Driving Under the Influence Attorney
Driving Under the Influence in PA is often times a person’s first and only contact with the criminal justice system. Whether you are driving home from a family function, a work related affair or even a party with coworkers or friends, most DUIs start with a vehicle code violation. You are driving home and you see the police lights behind you. This is how a terrifying and often life changing event begins.
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Driving Under the Influence arrests are serious offenses in PA. The laws of Pennsylvania often require mandatory incarceration even for a first offense DUI. You don’t need to be under the influence of alcohol, sometimes even the prescription medicine you are taking is enough. You need an experienced DUI attorney to protect your rights throughout the process. Evidence presented by law enforcement officials is not absolute and it is not exempt from analysis or scrutiny.
A first offense DUI can carry up to a mandatory sentence of 72 hours in jail. Worse, it can result in a one year suspension of your driving privilege. These penalties can have a devastating affect on both your work and family commitments. Importantly as a first time offender the system you are likely eligible for the ARD program. ARD allows you to avoid jail and drastically shorten your suspension.
If you get a second or subsequent violation the penalties become even more aggressive. A second offense violator can expect sentenced of 90 days as a mandatory minimum. You need an experienced DUI attorney to make sure that you do not end up sitting in a county jail for three months. The damage to your career and your life could be devastating. Most counties have programs which allow you to continue working and sometimes even stay in your own home. A third or subsequent DUI can land you a year in jail. These penalties demand that your DUI arrest lawyer is your DUI trial lawyer. You need an attorney that is willing to take your case to trial and protect your rights.