DUIPennsylvania DUI laws are draconian. For a first offense, you face penalties that include 48 hours in jail (72 hours if you refuse the breath test), thousands of dollars in fines, and a 12-month suspension of your driver's license. Anyone who is arrested for drunk driving should contact a lawyer as soon as possible to counsel them about their rights and what outcome they can reasonably achieve.
First-time offenders in Pennsylvania who have no prior criminal or DUI or DWI convictions may be eligible for Accelerated Rehabilitation Disposition (ARD). Effectively, ARD allows you one strike when it comes to DUI. If you are accepted for ARD, the DUI charge doesn't go on your public record. While you would have to pay a fine and lose points on your driver's license, you will not lose your driver's license. Generally you can receive ARD as a first-time offender if there are no other crimes or incidents connected with the DUI arrest, such as an auto accident. You will need an attorney to guide you through the ARD administrative process.
Obtaining a favorable outcome in a second- or higher-offense drunk-driving case requires an attorney who not only understands the law, but also has the scientific resources to challenge technical evidence such as breathalyzer test results.
The criminal defense lawyers at Hamburg, Rubin, Mullin, Maxwell & Lupin are experienced at handling the ARD process for first-time offenders, as well as defending people who have prior DUI convictions. One of our attorneys is a former assistant district attorney who prosecuted DUI cases for five years.
Contact HRMM&L to set up an appointment.
At HRMM&L, it's about the result.
