If you were recently arrested and charged with driving under the influence, you are likely worried about what will happen next. As a Lebanon County DUI lawyer, Steven E. Kellis understands your concerns and is here to help. If you have found yourself charged with driving under the influence, you should speak with Steven Kellis as soon as possible to learn more about your legal options.
Don’t underestimate the power of legal representation. Depending on the unique circumstances of your case, you may be able to have your charges dropped or reduced. Mr. Kellis will help you protect your rights and will work towards the most favorable outcome.
Steven Kellis has been in practice for more than two decades, and he has made it his mission to assist those citizens who have been charged with DUI. Prior to transitioning into the role of defense attorney, Steven was employed as a local prosecutor. It is through this experience that he has developed a unique understanding of the inner workings of the local court system and developed strong relationships with the people who work in that system.
When you choose Steven E. Kellis to represent you in court, you can rest assured that you will have the best defense possible. His professional drive and tenacity set him apart from other DUI lawyers, and his clients are proud to say the same. Call our office today at (215) 977-4183 to schedule a free, no-obligation case evaluation with your Lebanon County DUI lawyer.
Implied Consent for Breath Tests
Few people read the fine print on any contract or legal agreement. Your driver’s license is exactly that: a legal agreement between you and the State of Pennsylvania. When you put your signature on your application for a license, you are giving implied consent to any chemical test a law enforcement officer asks you to take if you are suspected of DUI. Implied consent is not unique to Pennsylvania.
In many cases of suspected DUI, a law enforcement officer will request that the driver submit to a breathalyzer test. In cases where the officer suspects that the driver is under the influence of medication or illegal drugs, the officer may request that the driver submit to a chemical analysis of their blood or urine.
This is one of the most important pieces of advice that a Lebanon County DUI lawyer can give their clients: while a driver has the legal right to refuse one of these tests, a refusal is not without consequence. When a person refuses to submit to a chemical test, because they have already given implied consent, they are subject to a suspension of their driver’s license. They will also be charged with an additional crime.
Penalties for a Lebanon County DUI
If you are charged with driving under the influence in Pennsylvania and found guilty, you are facing a variety of penalties. The type of dui penalties you are facing vary depending on the severity of the incident. You may be facing:
- First Offense: Those convicted of a first offense, and who have a blood alcohol content (BAC) level of 0.08 – 0.09, may be sentenced to 6 months probation and given a $300 fine.
- Second Offense: Persons convicted a second time are facing up to 6 months in jail and a fine up to $2,500. These offenders are also facing a 12 month license suspension.
- Subsequent Offenses: When a person is convicted a 3rd time, or for subsequent offenses, may be sentenced to up to 2 years in jail and fined up to $5,000. These offenders may also have their driver’s licenses suspended for 12 months.
These penalties are only for those offenders who have not caused property damage or injury. In the case of vehicular manslaughter and other DUI accidents, there will be additional penalties, including the installation of interlock ignition control devices, community service, and treatment programs.
No matter which number offense this is for you, you have to be prepared for what is coming next. An experienced Lebanon County DUI lawyer is your best chance at reducing or eliminating your penalties.
When Court is in Your Future
The prospect of going to court can be frightening. Once you have hired your attorney, they will review your case and advise you of what you can expect. In most cases, a DUI attorney will begin by reviewing evidence that the prosecutor has gathered against their client.
Common types of evidence include:
- The arresting officer’s observations
- Witness statements
- Breath or blood test results
- Performance on Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs)
Your attorney will work to determine if that evidence was obtained legally and, if not, they will work to have it dismissed or suppressed. In fact, some people have found their charges dismissed completely because of illegally obtained evidence.
This occurs more often than you may believe, making it even more imperative that you speak with a Lebanon County DUI lawyer after being arrested.
Should your case make it to court, your attorney will fight to protect your freedoms. This may mean working out a plea deal on your behalf or taking your case to trial. Your attorney’s suggestion in this matter will be made based upon your best interests and the evidence against you.
Speak with a Lebanon County DUI Attorney Today
If you have been charged with driving under the influence, you need the most experienced attorney you can find. Pennsylvania DUI attorney Steven Kellis will put his knowledge and experience to work for you. Call (215) 977-4183 today for your free consultation.