Our Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers and Criminal Defense Attorneys Our Pittsburgh Attorneys believe a law practice must be aggressive in their representation of clients, but must also maintain that personal compassion which addresses more than just a clients legal needs. Your individual needs and concerns are important to our attorneys. We represent our clients with the knowledge that their case is more than a legal situation. Each case presents a unique set of important factors for our clients and it is our goal to exceed expectations in meeting the legal needs of our clients. Our legal team is located in downtown Pittsburgh, PA and serves the greater Western Pennsylvania region. We offer FREE case evaluations for those injured in accidents as well as people who have been charged with a crime.
PITTSBURGH DUI LAWYER Information on Defending Your Rights Against DUI / DWI Charges A DUI arrest can be traumatic and life changing for many people. It can also be very scary, extremely embarrassing and can feel like a living nightmare. This is especially true if you were arrested or charged after a DUI accident with injuries or damages. You could lose your license not be able to get to work or pick your kids up from school. You could be sentenced to prison, placed under house arrest and have a permanent mark on your record affecting job applications, college admissions and other basic rights. This is your life. You have rights. If you were arrested or charged with drunk driving or DUI / DWI of a controlled substance in Pennsylvania, the penalties are very strict. As little as two beers could cost you your license, your job, your freedom. A tough and experienced Pittsburgh DUI Lawyer can help explain your rights, your options and the best way to move forward with your life. Beating DUI charges in PA is possible. At SMA Law Group, we offer free case evaluations to anyone charged with a DUI in Allegheny County or Western Pennsylvania. Call Pittsburgh DUI Lawyer Christopher Thomas today. He is here to answer your questions, listen to your situation, explain your rights and offer the best steps to defending your rights and getting your future back on track. PITTSBURGH DUI LAWYERS Dont Give Up Without a Fight. Contact Us Today for a Free Case Evaluation 412-765-3345 You are innocent until proven guilty. Yes, a DUI charge is a very serious matter. But until you are convicted, you have several rights. A DUI can be won in court. There are several state and county diversion programs that may offer people the opportunity to keep their license, stay out of jail and wipe their record clean (expungement). One such program is the Allegheny County ARD Program or the Allegheny County DUI Alternative To Jail Program. Attorney Chris Thomas and his staff have successfully argued to have their clients placed into DUI programs that offer an alternative to jail and in many cases a permanent record, when the clients guilt is clear and trial is not a strong or reasonable option. Other defenses can also be argued. For instance, if a police officer does not have reasonable suspicion to stop your vehicle and their missteps can be proven, your charges could be dropped completely. Many other scenarios exist in which people arrested for DUI can have their sentencing reduced or their case dropped completely. Having an aggressive and experienced DUI attorney to fight for your rights, negotiate with the courts and thoroughly investigate your case is the best way to increase your chances of having your charges reduced or dropped. Learn more about DUI Diversion Programs in Western Pennsylvania. PITTSBURGH DUI ATTORNEYS Dont Give Up Without a Fight. Contact Us Today for a Free Case Evaluation 412-765-3345 LOSING YOUR LICENSE UNDER PA DUI LAW A license means freedom. And no one wants to lose their freedom. In Pennsylvania, sentencing for a DUI / DWI is very tough. Depending on your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) level and the nature under which the charges took place, you could face losing your license for up to 18 months. The sentencing for a first-time DUI of a BAC level of .10% to .159% is one-year license suspension and a fine of up to $5,000, among other penalties. A second DUI in ten years under the lowest level of BAC (.08% .099%) is a mandatory one-year license suspension, a maximum of 6 months in prison and a fine of up to $2,500, among other penalties. If you were arrested for DUI of a Controlled Substance or prescription medication, your license could be suspended for up to a year and you could spend up to six months in jail. If you are a minor, were driving a commercial vehicle or school bus, refused to take the field sobriety test, were involved in an accident with injuries or had minors in your vehicle, the fines and penalties increase. Please see the Pennsylvania DUI Law Grading and Sentencing Guide for more information on specific sentencing guidelines. OTHER DUI PENALTIES IN PA Losing your license is not the only thing to worry about when arrested for a DUI. Depending on your BAC level, you may also face time in prison and heavy fines of up to $10,000. A first-time DUI faces fines of up to $5,000 for a BAC level over .10%. In addition, you may be required to attend rehabilitative programs and Alcohol Highway Safety School (AHSS), perform community service hours, be placed under Ignition Interlock and be subject to a full drug and alcohol assessment. OUR EXPERIENCE IN PENNSYLVANIA DUI LAW Pittsburgh DUI Attorney Christopher Thomas has a thorough knowledge of your rights under Pennsylvania law and he will work rigorously to defend them. He will work with you and give you options that are the best for you and your family. Attorney Thomas is experienced at taking cases to trial, negotiating a plea, expunging DUI records and advocating for acceptance into probationary programs for first-time offenders. Our DUI Law Office, located in Downtown Pittsburgh, helps clients involved with the following DUI Charges: First-time DUI Second DUI Driving with a Suspended License DUI Related Multiple DUIs Underage DUI DUI Accidents with Injuries / Damages DUI While on Probation DUI and Drugs or Controlled Substances DUI and Prescription Drugs DUI Misdemeanor DUI Felony DUI Aggravated Assault DUI Homicide We also help people understand the following types of alternative DUI programs, treatment programs and DUI laws in Pennsylvania: Allegheny County ARD Program The Ignition Interlock Act Plea Disposition Quickly (PDQ) DUI Record Expungement Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) Level Limits DUI Court DUI Hotel DUI Appeals in Pennsylvania Pennsylvania DUI Laws Defense for DUI in PA Drug and Alcohol Treatment Services in Pennsylvania Alcohol Highway Safety Program Allegheny County Court Reporting Network