Being arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) is a scary ordeal. For many, a DUI arrest in Akron is the first time they’ve ever been to jail. However, the drama doesn’t end once you’re released. After your initial arrest, you’re probably left wondering whether you’ll lose your license, how to defend your case, and what happens next. The entire process can be overwhelming. While the facts and circumstances of every DUI charge are different, our Akron PA DUI lawyers can help.
What Are The Penalties For DUI Conviction In Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania uses a sliding scale when assessing penalties for DUI, and the penalties you face depend largely on whether it’s your first offense and how high your blood alcohol content (BAC) is. For example, first-time offenders, i.e., those who haven’t been arrested for DUI within the past 10 years, with a low blood alcohol content, face a fine of up to $300 and a maximum of 6 months probation. Penalties for repeat offenders or first-time offenders with a high BAC can increase to a $10,000 fine, 5 years imprisonment, participation in mandatory, court-ordered classes, and suspension of their driver’s license for 18 months. Other factors can increase the penalties and fines for DUI.
What Is The Importance Of Retaining Our Akron PA DUI Lawyers?
From the moment you’re released after a DUI arrest, the clock starts ticking against you. Within the first 10 days after your release, you must schedule a DMV hearing to appeal the automatic suspension of your driver’s license. A knowledgeable DUI lawyer in Akron, Pennsylvania, with experience with these hearings, can be instrumental in helping you retain your driving privileges, even if it’s just a limited license that allows you to continue driving to work.
Hiring a DUI defense lawyer quickly after your arrest will also help ensure that all necessary evidence against you is collected and reviewed and that any other defenses available to you are preserved. Time is of the essence, and the sooner an attorney can start working on your case, the better the chances of obtaining a favorable outcome.
What are DUI Defenses In Pennsylvania?
In addition to representing you at your DMV hearing, the Akron PA DUI lawyers at The Law Offices of Steven E. Kellis will review the facts and circumstances of your case to mount an optimal defense. Many clients believe that failing a field sobriety test or breathalyzer means they will automatically be found guilty; however, this is not always true. Even if you failed the field sobriety test or breathalyzer, several ways exist to defend your DUI charge.
Some common ways to challenge DUI charges include:
- Lack of probable cause for the initial traffic stop
- Failure of the arresting officer to follow proper procedure during the arrest
- Insufficient evidence
- Factors that can make the breathalyzer or field sobriety test inaccurate or unreliable
The actual defenses available are fact-specific and require the expertise of a qualified Akron PA DUI lawyer to review your case to determine which defenses may be available to you.
Contact Our Akron PA DUI Lawyers
Suppose you or a loved one has been arrested for DUI in Akron. In that case, it’s vital to retain an experienced and knowledgeable Akron, Pennsylvania DUI defense attorney who can make a difference in the outcome of your case. Mr. Kellis has extensive experience handling DUI cases and attending evidentiary proceedings. Mr. Kellis will handle your case personally and is available to consult with you around the clock. Call 267-341-1365 or complete our online form to arrange your free consultation today.
Our Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, criminal attorneys serve those facing criminal, drug crime, and DUI charges in Eastern Pennsylvania. This includes the Abington, Akron, Allentown, Bethlehem, Bristol, Broomall, Chester, Doylestown, Easton, Lancaster, Lititz, Lower Merion, Manheim, Media, Norristown, Philadelphia, Pottstown, Springfield, Upper Darby, Upper Merion & Upper Providence, PA.