Don’t Face Pennsylvania Drunk Driving Charges Alone – We Are Here To Fight For You
Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious criminal offense in Pennsylvania because there are two aspects to every case. Besides the possibility of jail time, a large fine and a criminal record, you also face the loss of your driver’s license for months or years. You need a knowledgeable and hard-hitting defense attorney who can help you with both the criminal and civil components.
That’s why you should contact Coover & Associates. Led by veteran DUI lawyer Mike Carrucoli, our lawyers have over 25 years of combined legal experience in criminal defense work, in-depth knowledge of DUI laws and an effective track record both in and out of the courtroom. Regardless of your specific legal problem, we work tirelessly to help you find empowering solutions.
Why You Need A DUI Attorney In Pennsylvania
DUI laws in Pennsylvania are complex and carry severe consequences. Even a first-offense DUI conviction without aggravating factors like a severe car accident can lead to hefty fines, license suspension and even jail time. Losing your driving privileges and having a DUI on your record can also impact your employment and personal life. Our attorneys are well-versed in Pennsylvania’s DUI laws and your options for defense. We can help you understand the process and build the strongest possible defense that minimizes the impact on your life.
One of the biggest mistakes DUI defendants make is assuming they need to plead guilty without speaking to an attorney. Police and prosecutors want you to believe that the case against you is open-and-shut. On the contrary, the evidence may be much weaker than it seems. Our lawyers will dig into the details of your case to determine if we can get the charges dismissed or severely reduced. If it proceeds to trial, we are prepared to build a compelling defense that exposes flaws in the government’s case against you.
Pennsylvania’s Implied Consent Law
In Pennsylvania, when you get a driver’s license, you automatically agree to the state’s implied consent law. This means you must submit to chemical testing if a police officer suspects you are driving under the influence. Refusing a test can result in an automatic license suspension and additional penalties. We can help you understand your rights and the implications of refusing a test.
How Pennsylvania Measures Intoxication
Pennsylvania measures intoxication using blood alcohol concentration (BAC) through blood and breath testing. The legal limit for most drivers is 0.08%. However, for commercial drivers, the limit is 0.04%, and for drivers under 21, it is 0.02%. Understanding these limits is crucial, and our lawyers can explain how your BAC level affects your case. For example, it is often possible to challenge the BAC allegedly measured during the roadside breath test, which was likely a major factor in your arrest. Errors during the test could have led to an inflated BAC that triggered a wrongful arrest.
Levels Of DUI Charges In Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has three main levels of DUI charges:
- General impairment: This applies to drivers with a BAC between 0.08% and 0.099%. Penalties may include fines, probation and mandatory alcohol education classes.
- High BAC: Driving with a BAC between 0.10% and 0.159% is an aggravated version of DUI, which means the potential punishments are higher. Consequences include higher fines, longer license suspension and possible jail time.
- Highest BAC: This applies to drivers with a BAC of 0.16% or higher. Penalties are even more severe, with longer jail sentences and steeper fines.
Aggravated charges can apply in situations such as accidents causing injuries or if you are a commercial driver. Our attorneys will thoroughly review your case to determine if you were overcharged and challenge the charges accordingly.
Pennsylvania DUI FAQ
Whether you are facing DUI charges in Pennsylvania for the first time or have been through this before, you probably have many questions about your case, the law and the penalties you might receive. Here are answers to some of our clients’ most frequently asked questions.
Does a DUI arrest cause an immediate driver’s license suspension in Pennsylvania?
Unlike in many states, an arrest in Pennsylvania does not automatically trigger a license suspension unless you decline the roadside breath test, which triggers a 12-month suspension for a first offense. Otherwise, you get to keep your license unless you plead guilty or are convicted.
What are the penalties for DUI in Pennsylvania?
The potential consequences of a DUI conviction are serious and have lasting ramifications. They vary based on a variety of factors, including the amount of alcohol measured in the body. There are three categories of BAC:
- General impairment: Lower levels of intoxication ranging from 0.08% to 0.099% BAC
- High impairment: High levels of intoxication ranging from 0.10% to 0.159%
- Highest impairment: Highest possible levels of intoxication from 0.16% and higher
If you were convicted of a first-offense DUI, you could likely expect some combination of probation or a jail sentence and a fine. The judge could also require you to undergo alcohol abuse treatment and take alcohol traffic safety classes. How severe your sentence is depends on whether there were any aggravating factors. Penalties for DUI convictions also increase for repeat offenses.
Are there special programs for first-time DUI offenders in Pennsylvania?
First-time DUI offenders may have the option of participating in the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program. ARD is a pretrial diversion program for nonviolent offenders. The district attorney’s office must recommend a person for inclusion in the program, and the judge assigned to the case must approve the person’s participation as well. Essentially, the ARD program suspends criminal court proceedings while the person completes certain requirements for the program.
The participant will be required to enroll in an alcohol traffic safety school, undergo alcohol treatment, temporarily surrender their license, pay a fine and court costs, and follow probation for several months. If the person fully complies with all the requirements, then the criminal charges will be dismissed and the person will be left with a clean criminal record.
Help Is Just A Call Or Click Away – Contact Us Now
With offices in York, Carlisle, Chambersburg and Camp Hill, Coover & Associates provides thorough and experienced defense representation throughout central Pennsylvania. Our attorneys will answer your DUI questions and assist you with understanding the process, what you need to do and what we can do for you. To schedule an initial consultation, email us or call 717-461-7789.