The sooner that you can get a lawyer on your side when you get arrested, the better your chances of avoiding or lessening punishment. In some cases, if you can get help before the arraignment you can avoid a trial completely. An arraignment is the process when your charges are formally announced and you’re asked to plead whether you’re guilty or not guilty.

You may have read our previous story about Pittsburgh Steeler’s running back Le’Veon Bell. He was caught with marijuana in his car and with marijuana in his system. He was arrested for DUI, but his lawyer has managed to work out a deal that would result in the charges being dismissed and the arrest record expunged.

That doesn’t mean he’s getting off scot-free though. He’ll have to pay court costs, fees to attend a first-offender’s program and DUI School, and complete both courses. He’ll also have to undergo several assessments to make sure he’s staying clean, plus serve probation. If all this is completed successful, Bell can ask the court to expunge his record. He also won’t have to plead guilty.

This is just one example of why getting a lawyer on your side as soon as possible after your arrest can help you. Don’t wait until it is too late. Your phone call should be to a competent and experienced PA DUI lawyer like Stephen Kellis.