Put your case in the hands of an experienced Philadelphia DUI Lawyer
Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol (DUI) can prove to be incredibly dangerous and is considered to be illegal in virtually every jurisdiction in the United States. Accidents that involve drugs or alcohol regularly result in devastating injuries or death. In Pennsylvania, a DUI conviction may result in severe penalties, such as the suspension of your driver’s license, fines, and even jail time.
Having more than 25 years of experience, The Law Offices Of Samuel Fishman have in-depth knowledge about how to present defensive arguments in a DUI case. Our Philadelphia DUI lawyers have a stellar reputation and will aggressively represent your case for any DUI offenses.
- Our lawyers will protect your license and against any attempt to revoke it due to being charged with criminal offenses.
- We will examine your case with diligence and review every speck of evidence such as blood tests and other breath test results.
- We are well versed in all aspects of DUI law and will work tirelessly to obtain an acquittal in the DUI charges you face.
- Our legal team cares for our clients by continuously interacting with them and updating them about the case.
Why hire an Attorney in your Driving Under the Influence Case?
If you or someone you love has been accused of driving while intoxicated, you will probably want to retain a criminal defense attorney. Specifically, you will want an attorney who is experienced and qualified in representing these types of cases. Our team of attorneys can fight the criminal charges against you and protect your rights.
We can also explain your case to you and inform you of what penalties you may be facing. Consult one of our experienced Philadelphia DUI Attorneys as they can help to gather important evidence required to strengthen your case.
What is the DUI Process in Philadelphia?
Some of the steps that a police officer may take if you are suspected of DUI are as follows:
- The police officer may identify you by seeing the way you are driving. The officer may analyze whether you are intoxicated or not based on this. The driver will be stopped by the police if they are believed to be driving under the influence.
- When the driver stops the vehicle, the police officer will check whether the driver is intoxicated or not. This can be done by performing tests such as Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs). These tests are based on observation and identification of intoxication that is done on physical, verbal, and visual cues.
- After FSTs, the preliminary tests of breathing may be performed. This will determine if the Blood Alcohol Concentration is within the legal limit or not.
- In most circumstances, it ,depends on the police officer whether they will conduct a blood test or a breathalyzer test, or both.
An experienced DUI attorney may be able to challenge any such evidence.
What are the consequences of driving under the influence in Pennsylvania?
There are 3 tiers of DUI in Pennsylvania:
- General Impairment in which BAC level is between .08 to .099%
- High BAC (.10 to .159% BAC)
- Highest BAC with .16% or higher BAC.
If a law enforcement officer has reason to believe that you have been involved in drunk driving, you may be asked to complete field sobriety tests. If the officer has probable cause that you have been driving under the influence, your license may be seized on the spot and you may be asked to do a breathalyzer test.
The PA implied consent laws require that individuals who operate vehicles on state roads and highways automatically consent to BAC testing, whether done via breath or blood. If you refuse to undergo a test, your license may be suspended for up to 12 months (if it is your first refusal) and there may be hefty fines involved.
Some of the penalties may include:
- Fines
- Community Service
- Mandatory Classes
- Loss of driving privileges
- If the offenses are repeated, it may lead to jail time.
The penalties for DUI may vary depending on different types of DUI such as first time DUI, second time DUI, third time DUI, underage DUI, aggravated DUI, out of state DUI, DUI accident, and extreme DUI. If you may have been in a drunk driving accident in Pennsylvania, reach out to an experienced DUI attorney today.
How Can a Philadelphia DUI Attorney Help You in the Complex Legal Process?
According to Pennsylvania law, “it is unlawful for any person who is under the influence of alcohol or controlled substance to drive, operate or be in actual physical control of the movement of a vehicle.” Therefore, “driving while impaired” (DWI) and DUI terms are often used interchangeably in the state.
Pennsylvania’s legal blood alcohol content (BAC) level for drivers who are age 21 or older is 0.08%. If you have a lower BAC level while driving but appear to be impaired, you may still be charged with and convicted of a DUI. Driving while impaired refers to the manner in which you operate your motor vehicle, rather than your actual BAC level. The threshold is even lower for drivers who are younger than 21. The legal BAC limit for drivers under the age of 21 is 0.02%.
Need Legal Counsel? Contact an experienced DUI Lawyer
Attorneys who represent persons charged with DUI can guide you through the legal process. This may include reviewing your DUI charges, determining which forms to sign, what court dates to attend, and how to prepare yourself for going to court. A skilled DUI attorney can also negotiate on your behalf with any potential consequences such as jail time, license suspension, and fines.
Hiring a Philadelphia DUI lawyer who is well-versed in DUI cases can advise you the best course of action based on your individual circumstances. Schedule a free case evaluation with us to find out how we can protect your future.