Pottstown DUI Lawyer

Call a Pottstown DUI lawyer if you have been caught behind the wheel intoxicated.

Being convicted of DUI will likely affect every aspect of your life – your job, your relationships, and more. Without a Pottstown DUI lawyer, you could face severe penalties and even be in a financial hole. But that’s only if you’re convicted, which is why it’s so important to fight your DUI charges with the help of an experienced Pennsylvania DUI attorney.

The Law Offices of Steven E. Kellis have provided Pennsylvania residents with relentless representation for more than 25 years. We are well-versed in the local and state laws that dictate DUI penalties, and we also know the defenses that may help you get your charges dropped.

Call us at (215) 940-1200 or online for a free, no-obligation consultation with a Pottstown DUI lawyer.

What Are The Penalties for DUI in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania has some of the strictest penalties for DUI in the country. Penalties are tiered, meaning the higher your blood alcohol content (BAC) and number of previous convictions, the more severe penalties you’ll face.

Here’s a brief guideline of the penalties you can expect to face if you’re charged with DUI in Pottstown, PA:

No Prior Convictions (First Offense)

  • .08% to .099% BAC:
    • Ungraded misdemeanor
    • Up to six months of probation
    • $300 fine
    • Attendance in alcohol safety school and alcohol treatment program
  • .10% to .159% BAC:
    • Ungraded misdemeanor
    • One-year license suspension
    • Two days to six months of jail time
    • $500 to $5,000 fine
    • Attendance in alcohol safety school and alcohol treatment program
  • .16% BAC and higher or controlled substance:
    • Ungraded misdemeanor
    • One-year license suspension
    • Three days to six months of jail time
    • $1,000 to $5,000 fine
    • Attendance in alcohol safety school and alcohol treatment program

 

One Prior Conviction (Second Offense)

  • .08% to .099% BAC:
    • Ungraded misdemeanor
    • One-year license suspension
    • Five days to six months of jail time
    • $300 to $2,500 fine
    • Attendance in alcohol safety school and alcohol treatment program
    • One year with an ignition interlock device (IID)
  • .10% to .159% BAC:
    • Ungraded misdemeanor
    • One-year license suspension
    • 30 days to six months of jail time
    • $750 to $5,000 fine
    • Attendance in alcohol safety school and alcohol treatment program
    • One year with an ignition interlock device (IID)
  • .16% BAC and higher or controlled substance:
    • 1st-degree misdemeanor
    • 1.5 years license suspension
    • 90 days to five years of jail time
    • $1,500 to $10,000 fine
    • Attendance in alcohol safety school and alcohol treatment program
    • One year with an ignition interlock device (IID)

 

Two Prior Convictions (Third Offense)

  • .08% to .099% BAC:
    • 2nd-degree misdemeanor
    • One-year license suspension
    • Ten days to two years in prison
    • $500 to $5,000 fine
    • Alcohol treatment (when ordered)
    • One year with an ignition interlock device (IID)
  • .10% to .159% BAC:
    • 1st-degree misdemeanor
    • 1.5 years license suspension
    • 90 days to five years in prison
    • $1,500 to $10,000 fine
    • Alcohol treatment (when ordered)
    • One year with an ignition interlock device (IID)
  • .16% BAC and higher or controlled substance:
    • 1st-degree misdemeanor
    • 1.5 years license suspension
    • One to five years in prison
    • $2,500 to $10,000 fine
    • Alcohol treatment when ordered
    • One year with an ignition interlock device (IID)

As you can see from their penalties, Pennsylvania doesn’t mess around regarding DUIs. But that doesn’t mean you don’t have any legal options for reducing or dismissing your charge. If you were charged with DUI in Pennsylvania, call our Pottstown DUI lawyer now for immediate assistance.

What Is The Pennsylvania ARD Program?

Like many other states, Pennsylvania offers an alternative option for some first-time DUI offenders who want to avoid jail time and other standard penalties. This is called the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition Program (ARD)

Those who qualify for ARD can avoid trial altogether and often avoid having a DUI on their record. At the same time, the court can focus on other cases since they don’t have to spend resources on yours.

It would help to qualify for ARD if you had no prior DUI or other criminal convictions. In addition, you must have never been in the ARD program before.

However, don’t consider the ARD program an easy alternative. If you qualify for ARD, you must still fulfill several obligations. This may include community service, alcohol rehabilitation treatment, the installation of an ignition interlock device, highway alcohol safety classes, and more.

In total, ARD can cost thousands of dollars. You should consult with an experienced Pottstown DUI lawyer before you decide to plead your case or enroll in ARD so you understand all of your legal options.

What Are My Plea Options After a DUI in Pottstown?

If you choose not to enroll in ARD or don’t qualify to do so, your case will likely go to court. You have two main court options: plead guilty or not guilty. Neither option should be taken without the advice of a Pottstown DUI attorney. By pleading not guilty, you will be fighting your charges. Our lawyers can help develop a strong defense on your behalf if this is the best option in your case.

In many cases, you will be advised to plead guilty. While this can seem counterintuitive to your goal of minimizing penalties, it can work well in your favor. Prosecutors often look for ways to avoid taking up the court’s time. So, they may offer you a plea bargain. Generally, this means you plead guilty to a lesser charge, like reckless driving.

While this option is often more straightforward, it’s not always the best choice. There are many cases in which your Pottstown DUI lawyer can build a solid defense to have your charges dismissed. They may discover that the breathalyzer wasn’t calibrated correctly or the police officer didn’t have proper cause to pull you over.

Get the Help of a Pottstown DUI Lawyer Today

Don’t make the mistake of trying to represent yourself in a DUI case. Prosecutors are much less likely to negotiate with a person representing themselves. Moreover, you likely aren’t familiar with the rules of evidence, laws that affect your case, and more. Your PA DUI lawyer is intimately familiar with these aspects, and they know what it takes to give you a better chance of a favorable outcome.

The Law Offices of Steven E. Kellis is here for you. Don’t wait. You need to get representation immediately after you’ve been arrested. Call us at (215) 940-1200 or online for a free, no-obligation consultation with a Pottstown DUI lawyer.