What is the Punishment for Drunk Driving in PA?
Accused of drunk driving? You need a criminal defense attorney. The consequences for drunk driving in Pennsylvania are serious. If convicted, you risk losing your driver’s license and your freedom. And you may have to pay costly fines.
Your friends and family may show discontent with your behavior. You could even lose your job. However, fighting a drunk driving offense is possible with the right lawyer, and it is worth the fight to avoid jail time and serious fines.
Below is a list of some offenses you may face for drunk driving:
- First offense. First time offenders with a BAC of .08-.099 face six months probation and $300 in fines. If their BAC is .10-.159, the penalties are two days to six months in jail, $500-$5,000 in fines, and a twelve month license suspension.
- Second offense. Second time offenders who have a BAC of .08-.099 receive between five days and six months in jail, $300-$2,500 in fines and a twelve-month license suspension. If your BAC is .10-.159, these penalties jump up to 30 days to six months in jail, $750-$5,000 in fines, and a twelve month license suspension.
- Third offense. If accused of a third drunk driving offense, you must hire a criminal defense lawyer. The penalties for drunk driving a third time with a BAC of .08-.099 are ten days to two years in jail, $500-$5,000 in fines, and a twelve-month license suspension. If your BAC is .10-.159, you may receive between 90 days and five years in jail, between $1,500-$10,000 in fines, and an eighteen month license suspension.
A drunk driving conviction can change your life. Additionally, it can affect the people you love. Do not hesitate in contacting a Kutztown criminal attorney if you or someone you love faces criminal prosecution for drunk driving.
Why You Need a Criminal Defense Attorney in Leesburg
Facing criminal charges can cause frustration, anger, and devastation for you and your family. Depending on the crime, you may lose your freedom. Therefore, it is extremely important that you seek legal aid as soon as possible.
Below are some of the ways a local Leesburg criminal defense attorney can help you.
- Help you understand the legal system: The criminal justice system is often confusing. Without an attorney, you may have difficulty navigating the pitfalls. A knowledgeable lawyer can walk you through the steps involved in defending against criminal charges.
- Protect your rights: Many people fail to realize that they have certain rights while in the custody of law enforcement. First, you have the right to know the charges against you. Additionally, police must read you your Miranda rights prior to arrest. Your criminal defense attorneys in Leesburg can protect you if police fail to Mirandize you. Your legal team can also explain to you that you have the right to remain silent, and you have the right to a lawyer.
- Create a solid defense: One of the most important reasons you need a lawyer is because you need an experienced professional who is capable of creating a solid defense. Experienced attorneys can quickly review your case and tailor a solid defense strategy.
- Negotiate with the prosecution: When all is said and done, your lawyer can negotiate with the prosecution on your behalf. As a result, your attorney may be able to reduce the charges you face.
When you hire a criminal defense lawyer, you gain a fierce ally who will fight for you in court. However, it is important to divulge all the details of your case to your attorney so that he or she can defend you effectively.
Contact the Law Office of Caleb Kershner today
Mr. Kershner offers a free telephone consultation for criminal or personal injury cases. Contact the Law Office of Caleb Kershner for quality legal counsel.
The Law Office of Caleb Kershner represents clients throughout Northern Virginia, including Leesburg, Sterling and the surrounding areas of Loudon County, as well as Clark County, Frederick County, Fairfax County & Prince William County.
Play It Safe by Playing Straight with Your Attorney
The result of a criminal trial can significantly impact the life of an individual. Punishment, if convicted, can include fines and serious jail time. Owing to the potentially severe consequences of most criminal trials, it is vital that defendants work with expert legal representation they can trust.
If you face criminal charges and live in Michigan, immediately retain a skilled and experienced criminal defense lawyer in Michigan. The more your experienced attorney understands the local justice system, the more that attorney can help you. But you need to be straight with your attorney.
Your lawyer should be very knowledgeable about criminal laws in Michigan and should know how to protect your rights. He or she should know when to fight for dismissal, and when to fight for lesser charges, while keeping you informed every step of the way.
If you are arrested, you do not have to answer questions by the police. Be polite, tell them your name and address, and ask for a lawyer. You should not answer any questions without your lawyer being present.
Stay determined, know your rights and play it safe. Your lawyer understands the criminal justice system. The sooner you seek the help of a lawyer, the sooner your rights can be protected and your defense can begin.
Save your Drivers License by Approaching a DUI Lawyer
Your best friend is getting married next month and wants to celebrate this wonderful moment with his close friends. He invites you for a get together and the night turns out to be a great party. You find yourself drinking more than you intended and you do it for the sake of your friend.
Finally, when you start driving back home in the early morning, you are stopped by the police for field sobriety tests because of your erratic driving. You are also reported to have exceeded the speed limit. To add to your misery, when you start to argue, you smell strongly of alcohol and you are charged with a DUI. A DUI charge may affect your driving privileges, insurance rates, and even your employment.
And when you are arrested on a DUI, there is no use of fighting it alone because no one is going to believe you. More important, you should not say anything that can be used against you. It is always best to have a DUI lawyer represent you in court. If you reside in Tucson, the best thing to do is to approach a Tucson DUI lawyer.
A DUI attorney can protect your rights and in many cases have your charges dropped or reduced. DUI charges are serious. It is important to contact a skilled attorney as soon as possible.