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Dispelling DUI Myths

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 14:35:30 GMT

The Pennsylvania State Police report making more than 20,000 arrests annually for driving under the influence (DUI). That does not even count the number arrested by other branches of law enforcement. As these people were pulled over, they were no doubt wondering what they should do. Submit to the field sobriety test or not? Blow or don’t blow? Answer the officer’s questions or stay silent?

If you have been charged with a DUI, you might be wondering what to do next. What you should not do is attempt to navigate the legal process on your own, or believe the myths you have heard about DUIs. A DUI is a serious charge that could permanently affect your life. It is vital that you have all of the facts.

At Law Office of David Downey , I defend clients charged with DUIs in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, as well as Montgomery, Philadelphia, Bucks, Delaware, and Chester counties. I am a tireless advocate for those whose lives could be altered by a DUI conviction.

DUI Charges in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania laws are tough on people driving or being in physical control of a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any controlled substance. In fact, the prosecution needs no proof that you were impaired if your blood alcohol content (BAC) was at least .08%. That percentage alone can result in a DUI conviction.

5 Common Myths & Facts About DUIs

DUI Defense Attorney Serving King of Prussia, Pennsylvania

Believing it is wise to represent yourself is also a myth. Having a criminal record can have a negative effect on your entire life. Even after you have completed your punishment, the DUI conviction remains on your record and could mean losing out on jobs or promotions, causing financial stress, or straining personal relationships. A conviction can also affect things in your life such as custody of your children.

At Law Office of David Downey , I am dedicated to providing the best criminal defense for clients arrested for DUIs in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, as well as Montgomery, Philadelphia, Bucks, Delaware, and Chester counties.

I can help you fight your DUI. Call me today to get started.

Why It's Worth It to Fight Your DUI Charge

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 14:26:29 GMT

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation reported that there were 49,730 DUI arrests across the state in 2018. DUI laws in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prohibit driving or being in actual physical control of a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other controlled substances. An individual convicted of a DUI may be facing severe penalties, including prison sentences, massive fines, and license revocation or suspension.

Fighting the charge can help you avoid severe punishment and other life-altering ramifications that come with a DUI conviction. At Law Office of David Downey , I have the necessary resources, knowledge, and experience to help you fight your drunk driving allegations. As an experienced Pennsylvania DUI defense attorney , I will review and investigate the facts of your case, outline an effective defense strategy, and fight aggressively to protect your rights and driving privileges. My firm represents clients throughout King of Prussia, Delaware County, Montgomery County, and Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania.

Understanding Pennsylvania DUI Laws

Pennsylvania's DUI laws prohibit:

Driving while under the influence of a controlled substance
Being in actual physical control while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Driving in a public place with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of at least .08%

Additionally, Pennsylvania's Zero Tolerance Law ensures that any person under the age of 21 convicted of a DUI will face severe penalties.

Possible Penalties for a DUI

If convicted of drunk driving in Pennsylvania, potential penalties include:

First Offense : Six months of probation, a fine of up to $300, or both
Second Offense : Five days to six months in jail, a fine of between $300 and $2,500, and a 12-month license suspension
Third Offense : Ten days to two years in jail, a fine of between $500 and $5,000, and a 12-month license suspension

Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition Program

A person convicted of a DUI for the first time is eligible to enter into the alternative program for a reduced penalty. The defendant is required to complete:

An alcohol and drug evaluation and recommended treatment
An alcohol highway safety school program
A reduced driver's license suspension period
Court supervision for a period of six to 12 months
Once you have completed the requirements of the ARD program successfully, your DUI charge can be dismissed.

Other Consequences of a DUI

In addition to jail time, fines, and license suspensions, there are other devastating, long-term consequences of a DUI conviction, including:

Driver's license revocation
Exorbitant auto insurance premiums
Future employment difficulties due to a comprehensive background check
Both personal and professional relationships will be adversely affected
Scholarship programs may be denied or revoked
Difficulties in securing education or professional opportunities

As a result of the serious nature of the punishment and life-altering ramifications, it is important that you fight your DUI charge. An experienced DUI defense attorney can review your case and outline a strong defense strategy.

Defenses Against a DUI Charge

When facing a DUI charge in Pennsylvania, possible defenses include:

The testing wasn't done in accordance with state DUI laws
Unlawful arrest (the arresting officer didn't advise of rights, there was no probable cause, etc.)
Unlawful stop by law enforcement
Claiming your driving wasn't impaired by drugs or alcohol
The arresting officers didn't follow proper procedure or due diligence
There were extenuating circumstances that falsely inflated your BAC level
You felt you were intimidated into taking a field sobriety test
Blood or urine samples were compromised or contaminated
Improper calibration of the breathalyzer or breath test kit

Why You Need an Experienced Attorney

Due to the serious nature of the potential consequences, defending yourself against DUI charges without experienced representation can expose you to the possibility of receiving the maximum penalties. When facing drunk driving charges, working with an aggressive and highly-skilled Pennsylvania criminal defense attorney is crucial to protect your rights and strategize your defense.

I am devoted to providing comprehensive representation in DUI cases. As your legal counsel, I can evaluate all the details of your case and help you develop your defense. I will fight aggressively to defend your rights and ensure that you receive fair treatment in every phase of the legal process.

Having me on your side can improve your chances of receiving the best available outcome in your drunk driving case. Contact my firm — Law Office of David Downey — today to schedule a free case assessment with a skilled DUI defense attorney. I'm proud to represent clients throughout King of Prussia, Delaware County, Montgomery County, and Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania. Call me today to get the representation you need.

Frequently Asked Questions About DUIs

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 14:04:03 GMT

According to the latest statistics from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, there were 49,730 arrests for driving under the influence (DUI) across the state in 2018. Of those arrests, 9,811 were involved in alcohol-related vehicular crashes, resulting in 331 fatalities.

With such alarmingly high numbers, it’s important to remember how easy it is to make a mistake and get caught driving under the influence. If you’ve just been charged with a DUI for the first time, you may be wondering what you should do next. Go it alone? Even if you hire an attorney, the result will be the same, right?

You may want to simply accept the charges just to put the whole experience behind you, but with an attorney at your side from the very beginning, the chances of getting a reduced sentence or having the charges dismissed entirely increase dramatically. Remember, a DUI conviction will stay on your public record forever. This means that future employers, family, and friends can all access it.

If you’ve been charged with a DUI in or around King of Prussia or the surrounding counties of Philadelphia, Montgomery, Bucks, Delaware, or Chester, contact me, attorney David Downey, at Law Office of David Downey . I have handled countless DUI cases for individuals just like you, and I will fight aggressively to protect your rights and pursue the best possible outcome for your case.

Frequently Asked DUI Questions

Remember that a blood alcohol content (BAC) level of .08 percent or higher is enough to be considered a driving under the influence (DUI) offense. If your BAC level is higher than that, the penalties for your DUI can rise dramatically. This is why it’s important to understand Pennsylvania DUI laws and how they can impact your case. Here are some other common questions that are important to consider:

WORK WITH AN EXPERIENCE CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY

As many individuals have learned the hard way, a DUI conviction will stick with you for a lifetime, affecting not only your personal and professional life, but also your freedom to navigate the highways and byways of Pennsylvania as well.

As an experienced DUI defense attorney, I am proud to serve clients in and around King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, and the surrounding areas, including Philadelphia County, Montgomery County, Bucks County, Delaware County, and Chester County. If you or someone you know has been arrested and charged with a DUI, call me immediately at Law Office of David Downey . I will provide reliable legal guidance and representation through every step of the legal process — and I’ll do everything I can to help you reach the best possible outcome for your case.