Pennsylvania DUIs on Your First Offense: What You Should Know.

In Pennsylvania, driving under the influence (DUI) is a crime. It may, but does not always, result in jail or prison. This is accurate if you've ever seen the signs that read "DUI—you can't afford it." DUI cases are costly. They incur high attorney fees and court costs, as well as probation and fines. Also, there are costs for making amends and higher insurance. There are also many other expenses if you are in an accident. If you face a first-time DUI charge in Pennsylvania, here's what you should know.

DUI Law

Pennsylvania DUI Arrest:

In DUI cases, authorities apprehend individuals and then free them shortly after. This means that if you live nearby, the police would usually detain you for a blood test. They would wait for you to "sober up" before releasing you. If you're from a distant place or have a long criminal record, the police will likely put you on camera. A magistrate judge will then arraign you and set your bail. In any case, hire an attorney as soon as you receive charges. If you're looking for a DUI lawyer, you should look for a criminal defense lawyer in that area. If you have a DUI case in Lehigh or Northampton counties, choose a criminal defense lawyer. It should be someone who handles all criminal defense work, like me. Lawyers from other countries won't know the local legal system. An outside counsel may know Pennsylvania's DUI laws. 

However, their lack of experience with the state's legal system is a big disadvantage. For a DUI case in Philadelphia or the Poconos, I recommend top criminal defense attorneys. Because the judge in a Poconos DUI case is probably going to ask me, "Who are you?" if I step into the courtroom. Testing police have access to a variety of tests for DUI situations. Field sobriety tests (FSTs) are exercises. They include counting backward and standing on one leg. Breath tests are available to detect the presence of alcohol. Suppose authorities suspect you of a DUI for drug use, not alcohol. They may then check for signs of heroin use, like needle marks. Eye fluttering indicates cocaine use.

After a DUI arrest, Pennsylvania has laws about blood tests. They specify when and how police may request them. In some cases, it's better to take a person to a hospital than to arrest them and take them to the booking facility. At that point, hospital staff members may take blood for therapeutic purposes. Some rules regulate how the police can get your blood results in those circumstances. Pennsylvania has changed its rules on blood test findings. It also modified warnings for refusing to take a blood test and other matters. You and your lawyer should have a thorough conversation about all this. Pennsylvania DUI Court Hearing:

 

The police must decide whether to file a DUI case if you are arrested for DUI and then released a few hours later. This choice is often made in a few weeks in Lehigh and Northampton Counties. You will get a court summons after the police charge you. It will inform you of your charges and your first court date. If you haven't already, now is the time to hire an attorney if you receive the charge papers in this manner. Not all DUI cases that are first offenses qualify for ARD. Pennsylvania law lists several concerns that may bar you from ARD. Then, other factors may hinder receiving ARD. It's granted at the District Attorney's discretion. For instance, some prosecutors won't grant you an ARD if you are not a citizen of the United States. Also, if there are more DUI-related accusations, like fighting the police, most prosecutors will not grant ARD. Lastly, judges can deny your admission to ARD, even if the prosecutor invited you to join. If the DUI is based on a drug other than alcohol or marijuana, some courts will not issue an ARD. You should speak with your attorney about all of this. Pennsylvania DUI Fines and Penalties:

In Pennsylvania, DUI prosecutions come with hefty court fees and fines. Your arrest and punishment will depend on your blood alcohol content, or any other substance, at that moment. This includes a fine. If your BAC is unknown or between 0.8% and .10%, you will usually face the lowest-tier DUI charges. You will have a number of requirements to fulfill for the court. You may qualify for Alternative Dispute Resolution (ARD) based on several factors. If not, you might negotiate a plea deal that includes probation, and avoiding jail.

 

Your license will be suspended for a year. If your blood test is 16% or higher, you will be charged in the highest category. It has harsher penalties, including longer jail terms. You will likely have to attend therapy sessions, as the court requires. This is in addition to your prior penalties. Are you charged or arrested for DUI? Get assistance right now! Make sure you retain the services of a skilled DUI attorney if you are arrested for the first time ever. If it happened in Lehigh or Northampton County, hire a good criminal defense attorney. This includes Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, and nearby towns.

 

Don't just plead guilty. Use your lawyer's experience to plan your next move. Learn to craft strong responses. Identify which defenses apply to your case. Get in contact withAttorney Kathryn Roberts right now to find out more about your choices.