DRUNK DRIVING/DUI
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Have you been arrested for Drunk Driving?
Under Pennsylvania law, convictions for driving under the influence carry MAXIMUM penalties.
The consequences for a DUI conviction include:
1. Jail Time
2. Suspension of driver’s license
3. Fines
4. Mandatory safe driving classes
5. Lengthy probation
Your Pennsylvania DUI attorneys at McVan & Weidenburner will fight to keep you out of jail and keep your record clean.
Important Drunk Driving/DUI considerations:
1. Do you have a prior criminal record?
If not, you may be eligible for entry into the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD). ARD is a program for nonviolent first time offenders. Entry into the program occurs before trial. ARD can be used for a variety of offenses, but is often used in drunk driving arrests.
Your experienced DUI attorneys will immediately evaluate your case to see if you are eligible for ARD and assist you in applying to the program. If you are accepted, you will be placed on a period of probation with several conditions. Only when you satisfy those conditions will your case be concluded.
A benefit of ARD is that it can prevent you from having a criminal record.
2. Did you refuse a breathalyzer test?
While under the law you are permitted to refuse a breathalyzer test when arrested, failure to take a breath will result in a suspension of your driver’s license. The matter is handled by the PA department of transportation and is completely separated from your criminal case for DUI.
Refusal to take a breathalyzer will also make you subject to increased penalties in your criminal case.
3. What was your blood alcohol content (BAC)?
The law creates different penalties for higher levels of alcohol in your blood.
4. Did the police and prosecutor follow the law in your arrest?
We will obtain all the paperwork to ensure your arrest was lawful. If the police violated the law in your arrest we may be able to have your case dismissed. We will ensure that all aspects of your case were handled properly, including:
- the stop of your vehicle
- the administration of the breathalyzer tests
- the testing to ensure the breathalyzer was operating correctly
- the accuracy of the breathalyzer results
- the handling of the evidence.
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