Cumberland County DUI Lawyer

Call a Cumberland County DUI lawyer if you were caught behind the wheel intoxicated.Our Cumberland County DUI lawyer understands being arrested for driving under the influence can be a stressful experience. There is little doubt that you are dealing with heightened emotions. You may fear what comes next, and we know you have questions. You have a copy of your charges, but now what? Suppose you have found yourself in this overwhelming situation. In that case, you must consult a Cumberland County DUI lawyer specializing in DUI defense in PA to determine your legal options.

Cumberland County DUI lawyer Steven E. Kellis has represented people like yourself for over two decades. Steven has dedicated his life to defending people facing DUI charges. Before becoming a defense attorney, Steven spent several years in the prosecutor’s office. This experience gives Steven a unique insight into the local court system and has allowed him to develop positive relationships with the court. You can rest assured that he will use his knowledge and experience to build a strong case on your behalf. Call our office today at (215) 940-1200 for a free consultation.

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Is There Implied Consent in Pennsylvania?

Our state is not alone in having established what is known as implied consent. What this means is that when you signed your name on your driver’s license, you told the state that you would consent to any chemical test requested by a law enforcement officer who believes you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In most cases, the test requested will be a breathalyzer. When an officer of the law suspects that you are under the influence of a legal or illegal drug, you may be asked to submit to a chemical analysis of your blood or urine.

While you certainly have the right to refuse any testing, you can be charged with an additional crime for refusing. If you refuse a chemical test, your driver’s license will be suspended automatically for one year. If you are found guilty of driving under the influence, you face additional consequences, which could include a lengthier suspension.

DUI charges can be confusing; let an experienced Cumberland County DUI lawyer from The Law Offices of Steven E. Kellis help you form a defense strategy and work toward reducing your charges. 

Call (215) 977-4183 now.

What are the Penalties for DUI in Cumberland County

Any person who is convicted of DUI in Cumberland County faces stiff penalties. If you are found guilty and have a blood alcohol concentration of between 0.08 and 0.09, you are facing up to 6 months of probation and a monetary fine of no more than $300. The good news is that there is no mandatory jail time for a first offense.

If you are convicted a second time with the same blood alcohol concentration, you could spend up to 6 months in jail and pay fines totaling in the thousands. You could also lose your license for a year. Should you be convicted a third time, you face two years in jail, higher fines, and the same license suspension. The penalties only get more severe for subsequent convictions.

If the incident you were involved in caused property damage or injury, and if your blood alcohol concentration was higher than 0.09, the penalties are increased. Subsequent convictions may force you to install an interlock ignition device in your vehicle. You may have to attend treatment programs and safety classes and be required to complete community service.

Here’s a simple breakdown of Pennsylvania’s three-tier DUI system:

 

First Tier (general impairment): .08% – 0.99% BAC

    • 1st offense
      • Ungraded misdemeanor charge
      • Up to six months of probation
      • $300 fine
      • Attendance in alcohol highway safety school
    • 2nd offense
      • Ungraded misdemeanor charge
      • 12-month license suspension
      • Five days to six months in jail
      • $300 – $2,500 fine
      • One year with an ignition interlock device (IID)
      • Attendance in alcohol highway safety school
    • 3rd offense
      • 2nd-degree misdemeanor charge
      • 12-month license suspension
      • Ten days to two years in prison
      • $500 – $5,000 fine
      • One year with an ignition interlock device (IID)

 

Second Tier (high BAC): .1% – .159% BAC

    • 1st offense
      • Ungraded misdemeanor charge
      • 12-month license suspension
      • 48 hours to six months in prison
      • $500 – $5,000 fine
      • Attendance in alcohol highway safety school
    • 2nd offense
      • Ungraded misdemeanor charge
      • 12-month license suspension
      • 30 days to six months in prison
      • $750 – $5,000 fine
      • One year with an ignition interlock device (IID)
      • Attendance in alcohol highway safety school
    • 3rd offense
      • 1st-degree misdemeanor charge
      • 18-month license suspension
      • 90 days to five years in prison
      • $1,500 – $10,000 fine
      • One year with an ignition interlock device (IID)

Third Tier (highest BAC): .16% and higher BAC or controlled substance

        • 1st offense
          • Ungraded misdemeanor charge
          • 12-month license suspension
          • 72 hours to six months in prison
          • $1,000 – $5,000 fine
          • Attendance in alcohol highway safety school
        • 2nd offense
          • 1st-degree misdemeanor charge
          • 18-month license suspension
          • 90 days to five years in prison
          • $1,500 to $10,000 fine
          • One year with an ignition interlock device (IID)
          • Attendance in alcohol highway safety school
        • 3rd offense
          • 1st-degree misdemeanor charge
          • 18-month license suspension
          • One to five years in prison
          • $2,500 – $10,000 fine
          • One year with an ignition interlock device (IID)

If you have prior DUIs or felony traffic convictions deemed severe, you could be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor. These felonies come with mandatory five-year prison sentences. That sentence can be extended to seven years if you have two or more DUIs and felony traffic convictions. It does not matter how much time has elapsed since your prior convictions. 

No matter how many times you have been convicted of DUI, having the best legal representation possible is essential. A Cumberland County DUI lawyer at The Law Offices of Steven E. Kellis will evaluate your legal options and help you form a defense strategy. Call (267) 314-6693 today for more information.

Going to Court

Once you hire Steven Kellis as your Cumberland County DUI lawyer, he will begin to gather evidence and file appropriate motions on your behalf if applicable. In some instances, those charged with DUI have had their cases dismissed due to improperly gathered evidence or no evidence at all.

Steven will fight for your rights if your case goes to court. This may mean ensuring you don’t spend time behind bars or working out a plea deal for lesser penalties. Your case is unique, and Steven will treat it that way.

Speak with a Cumberland County DUI Lawyer Today

If you have been charged with driving under the influence, time is of the essence. Pennsylvania DUI attorney Steven E. Kellis has been defending people against DUI charges for over 20 years. You can trust that he will fight hard on your behalf. Call our office today to schedule your no-obligation consultation.