The criminal and social consequences of a conviction for driving under the influence (DUI) in Philadelphia can affect you and your entire family. You might face jail or prison time, loss of employment, and lasting damage to your reputation.
You do not have to deal with the aftermath of a DUI arrest on your own. Our DUI lawyers are familiar with Pennsylvania laws and how to build a defense against these charges. Our team can help fight to have the charges dropped or limit the negative consequences you might face to protect your future.
How Our Criminal Defense Team Can Fight for You
When you are fighting for your rights and a favorable resolution to DUI charges, hiring our team to support you can provide many benefits. We are familiar with the legal system and the laws in our state. In defense of your case, we will:
- Challenge the probable cause that led to your arrest
- Examine the accuracy of the BAC (blood alcohol content) testing equipment
- Locate and interview witnesses to your arrest
- Provide responsive legal care and support
After a mutual agreement for our team to represent you, we make sure you can reach us when you need us. Our clients have access to our team via email, text, phone calls, and through our social media channels. We do this to give you peace of mind and make it easy for you to stay up to date on the progress of your case. Our goal is to keep you informed as we negotiate and act in your defense.
Clients We Have Helped in the Past
The testimonials on our website prove our commitment to providing our clients with the best possible defense and securing a positive resolution in their cases. Previous clients say:
- “If you are in need of a criminal attorney and your freedom in any way has been threatened, look no further!”
- “He helped me to get the lowest sentence possible. He also was able to get some of the charges dropped.”
- “I am very pleased with the outcome as he got my case to be dismissed. I would highly recommend his law firm to anyone needing legal help.”
For a free legal consultation with a dui lawyer serving Philadelphia, call (610) 680-7842
Consequences of DUI Conviction in Philadelphia
If you are convicted of DUI in Philadelphia, the punishment the state might impose varies according to certain factors. Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) guidelines divide DUI into three categories based on blood alcohol content (BAC) level, with each category having its own potential penalties.
BAC Up to .099
At this level, some charges fall under an ungraded misdemeanor. Possible penalties will depend on whether you have previous DUI offenses on your record, as follows:
- First offense: Probation, a fine of $300, participation in alcohol highway safety school, and possible court-mandated alcohol treatment
- Second offense: Suspended license, up to six months of incarceration, up to $2,500 in fines, participation in alcohol highway safety school, possible treatment, and installation of an ignition interlock system for a year
- Subsequent offenses: Second-degree misdemeanor, suspended license, up to two years imprisonment, up to $5,000 in fines, possible treatment, and installation of an ignition interlock system for a year
These penalties can lead to financial hardship and limit your ability to transport yourself and your family. It can also interrupt or damage your career and threaten your future aspirations.
BAC Between .10 and .159%
As the BAC increases, so do the penalties a judge might impose in the form of fines and incarceration. Possible penalties at this level include:
- First offense: Suspended license, up to six months incarceration, up to $5,000 in fines, alcohol highway safety school, and possible alcohol treatment
- Second offense: Suspended license, up to six months incarceration, up to $5,000 in fines, alcohol highway safety school, possible alcohol treatment, and installation of an ignition interlock for one year
- Subsequent offenses: First-degree misdemeanor with license suspension, up to five years of imprisonment, up to $10,000 in fines, possible alcohol treatment, and installation of an ignition interlock for one year
BAC of .16% or Higher
At this highest level, the potential consequences are more costly and severe. They include lengthier sentences and higher fines, as follows:
- First offense: Suspended license, up to six months incarceration, up to $5,000 fine, alcohol highway safety school, possible alcohol treatment
- Second offense: First-degree misdemeanor, suspended license, up to five years of imprisonment, up to a $10,000 fine, alcohol highway safety school, possible alcohol treatment, and installation of an ignition interlock system on your vehicle
- Subsequent offenses: First-degree misdemeanor, suspended license, up to five years imprisonment, up to $10,000 in fines, possible alcohol treatment, and installation of an ignition interlock system
A DUI lawyer from our firm can help you understand the severity of the charges you face and fight to limit their impact on your social and professional life. We may be able to lessen the degree of your charges, preserve your driving privileges, and avoid forced alteration of your vehicle.
Philadelphia DUI Lawyer Near Me (610) 680-7842
Act Now to Protect Your Future
Do not hesitate to call a team member if you need help fighting back after a DUI arrest in Philadelphia. One of our DUI lawyers can guide you through the complexities of the legal system and help safeguard your future.
A DUI arrest does not have to derail your entire future. Find out how hard our firm can fight for you by contacting the case review team at McKenzie Law Firm, P.C. today. Call (610) 991-7219 to start getting your life back on track and looking forward to a brighter future.
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