Pennsylvania DUI DAI Defense Lawyer
For some people, a DUI arrest is their first encounter with law enforcement. A DUI is a criminal offense for Driving while under the influence or Driving after Imbibing (DAI). This can be overwhelming for many people, especially those unfamiliar with Pennsylvania DUI laws. Ciccarelli lawyers provides a team of skilled Dui Defense attorneys with over 25 years of combined DUI defense experience. Rely on the Ciccarelli Lawyers to explain Pennsylvania's complex DUI Laws and Penalties and to map out a strategy to avoid the worst possible scenario. Pennsylvania DUI laws can be quite complex, especially after the changes in DUI/DAI laws in 2004:
• General impairment: Individuals with blood alcohol content (BAC) levels of .08 - .099 will be charged with general impairment DAI - which is an ungraded misdemeanor offense for first and second offense and is a second degree misdemeanor for third offense.
• High BAC: Individuals with a BAC of .10 - .159 will be charged with high BAC DAI - which is an ungraded misdemeanor for first and second offense and is a first-degree misdemeanor for third and fourth offense or greater.
• Underage DUI/DAI: Teens or other underage drivers with a BAC of .02 or greater will face drunk driving charges under Pennsylvania DUI laws. The penalties for underage drunk driving correspond with the penalties for high BAC.
• Drunk driving crash with injuries: When a drunk driver is involved in an accident resulting in injuries, the driver will face DUI/DAI charges corresponding to the penalties for high BAC, even if their BAC levels were in the .08 - .099 range.
• Other high BAC offenses: Additionally, commercial drivers with a BAC of .04 or higher, and school bus drivers with a BAC of .02 or higher will face DUI charges as if their BAC levels were in the high BAC range.
• Highest BAC: Individuals with a BAC of .16 or higher will be charged with highest BAC DAI - which is an ungraded misdemeanor for first offense and is a first-degree misdemeanor for second and third offenses or greater.
• DUI drugs: Drivers who test positive for any measurable amount of controlled substance in their system will face a charge for DUI drugs that will result in penalties for the highest level BAC
• Breath test refusal: In addition to an automatic one year driver's license revocation and a mandatory three days in jail, anyone who refuses to submit to a chemical test will face charges for the highest BAC levels
In addition to facing increased DUI penalties for higher blood alcohol content levels, Pennsylvania DUI/DAI laws provide aggravated penalties for repeat DUI offenses within a 10-year period. Although all alcohol offenses in Pennsylvania are misdemeanors (ranging from ungraded misdemeanors to second- and first-degree misdemeanors), people facing charges for ungraded misdemeanor offenses are not entitled to a jury trial.
Committed to Helping You Avoid the Worst Possible Scenario
While there are no guarantees in criminal defense law, understanding your rights and the legal options available to you can improve your chances when defending yourself from charges of dui, drunk driving, driving while intoxicated. As a criminal defense attorney with years of experience in our criminal justice system, I understand how to negotiate with the court, how to identify questionable police conduct and suspicious testimony, and prevent clients from making certain kinds of mistakes.
Gain the over 25 years of combined DUI Criminal Law experience from the Ciccarelli Legal Team. Contact Lee Ciccarelli and the Ciccarelli Law Offices Criminal Defense Team to discuss your problem, to confidentially and professionally discuss your DUI charges, arrest, and legal issues facing you and your family. We have an attorney on call 24/7. Contact us online or by phone at 888-643-0006 for a free consultation.
