Greater Philadelphia DUI Lawyer
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Experienced DUI Defense in The Greater Philadelphia Region
Getting arrested for drunk driving can leave you overwhelmed and confused about what to do next, but a good DUI lawyer can help you take control of your situation. At Conway Schadler, we represent individuals in the Greater Philadelphia area who are facing DUI charges and don’t know where to turn.
Whether this is your first DUI arrest or you’re dealing with a repeat DUI offense, we will carefully examine the details of your case, challenge the evidence, and uncover any violations made by law enforcement officers during the traffic stop or DUI testing. Our criminal defense attorneys focus on protecting your rights and helping you avoid the harsh criminal penalties that come with a DUI conviction.
Call 484-997-2040 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation with an experienced Pennsylvania DUI attorney today.
Understanding Pennsylvania DUI Laws
If you face a driving under the influence charge in Pennsylvania, you should understand how DUI laws work in our state. Pennsylvania uses a tiered system to determine the severity of a DUI offense, based on your blood alcohol content (BAC) at the time of your arrest.
The penalties you may face depend on how high your BAC was, whether you refused a breath or blood test, and whether you have any prior drunk driving charges. An experienced DUI defense lawyer can help you understand what you’re up against and build a strong defense strategy on your behalf.
Pennsylvania’s Three-Tier System for DUI Cases
Pennsylvania DUI charges are grouped into three categories based on your blood alcohol content (BAC) and other circumstances surrounding the arrest.
Tier 1: General Impairment
- BAC level of 0.08% to 0.099%
- You show signs of being under the influence, even if your BAC is close to the legal limit.
- A police officer believes you are incapable of safely driving, regardless of your BAC.
Tier 2: High BAC
- BAC level of 0.10% to 0.159%
- You show signs of impairment during a traffic stop, such as slurred speech, poor coordination, or erratic driving.
- You fail field sobriety tests or submit to breath or blood tests that place you above the legal limit.
Tier 3: Highest BAC
- BAC Level of 0.16% +
- You refuse to take a chemical test (breath, blood, or urine test) when requested by law enforcement. A refusal is treated just as seriously as having a BAC of 0.16% or higher.
- Authorities accuse you of driving under the influence of drugs, including prescription medications, illegal drugs, or a combination of substances that impair your ability to drive.
DUI Charges and Penalties in Greater Philadelphia
The penalties for a DUI conviction in Pennsylvania can vary widely depending on your blood alcohol content (BAC) level and whether you have prior DUI offenses. To help you better understand what’s at stake, the table below outlines how DUI charges are classified and the possible consequences under each tier.
Tier | No Prior DUI Offenses | 1 Prior DUI Offense | 2 or More Prior DUI Offenses |
Tier 1: General Impairment (0.08%–0.099% BAC or impaired w/o BAC) | ungraded misdemeanor up to 6 mo. probation $300 fine alcohol highway safety school alcohol abuse treatment (when ordered) 1 yr. ignition interlock device | ungraded misdemeanor 12 mo. license suspension 5 days to 6 mo. jail time $300 to $2,500 fine alcohol highway safety school treatment (when ordered) 1 yr. ignition interlock | 2nd degree misdemeanor 12 mo. license suspension 10 days to 2 yrs. in prison $500 to $5,000 fine treatment (when ordered) 1 yr. ignition interlock |
Tier 2: High BAC | ungraded misdemeanor 12 mo. license suspension 48 hrs. to 6 mo. in prison $500 to $5,000 fine alcohol highway safety school alcohol abuse treatment (when ordered) 1 yr. ignition interlock device | ungraded misdemeanor 12 mo. suspension 30 days to 6 mo. in prison $750 to $5,000 fine alcohol highway safety school treatment (when ordered) 1 yr. ignition interlock | 1st degree misdemeanor 18 mo. license suspension 90 days to 5 yrs. in prison $1,500 to $10,000 fine treatment (when ordered) 1 yr. ignition interlock |
Tier 3: Highest BAC (0.16%+, chemical test refusal, or drug DUI) | ungraded misdemeanor 12 mo. license suspension 72 hrs. to 6 mo. in prison $1,000 to $5,000 fine alcohol highway safety school alcohol abuse treatment (when ordered) 1 yr. ignition interlock device | 1st degree misdemeanor 18 mo. license suspension 90 days to 5 yrs. in prison $1,500 to $10,00 fine alcohol highway safety school treatment (when ordered) 1 yr. ignition interlock | 1st degree misdemeanor 18 mo. license suspension 1 to 5 years in prison $2,500 to $10,000 treatment (when ordered) 1 yr. ignition interlock |
In some DUI cases, aggravating factors, such as causing an accident or having a minor in the vehicle, can lead to harsher penalties beyond what is shown in the table. These situations may give the district attorney more reason to pursue tougher consequences, making it even more important to speak with a Pennsylvania DUI lawyer right away.
DUI Cases Our Criminal Defense Attorneys Handle in Pennsylvania
DUI laws in Pennsylvania cover a wide range of situations, and each case requires a defense strategy based on the facts. Our Eagleville, PA, criminal defense attorneys represent individuals facing all types of DUI charges across Montgomery County. No matter the circumstances of your DUI case, our law firm is here to help.
Alcohol-Related DUI Cases
Most DUI charges in Pennsylvania involve alcohol. These cases are typically based on chemical tests, field sobriety tests, or observations made by a police officer during a traffic stop. Our DUI lawyers carefully review every detail, including whether the arresting officer followed proper procedures and whether the DUI testing was reliable.
Drug-Related DUI Cases
A drug-related DUI doesn’t require a specific BAC level. Instead, it’s based on whether drugs impaired your ability to drive safely. These cases often rely on blood test results and the observations of police officers during the arrest. These offenses fall under Tier 3 and may be subject to harsher penalties, especially if it’s a second or third DUI or involves serious traffic violations. With years of experience handling drug-related DUI cases, our defense attorneys understand how to challenge the evidence and protect your legal rights.
Refusal to Submit Breath or Blood Tests
Refusing to take a breath or blood test during a DUI arrest can lead to serious consequences under Pennsylvania’s implied consent laws. A test refusal automatically places your case in the highest BAC tier, regardless of your actual blood alcohol content level. This can result in an automatic license suspension and other severe penalties. Our law firm works to investigate the DUI testing process and determine if your refusal was lawful or if the arresting officer violated your rights.
Underage and Commercial DUIs
Pennsylvania has strict DUI laws for underage drivers and those with commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs). Drivers under 21 can face a DUI charge with a BAC as low as 0.02%, while commercial drivers can be penalized for a BAC of 0.04% or higher. These charges can affect your criminal record, driver’s license, and job status. Our law firm is here to help underage drivers, CDL holders, and their families handle the legal process and work toward the best outcome possible.
How Our Greater Philadelphia DUI Lawyers Build a Strong DUI Defense
When you’re facing a DUI charge, you need a clear plan to protect your future. At Conway Schadler, our DUI lawyers take the time to understand every detail of your criminal case so we can build the strongest defense possible. We look closely at the evidence, examine the actions of law enforcement, and explore every legal option to help you avoid harsh penalties, protect your driver’s license, and reduce the impact on your life.
Challenge the Validity of Chemical Tests
One of the most important parts of any DUI case is the chemical test used to measure your blood alcohol content (BAC). Whether it’s a blood test, breath test, or urine test, these results can be questioned. Mistakes in test calibration, improper handling of samples, or issues with the chain of custody can render the results unreliable. A skilled DUI attorney will identify these issues and work to suppress evidence that was collected or processed improperly.
Question Police Procedures
The actions of the arresting officer are critical in any DUI case. If the traffic stop was made without a valid reason or the officer lacked probable cause, your legal rights may have been violated. The officer may have also failed to follow legal steps, like reading your Miranda rights after your arrest. Our team reviews police reports and video footage to find errors that could lead to a dismissal of your criminal case.
Negotiate for Reduced Charges or ARD Program
For some first-time offenders, Pennsylvania offers the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program. This program enables eligible individuals to avoid a criminal record, provided they fulfill specific requirements, such as completing alcohol abuse treatment and community service.
A DUI attorney from our law office can speak with the district attorney to negotiate your entry into ARD or push for reduced charges when possible. This option can be especially helpful if you were not in actual physical control of the vehicle at the time of arrest or if there are weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Greater Philadelphia DUI Attorney Today
If you’ve been charged with driving under the influence in Pennsylvania, don’t wait to get the legal help you need. The DUI attorneys at Conway Schadler are here to guide you through your criminal case, protect your rights, and build a strong DUI defense.
We understand how much a DUI conviction can affect your career, reputation, and future opportunities. Call 484-997-2040 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation today.
