DUI Defense Lawyers Serving the Pittsburgh Area
Giving you options after you’ve been accused of drunk driving
The consequences of driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs can severely impact your personal and professional life. When you're accused of drunk driving, a knowledgeable lawyer in western Pennsylvania can help you understand the charges against you and any options you might have to get them reduced or dropped completely. Immediately after your arrest, the legal team at Bowers & Fawcett, LLC, a law firm serving Beaver County and the surrounding areas, can provide valuable assistance.
Penalties for DUIs in Pennsylvania
The penalties for a drunk driving conviction depend on a number of factors, including your driving and criminal histories, and your blood alcohol level. The following is a summary of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's guidelines for DUI convictions. This summary does not include counseling and treatment requirements and is not a substitute for obtaining advice from an attorney:
- First offense: As an ungraded misdemeanor, a first offense DUI carries a maximum penalty of 6 months in jail, a $5,000.00 fine and a 12-month loss of license.
- Second offense: A second DUI in Pennsylvania will be graded as either an ungraded misdemeanor or misdemeanor of the 1st degree, depending on your blood alcohol level. The maximum penalty can be anywhere between 6 months and 5 years in jail, a $10,000.00 fine and an 18 month license suspension.
- Third offense: A third DUI offense will be graded as either a 2nd or 1st degree misdemeanor, depending on your blood alcohol level. The maximum penalty can be anywhere from 2 to 5 years in jail, a $10,000.00 fine, and an 18 month loss of license.
- Fourth and subsequent offense: A fourth of subsequent offense is a 1st degree misdemeanor and carries a maximum penalty of 5 years in jail, a $10,000.00 fine and an 18-month license suspension.
It's important to note that there may be mandatory minimum sentences in addition to the maximum penalty and that the specific penalties you face will depend on your blood alcohol content (BAC) and your past conviction history. You also may face more severe consequences if driving while on drugs causing an accident that results in the injury or death of another person, or other aggravating circumstances or charges.
Do I really need a DUI attorney?
Because of the seriousness of the charges and implications a conviction may have on your reputation and ability to make a living, it is crucial that you speak to an attorney. A DUI attorney from Bowers & Fawcett, LLC can explain the law and make sure that your rights have not been violated. We can investigate and potentially challenge the following issue:
- BAC tests. BAC equipment can be faulty and produces misleading test results on a regular basis. Additionally, people issuing the test must have the proper certification to ensure valid test results. Not all police officers are certified.
- Reason for the stop. Law enforcement officers must have reasonable suspicion that criminal activity has occurred in order to stop you. If they lack reasonable suspicion, the traffic stop and all evidence obtained thereafter may be suppressed.
Speak with an experienced drunk driving defense lawyer right away
If you’ve been arrested for drunk driving in Beaver County or the Pittsburgh area, you need an attorney you can trust to explore all of your legal options. At Bowers & Fawcett, LLC, we serve individuals throughout western Pennsylvania from our office in Ambridge, which is located just off State Rte. 65. To set up your free initial consultation, call us at 724.266.0290 or contact us online.