Whether referred to as driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI), operating a motor vehicle after drinking alcohol is risky behavior. Pennsylvania has strict laws for drunk driving and a DUI conviction can carry a mandatory jail sentence, fines, and a license suspension. There are possible defenses to DUI / DWI charges as well as ways to reduce the charges and avoid some, if not all, of the penalties. Acting quickly is the best way to protect your rights.
At Munley, Munley, & Cartwright, P.C. we understand that being charged with a crime is a serious matter with serious consequences. As criminal defense attorneys with more than 50 years of experience in the state of Pennsylvania, we are ready to provide you with the strongest defense possible, starting with an evaluation of the circumstances surrounding the appropriateness of the traffic stop. We have helped countless people charged with DUI / DWI get their lives back on track.
To get started, contact us by calling 1-800-318-LAW1 or by filling out our online form. We have several offices to serve you including locations in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre.
DUI / DWI in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, a person is legally intoxicated and may be arrested and charged with DUI / DWI if their blood alcohol content (BAC) is more than 0.08. Pennsylvania has lower BAC limits for commercial drivers (0.04) and has a "zero tolerance" for drivers under the age of 21. Regardless of BAC, drivers can be stopped and cited for impaired driving due to alcohol or other drugs.
Once a motorist has been stopped, law enforcement officials have a number of legal methods of determining whether a driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The most well-known is the "breathalyzer" test. The driver is asked to breathe into a device that determines a person's BAC. Under Pennsylvania's implied consent law, if you refuse to submit to a chemical test of your blood, breath, or urine when requested by a police officer who reasonably suspects that you are under the influence of alcohol, you are considered guilty of a DUI and your license will be suspended.
Pennsylvania has a strict sentencing structure for DUI / DWI offenses. The first time you are arrested and convicted for drunk driving, you will receive 6 months probation and a $300 fine if your BAC was between 0.08-0.99. If your BAC was from 0.10-0.159, you will face 6 months or less in prison, a fine from $500-$5,000, and a 12 month driver's license suspension. If your BAC was above 0.16, you will face 6 months or less in prison, a fine from $1,000-$5,000, and a 12 month driver's license suspension. It is possible that a license suspension will be reduced to a restricted license after 60 days of original suspension. The penalties are much stricter for second and third offenses.
Contact a DUI / DWI Lawyer Today!
The laws governing DUI / DWI are complex and change constantly. Nevertheless, you can trust that the Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania DUI attorneys at Munley, Munley, & Cartwright, P.C. will stay informed of the latest developments. We are also experienced in handling other traffic offenses including speeding, driving with a suspended or revoked license, and reckless driving. Our Scranton PA DUI attorneys are committed to our clients and have several offices to serve you including locations in Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Harrisburg, Stroudsburg, Carbondale, Plains, Hazleton, and Hamlin.
Talking with an attorney as soon as possible after you have been charged is the only way to ensure that you have the best defense and the most legal options. Protect yourself by calling us at 1-800-318-LAW1 or contacting us through our online form.
