If you find yourself suddenly facing drunk driving charges, you may be unsure about how to proceed or what should happen next. You may feel like the charges are unfair, but you could not convince any of the law enforcement officers involved to treat your situation fairly.
This is where our criminal defense lawyer in Upper Southampton, PA, can help. The team at McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., has extensive experience defending those accused of criminal charges, and we are ready to take on the challenge of your DUI case.
Do I Really Need to Hire a DUI Lawyer in a Pennsylvania Drunk Driving Case?
No state law requires you to hire a DUI defense attorney if you are facing a drunk driving charge in Bucks County or anywhere in Pennsylvania. You could try to defend yourself, or you could choose to rely on a court-appointed attorney if you qualify to receive one.
However, because of the severity of these charges, having our team on your side can give you peace of mind. We have argued all kinds of criminal cases on behalf of our clients, including multiple DUI cases, and we know how to fight for your rights.
Understanding the Severity of Your Charge
Under Pennsylvania DUI laws, three levels of penalties are available for drunk drivers, depending on your measured blood alcohol content (BAC) level. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), a BAC of 0.08% to 0.099% is general impairment and has the least serious penalties. Those with BAC levels higher than 0.10% or 0.16% face far harsher penalties.
Additionally, if you have prior convictions for drunk driving on your record, you will face harsher potential penalties. Our team serving Upper Southampton, PA, will work to fight the charges, relying on the facts we collect in the case.
Issues You May Face After a DUI Conviction
Rather than simply pleading guilty to the DUI charge to move on with your life as quickly as possible, you need to understand how this conviction could affect you going forward. Potential problems can include:
- Credit score: After a drunk driving conviction, you may notice a significant decrease in your credit score rating. This can harm your chances of obtaining a low-interest rate loan, credit card, or employment.
- Driving: Not only could you lose your driver’s license after a conviction, but you later may need to pay to have an interlock device installed in your car.
- Housing: Some rental companies may refuse to lease an apartment to someone with a DUI conviction, or you may need to pay a higher price.
- Insurance: You can expect to see a significant increase in your car insurance rates once you are cleared to drive again. Some insurers will even refuse to sell you a policy.
- Job search: Employers may refuse to hire you after a DUI conviction, fearing you are too big of a risk to the company. You may be unable to obtain a professional license for certain careers as well.
- Travel: If you are on probation for your DUI conviction, you may be unable to travel freely outside the United States.
Rather than just giving in to the prosecutor and pleading guilty, consider hiring the defense team at McKenzie Law Firm, P.C. We cannot guarantee that we will win your case, but you can rest assured that we will do everything we can to see the charges against you reduced or dropped.
Financial Concerns with Hiring Our DUI Defense Lawyer in Upper Southampton, PA
Some of our potential clients have concerns with spending the money to hire us to defend them in an Upper Southampton DUI case. Understand, however, that the long-term financial ramifications of a drunk-driving conviction can be far greater than paying our fee.
Those convicted of DUI may face fines and multiple fees related to probation and driver’s license reinstatement. Higher insurance premiums and other expenses add up quickly, too.
If we can achieve a reduction or elimination of your DUI charge, the money you spend to hire us will help you save money down the road.
For a free legal consultation with a dui lawyer serving Upper Southampton, call (610) 680-7842
Our DUI Attorney in Pennsylvania Will Craft a Criminal Defense Strategy for Your Case
Do not assume the prosecutor will treat you less harshly because you are young or you are a first-time offender. Prosecutors may not take extenuating circumstances in your case into consideration.
Having the representation of our experienced DUI lawyer on your side can be highly beneficial in presenting your side of the case and having the prosecutors listen. If we can convince the prosecutor to reduce the level of charges you are facing, this can benefit your long-term outlook.
We will Tailor Our Defense Plans to the Specific Facts in Your Case
We take the time to study the facts in your case, looking for evidence that can help us achieve a successful outcome, whether that means reducing or eliminating your charges. Some possible defenses include:
- Questioning the probable cause
- Questioning the accuracy of the in-field breathalyzer test
- Asking whether the law enforcement officer performed the arrest properly
The officer who arrested you must follow all legal procedures throughout the process, including having a legitimate reason to make a traffic stop or perform an in-field sobriety test. If the facts in the case point toward a different and better potential defense strategy, we will pursue it.
Moving Your Case Into the ARD Program
Some people in Pennsylvania who are facing a DUI charge may have an option to enter the ARD Program (short for Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition). ARD allows first-time offenders to go through a rehabilitation program, potentially leading to a dismissal of the charges against them.
Our Upper Southampton, PA, DUI attorney knows that not every person charged with drunk driving is eligible for ARD. However, in those cases where ARD is a possibility, we will fight to show the court why you should be in this program.
Upper Southampton DUI Lawyer Near Me (610) 680-7842
Our Team Works Tirelessly to Create Your Defense Strategy
Our past clients know exactly how hard we prepared for their cases and worked for a favorable outcome for them. We will do the same in our defense of your Pennsylvania DUI case.
Call McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., today at (610) 991-7219 to review the parameters of your case during a free consultation. A representative is available to discuss your DUI or criminal defense matter 24/7.
Call or text (610) 680-7842 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
