month license suspension; D/A treatment; Alcohol Highway Safety School; First degree misdemeanor	SAME

The outline of DUI Penalties set forth above is not all inclusive. However, it gives an individual charged with DUI some perspective in terms of the penalties they may be subject to.

Clearly, the penalties for DUI in Pennsylvania can be significant. The mandatory jail time coupled with a license suspension can place a person's livelihood at risk. It is, however, important to note that a person charged with a DUI is subject to these penalties upon conviction, not arrest. A conviction occurs upon entry of a guilty plea and sentencing or finding of guilt following a trial. As a result, it important to get a knowledgable and experienced PA DUI Defense Attorney involved in your case at the earliest possible stage and before a conviction occurs.

With the right attorney, you may be able to minimize or eliminate some or all of these penalties by either negotiated plea agreement or acquittal following a trial. Elizabeth has experience defending DUI cases in counties throughout Pennsylvania.

If you have been charged with a DUI in Pennsylvania and the penalties for a DUI conviction are a cause of concern for you, contact me and schedule a free consultation TODAY.