Lebanon County DUI Lawyer

Name: Kellis Law Firm
Brand: Pennsylvania DUI Attorney
Rating: 5 (33 reviews)

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 been charged with driving under the influence, you should speak with Steven Kellis as soon as possible to learn more about your legal options.

How an experienced attorney like Steven E. Kellis can help you

We have been in practice for more than two decades, and we’ve made it our mission to assist those citizens who have been charged with DUI. Before transitioning into the role of defense attorney, Steven was employed as a local prosecutor. Through this experience, 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.

What to expect from a Lebanon County DUI lawyer

As DUI lawyers, we start by carefully reviewing the circumstances of your case, including the events leading up to your arrest and the procedures used by law enforcement. We look for any issues that could strengthen your defense and ensure your rights were upheld throughout the process.

From there, we work to build a strategy tailored to your situation, whether that means negotiating with prosecutors, challenging evidence, or representing you in court. Our goal is to guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and work toward the best possible outcome for your case.

When you choose us to represent you in court, you can rest assured that you will have the best defense possible. Our professional drive and tenacity set us apart from other DUI lawyer firms, and our 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.

What are the penalties for a Lebanon County DUI?

If you are charged with driving under the influence in Pennsylvania and found guilty, you face various penalties. The type of DUI penalties you face 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 face up to 6 months in jail and a fine of 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 how many offenses this is for you, it would help if you were prepared for what is coming next. An experienced Lebanon County DUI lawyer is your best chance at reducing or eliminating your penalties.

What is implied consent for breath tests?

Few people read the fine print on any contract or legal agreement. Your driver’s license is precisely that: a legal agreement between you and the State of Pennsylvania. When you put your signature on your application for a permit, 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 essential 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.

What happens 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 determine if that evidence was obtained legally; if not, they will work to dismiss or suppress it. Some people have found their charges dismissed entirely because of illegally obtained evidence.

This occurs more often than you may believe, making speaking with a Lebanon County DUI lawyer after arrest even more imperative.

Your attorney will fight to protect your freedom if your case is in court. This may mean working out a plea deal on your behalf or taking your case to trial. Your attorney’s suggestion will be based on your best interests and the evidence against you.

Speak with a Lebanon County DUI lawyer 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.