Top DUI Lawyers in Pennsylvania

DUI Arrests in Pennsylvania

In recent years, Pennsylvania has seen a decline in the number of DUI arrests. According to data from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, there were 44,531 DUI arrests in the state in 2021, which is a significant increase from the 40,237 DUI arrests made in 2020. This increase in DUI arrests can be attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic, as there were fewer people on the road due to lockdowns and restrictions.

However, despite the decrease in DUI arrests, Pennsylvania still has a high rate of DUI incidents compared to other states. In fact, according to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Pennsylvania has the 14th highest rate of alcohol-related fatalities in the US. This is a cause for concern and underscores the importance of cracking down on drunk driving in the state.

Penalties for DUI in Pennsylvania

The penalties for DUI in Pennsylvania vary depending on the driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC) at the time of the offense and the number of previous DUI convictions on their record. In Pennsylvania, it is illegal to drive with a BAC of 0.08% or higher, or with any amount of drugs in your system that impairs your ability to drive safely.

First Offense DUI:

• A fine of up to $300
• 6 months of probation
• Completion of an alcohol highway safety school
• Attendance at a victim impact panel
• Participation in drug and alcohol treatment

Second Offense DUI:

• A fine of up to $2,500
• 6 months to 2 years of jail time
• 12 months of license suspension
• Participation in drug and alcohol treatment
• Installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) on your vehicle

For a third DUI offense or more, the penalties become even more severe, including longer jail time, higher fines, and longer license suspensions.

How a Pennsylvania DUI Lawyer Can Help

There are several ways that a Pennsylvania DUI lawyer can help you beat a DUI charge:

1. Review the evidence: A skilled DUI attorney can examine the evidence against you and determine whether it was obtained lawfully. They can also identify any flaws in the evidence that could potentially weaken the prosecution’s case.
2. Challenge the breathalyzer test: Breathalyzer tests are commonly used to measure a driver’s BAC, but they are not always accurate. A DUI attorney can challenge the results of the breathalyzer test by questioning the calibration of the device, the qualifications of the person administering the test, or other factors that could affect the accuracy of the results.
3. Negotiate a plea bargain: In some cases, it may be in your best interest to negotiate a plea bargain with the prosecution. A DUI lawyer can work to negotiate a plea bargain that reduces your charges or penalties.

If you have been charged with DUI in Pennsylvania, it is crucial to get legal help from an experienced Pennsylvania DUI lawyer. An attorney who specializes in DUI cases can help you navigate the legal process, protect your rights, and work to get your charges reduced or dismissed.