DUI/DWI

Drinking and driving is illegal in the state of Pennsylvania. You may be charged with drinking and driving whenever your blood alcohol level is above .08. If you are showing obvious signs of intoxication/ impairment and/or if you are on drugs at the time when you are driving, you may also be charged with DUI/DWI.

DUI/DWI are a serious matter. Not only are you facing misdemeanor or even felony charges, but you will also lose your driver’s license. The loss of your license, potential jail time and fines can have a major impact on your life. It is very important to get help from an experienced Pennsylvania criminal defense lawyer if you have been accused of driving while impaired or driving under the influence. The criminal defense firm of Lawrence R. Dworkin has represented countless clients accused of a DUI or DWI and we can put the legal knowledge and skills we’ve acquired to work for you in your case.

Pennsylvania DUI/DWI Laws and Charges

First time DUI offenders typically face misdemeanor charges and may be able to avoid jail time or serve a minimal jail sentence. However, even a first-time offender is going to be subject to a DMV suspension of his/her driver’s license as well as court action and a potential criminal record. If you are a repeat DUI offender, then the jail sentences become longer, the license suspension becomes longer and the fines become larger. Certain other aggravating factors such as a very high blood alcohol content (BAC) or having a minor in the car with you at the time of your DUI can also result in more serious penalties being assessed.

If you are facing DUI charges, a criminal defense lawyer can help. Your criminal defense lawyer can assist you with:

• DUI Defense. We can help you to raise defenses for both alcohol and drug charges so you can potentially avoid conviction.
• Suspended licenses. We can represent you in DMV hearings and argue for a hardship license or for the suspension to be lifted.
• Traffic tickets. A DUI is more than just a traffic crime, but we can assist you with the citation you receive from the police as well as with any other traffic offenses you may be charged with.
• Underage drinking cases. Because of Pennsylvania’s zero tolerance laws, teens can be considered guilty of DUI even when they are below the legal limit of .08 if they have any alcohol in their system.
• Habitual offender cases. If you have repeated DUIs, you face harsher penalties, including the installation of an ignition interlock device, which can be expensive and embarrassing.
• Homicide by vehicle. If you kill someone with your car, then you likely will face felony charges and a much longer jail sentence, often including years of incarceration.

To learn more about how the Pennsylvania criminal defense law firm of Lawrence R. Dworkin can assist you when you have been accused of DUI or DWI, contact us today using our online form or at 610-357-3506.