King of Prussia is a lovely town, but its court system can become a source of misery if you’re arrested for a DUI. DUI convictions carry lifelong consequences. Without the help of an experienced King of Prussia DUI lawyer, you could face fines, jail time, and possible suspension of your license, and the sentence goes on your permanent criminal record. You may also have difficulty getting employment. Your current employer may even fire you.
Why DUI Cases Require Professional Representation
These possible outcomes are why anyone arrested for driving under the influence should get help with their charges from a King of Prussia DUI lawyer. A King of Prussia DUI lawyer can provide you with the experienced legal representation you need.
Your attorney will inform you of your options, guide you through the process, and help you seek the most favorable outcome. In many cases, you may be able to get some of your charges reduced or dropped.
Find out your options and learn about your legal rights when facing DUI prosecution during a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced DUI defense lawyer. Call (215) 940-1200 or contact Steven E. Kellis online to schedule your free case review.
What Are DUI Statistics In King of Prussia?
King of Prussia has a relatively low volume of DUI arrests and fatal accidents, although its Court of Common Pleas sees a high number of DUI cases.
According to a list of the Pennsylvania counties with the highest rate of DUI fatalities relative to its population, Montgomery County (where King of Prussia is located) ranks nearly last. It comes in at 65 of 67 counties, meaning it has the third-lowest rate of DUI fatalities in the state. Between 2013 and 2017, just one person per every 16,522 residents perished in a DUI-related accident.
A list of PA State Trooper DUI arrests in 2017 shows that King of Prussia has a small volume of DUI arrests – just 34.
However, Montgomery County’s Court of Common Pleas hears DUI cases slightly more often than Pennsylvania. While the state average has DUIs at 25.2% of all Court of Common Pleas cases, Montgomery County’s is 26.8%.
Can My King of Prussia DUI Lawyer Recommend Pennsylvania’s Accelerated Rehabilitation Disposition Program (ARD)?
Pennsylvania offers a program called ARD to certain first-time offenders accused of minor crimes, including DUIs. The program allows an individual to skip prosecution and avoid trial in exchange for participating in a probationary and substance abuse education program.
Upon completion of the program, it’s like the individual was charged with a DUI but never even had to enter a plea. They will be able to petition the court at a later date to have the DUI arrest removed from their record.
Participating in ARD may sound tempting, but it is only available to first-time offenders. Anyone facing a second DUI arrest after participating in the program will not be eligible for pre-trial diversion a second time.
For this reason, it is always prudent to consider your options before agreeing to participate in ARD. You and your King of Prussia DUI lawyer may have other defense options available, including being declared not guilty or pleading to lesser charges, sometimes even dropping them entirely.
Avoiding the Consequences of a DUI with the Help of a King of Prussia Criminal Defense Lawyer
There are many consequences to getting a DUI conviction in King of Prussia. These may include:
- Jail time
- Fines
- Court fees
- Drug education programs (which can be expensive)
- Drug and alcohol testing
- License suspension, usually for 12 months
- Probation (which involves further costs)
- Not being allowed to drink alcohol during probation
- Having a restricted license
- Ineligibility for specific jobs, like truck driving
- Difficulty getting a commercial driver’s license
- Points on your license
- Increased car insurance costs
- Stigma from the community
- A criminal conviction on your record
All told the costs of a DUI can be several thousand dollars. They also can severely restrict your freedoms. Individuals trying to win judgment based on character, such as parents trying to gain custody, may jeopardize their ability to do so.
If you are convicted of several DUIs in a short window, the above penalties are even more harsh. Some DUI charges even become felonies, meaning you may not be able to vote, serve in the military, possess a firearm, or apply for certain types of public aid.
Working with a King of Prussia DUI lawyer can help you examine your legal options and form a strong defense. Your attorney can attempt to broker a deal with prosecutors for lesser charges that have a more minor impact on your finances and future.
Many cases invite the opportunity to discredit the prosecution’s evidence or their justification for the charges, allowing you to plead “not guilty” or sometimes not even have to plead.
You won’t know what options are available unless you first talk to an experienced King of Prussia DUI attorney.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a King of Prussia DUI Lawyer
The longer you wait after getting arrested for DUI, the fewer options you have. Speak with a lawyer to learn about your legal rights and the possible defense strategies you may have at your disposal.
The Law Offices of Steven E. Kellis have provided DUI defense services to hundreds of individuals throughout Pennsylvania. We work hard to explore every opportunity to improve your outcome and help you avoid the worst consequences.
Most importantly, your first appointment is always free and 100% confidential, with no obligation to work with us afterward. Call (215) 940-1200 or contact us online to schedule your free case review.