Facing a DUI in Pennsylvania

Being charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) in Pennsylvania is a serious matter that can impact your life in ways you may not expect. From the loss of your driver’s license to possible jail time, fines, probation, and long-term consequences for your career, a DUI conviction can follow you for years. That is why it is critical to understand your rights, your options, and the importance of working with an experienced DUI defense lawyer.

At Allentown Criminal Law, attorney Kathryn Roberts has over 25 years of experience defending clients facing DUI charges. She has handled hundreds of cases, many of which went all the way to trial, and knows how to challenge the prosecution’s evidence at every stage.

What Is Considered a DUI in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, you can be charged with a DUI if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is .08% or higher. But it doesn’t end there—you can also be charged if police believe you were impaired by drugs, prescribed medications, or even a combination of alcohol and medication.

Pennsylvania also has an “implied consent” law. If you refuse to give a blood or breath sample when asked, your license can be automatically suspended, even if you are never convicted of DUI. This makes it especially important to consult with a lawyer right away after your arrest.

What the Prosecution Must Prove

The burden is always on the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. You are not required to prove your innocence. In DUI cases, the District Attorney must show:

  • That you were driving or in control of a motor vehicle

  • That you were under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or both

  • That your impairment made it unsafe for you to drive

The standard of “reasonable doubt” is key. If the jury has hesitation about whether the government sufficiently proved its case, they are required by law to find you not guilty.

The DUI Court Process

A DUI case in Pennsylvania goes through several stages:

  1. Preliminary Hearing – This is where a magistrate judge determines if there is probable cause to move your case forward. It is not a trial, but it sets the foundation for your defense.

  2. Discovery and Pretrial Motions – Your lawyer will request evidence such as police reports, video recordings, lab results, and witness statements. In many cases, there are motions to suppress evidence if police violated your rights during the stop, search, or arrest.

  3. Negotiation with the District Attorney – Many cases are resolved through negotiations, where an experienced attorney may reduce charges or penalties.

  4. Trial – If no agreement is reached, your case will go to trial. A jury will listen to witnesses, review the evidence, and decide if the government met its burden of proof.

Why Experience Matters in DUI Defense

Choosing a DUI attorney is not just about years in practice—it is about real trial experience. Just like you wouldn’t want a surgeon who has only studied surgery but never performed one, you need a lawyer who has successfully handled DUI cases in front of a jury.

Attorney Kathryn Roberts has conducted more than 116 jury trials to verdict. This depth of experience means she knows how to cross-examine police officers, challenge the accuracy of chemical tests, and present compelling defenses to juries.

Protecting Your Future

A DUI charge can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to face it alone. The sooner you contact an experienced DUI defense attorney, the more options you have for protecting your rights. From challenging the legality of the stop to negotiating reduced penalties, there are strategies that can make a significant difference in your case.

At Allentown Criminal Law, Kathryn Roberts is committed to fighting for her clients every step of the way. Whether your case involves a first-time DUI or a more serious situation involving an accident or repeat offense, you deserve strong legal representation.

Call Today for a Free Consultation

If you are facing a DUI in Pennsylvania, don’t wait until it’s too late. Every stage of your case matters, and quick action can preserve defenses that might otherwise be lost.

Contact Kathryn Roberts at 484-695-7023 or visit Allentown Criminal Law to schedule your consultation today.

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