Combatting DUI Offenses

Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense in Pennsylvania, with various types of charges and penalties depending on the specifics of the case. A conviction can threaten your ability to drive or keep your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). When your future is at stake in your charges, let a skilled criminal defense team fight for your best interests.

At PA CDL Law, we defend the trucking community against their DUI charges. As we represent you throughout your case, we will explore all available options for overcoming your charges while helping you make sense of them.

Common Forms Of DUI Offenses

Pennsylvania law categorizes DUI offenses based on the driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC) and whether it’s a first offense DUI or a repeat offense. The state uses a tier system to determine penalties:

• General impairment (BAC .08% to .099%): This is the lowest tier of DUI charges and typically results in lesser penalties.
• High BAC (BAC .10% to .159%): More severe than general impairment, this tier involves stricter DUI penalties.
• Highest BAC (BAC .16% and above): The most severe category, with the toughest penalties.
• DUI for minors (BAC .02% and above): Special category for drivers under 21.
• Commercial drivers (BAC .04% and above): Lower BAC threshold due to the nature of their job.

The consequences you could face depend on the nature of your specific charges, but they often can include license suspension, jail time, fines, probation requirements, and mandatory participation in alcohol treatment programs or alcohol highway safety school. A first-offense DUI may have lighter consequences, but can make future offenses more severe, which is why you still need to treat every charge seriously.

You can refuse a breathalyzer or other test, but it can also result in automatic license suspension and other penalties, as it violates Pennsylvania’s implied consent law.

Why You Need Skilled Representation

Navigating DUI charges can be daunting, but a skilled DUI attorney can help you fight these charges effectively. We can pursue defenses against your charges by reviewing the traffic stop legality, probable cause, or police procedures. Our team can also review the evidence in your case, including breathalyzer and blood test results, to spot any weaknesses in calibration records or chain of custody issues.

As your legal representation, we will be by your side through every step of your defense, including the preliminary hearing, arraignment, and pretrial motions. We can also explore other options for reducing the stakes of your case, such as through plea bargaining, participation in the ARD program, or criminal record expungement.

DUI Insights About Your Case

Many of our clients have questions about their DUI charges, and we have answers to them, including:

How does Pennsylvania punish first-time DUI offenses?

First-time DUI offenses in Pennsylvania typically fall under the general impairment category, which can result in consequences from a conviction, such as possible license suspension, fines, mandatory attendance at an alcohol highway safety school, and potential probation requirements. There may be no jail time for a first offense, but a higher BAC increases the chances of incarceration.

Can I refuse a breathalyzer test in Pennsylvania, and what happens if I do?

While you can refuse a breathalyzer test, doing so triggers automatic penalties under Pennsylvania’s implied consent law, which will suspend your license for a year. This refusal can also severely harm your defense in your case.

What effects can a DUI conviction have on my personal life?

A DUI conviction can have several collateral consequences. A conviction can impact your ability to gain or keep employment. You may also experience higher insurance premiums, as well as damaged relationships with friends and family.

Build A Defense For Your Future Today

The sooner you reach out to a skilled DUI attorney, the sooner you can begin acting in your own best interests. If you are facing DUI charges, it is crucial to seek legal assistance promptly. Call our Scranton office at 570-904-8272 or email us here to schedule your initial consultation today.