Arrested for DUI in PA? What You Need to Know (Part 1)
Now that autumn has arrived and the holidays are approaching, the topic of DUI cases invariably arises among our friends, family and clients. In the coming weeks, we will address a series of common issues and questions that we are often asked regarding drunk driving cases in Pennsylvania.
DUI arrests throughout Pennsylvania are common. This is particularly true throughout the fall and winter, when people often gather for holiday parties and family events. Last year, the PA State Police arrested over 17,000 people for DUI, an increase of 5% from 2009.
What can you do when a person is charged with a DUI in PA? The driver was over the legal limit and the police have the blood or breath test results.
At the core of our criminal justice system is the fundamental philosophy that people are innocent until their guilt is sufficiently proven by the government. One of the most important responsibilities of a PA criminal defense lawyer is to ensure that the PA State Police, county District Attorney and other government representatives do their job properly and in compliance with the law. Everything related to an arrest must be legal. If there is any element that is questionable, improper or illegal, a skilled PA DUI lawyer will use that to improve his or her client’s position.
In most Pennsylvania counties, including Montgomery, Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Philadelphia, there is a special program for first-time DUI offenders. The program, commonly called Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD), exists to lessen the overall impact of a DUI charge for those who qualify. This may mean no jail time, lower fines, and a more lenient PA driver’s license suspension. An experienced Pennsylvania DUI lawyer is familiar with these county programs and will help qualified clients to follow the proper procedures to gain acceptance and complete the program successfully.
A good PA DUI attorney always works in his or her client’s best interest; however, defending a Pennsylvania DUI charge does not necessarily call for going to trial and fighting for an acquittal. While there are certainly circumstances that call for this course of action, for many people, especially first-time offenders, the best legal strategy is to reduce the client’s exposure and lessen the overall impact of the charge on the client’s life.
If you or someone you know has been pulled over and arrested for driving under the influence in PA, you need answers from someone you can trust. Dealing with a drunk driving charge in Pennsylvania is extremely stressful. You need an experienced DUI lawyer to guide you through the process, remove much of this stress from your life and utilize knowledge and resources to put you in the best position possible at the end of this ordeal.
The Martin Law Firm has an impressive record of success with DUI cases. We have helped many clients gain acceptance into and successfully complete the ARD programs, often resulting in the expungement of the DUI charges from the person’s criminal record. Our goal is always to eliminate or minimize the PA DUI penalties that our clients face, including jail time, burdensome license suspensions, fines and costs. Call The Martin Law Firm today for a free consultation – 215-646-3980.
Jason B. Martin is a Pennsylvania attorney and the founder of The Martin Law Firm, P.C., located in Blue Bell, Montgomery County, PA. Visit our home page to view our practice areas, and contact The Martin Law Firm today for a free consultation.