The attorneys at Chieppor & Egner LLC provide highly skilled and experienced defense against drunk driving charges and related offenses. Below, we’ve provided answers to some of the most common questions we are asked by clients.
The minimum legal blood alcohol content limit that you can be prosecuted for exceeding in the state of Pennsylvania is .08% BAC, unless you are under the age of 21, in which case any blood alcohol above the margin of error of the testing device (.02%) will lead to charges.
The cost of hiring a defense lawyer varies. Factors in determining the cost of representation include the circumstances of your arrest and your case, as well as your prior arrests and convictions.
If you refused to give a breath or blood test, you will receive notification in the mail from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation when the suspension of your driver’s license begins, approximately six weeks after you refused.
It depends. If you complete the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program or the charges are dismissed altogether, you may be able to have the entire incident expunged, or removed, from your criminal record. A DUI conviction will stay on your record until you apply for a pardon or 10 years have gone by with no new offenses when it can be sealed. PennDot will always keep a record of ARD or a DUI conviction.
Typically, no. The police officer initiating the stop will choose the chemical test and unless you have a medical condition, you should participate in whatever chemical test is asked of you. If you are uncooperative or you do not have a medical condition, you may face penalties for refusing to participate in a test at all which includes a license suspension.
After your arrest, you will be issued an arraignment date per the court process for DUI offenses. In the meantime, you may be interested in reading what effects and consequences a DUI conviction might have.
How much time will I spend in jail? The amount of time you spend in jail depends on whether you have had any prior DUI offenses and your BAC. For a first offense, house arrest is typically given instead of a jail sentence.
If this is your first DUI offense:
If this is your second DUI offense:
There are a variety of factors that qualify someone as being able to participate in ARD. You may be able to participate in ARD if the following applies to you:
The following is a list of some factors that may tip police off to a drunk driver:
If you are convicted of a DUI, you will face the harshest penalties under the highest BAC tier – regardless of how little or high your BAC was at the time.
A DUI conviction can have serious long-term effects on one’s career, as well as reputation. Needless to say, you need the help of an experienced attorney.
Chieppor & Egner LLC serves clients in and around Lancaster, Pennsylvania. To schedule an initial consultation about your case, contact us online or call (717) 393-1400.
