In Pennsylvania, 18 Pa. C.S.A. § 3802 makes it clear that driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) level of .08 or higher is illegal, as it constitutes driving under the influence (DUI). Depending on the level of intoxication and other factors cited in your charges, you could face severe penalties, including multiple years in jail and several thousands of dollars in fines.
At McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., our DUI lawyer in West Chester, PA, fights for our client’s rights and the best possible outcomes in their cases. We can review the charges against you for free and take steps in your defense right away. Our phone lines are open 24/7.
Why You Should Choose Our DUI Attorney to Defend You
Retaining McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., to represent you against DUI charges in West Chester brings several benefits. After you retain our office, we will:
- Communicate on your behalf in interviews with law enforcement and the prosecution
- Review the facts of your case to identify possible defense strategies
- Determine if law enforcement violated any of your rights before, during, or after your DUI arrest
- Represent you in hearings related to your case
- Negotiate with the prosecution for lesser charges or diversion when possible
- Build a case to compel the court to dismiss your DUI charges or rule in your favor
We will also make ourselves available to you for any questions or concerns you have. Our DUI attorney is accessible by phone, email, text, and social media, so you never have to wait for business hours to get the answers you need.
Praise from Previous Clients Facing Conviction in Pennsylvania
With more than 300 Google reviews and an average rating of five stars, it’s safe to say that McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., has helped many people achieve satisfactory outcomes in their criminal cases. No one better explains what it’s like to work with our firm than clients we’ve defended in the past:
- “Mr. McKenzie helped my son with his DUI in ways I never thought could happen because it was his 2nd. Automatic 90 days in jail. My son ended up with 72 hr. house arrest, 1 yr license suspension with driver interlock. Mr. McKenzie sure knows what he is doing to keep my son out of jail and I could not be more grateful to him and his staff. I HIGHLY recommend McKenzie Law Firm to everyone!!” – M. Reed
- “Mr McKenzie was always very nice and professional when he interacted with me. He keeps you updated on everything that’s happening and makes sure you understand the entire process step by step. He has a confidence that makes you believe you’re in good hands and that you’ve made the right choice to use his law firm.” – T. Corbin
It’s a pleasure to know that our services help those facing some of their most challenging moments. Our firm’s goal is to provide compassionate defense without passing judgment. If you are facing DUI charges in West Chester, our attorney will help you understand your rights under state law and use them to argue in your defense.
For a free legal consultation with a dui lawyer serving West Chester, call (610) 680-7842
Pennsylvania DUI Laws Recognize Three Levels of Intoxication
If an officer suspects you of driving under the influence, the law allows them to pull you over and request a breathalyzer or blood test. Based on these chemical sobriety tests, Pennsylvania law recognizes three levels of intoxication. As the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) outlines, they are:
- General impairment, which applies in cases where the exact BAC is unknown or the BAC measures between .08 and .099
- High impairment, which applies when the BAC measures between .10 and .159
- Highest impairment, which applies when the BAC measures at least .16
Each level comes with its own grade and penalties based on the level of intoxication, though other factors can increase the consequences you face, such as:
- A child was in the car
- Previous DUI convictions
- Open containers
If this is your first time facing DUI charges, we may be able to argue for dismissal of the case or for diversion into the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program. Otherwise, we can begin building a defense in the hopes of reducing your charges or winning in court.
West Chester DUI Lawyer Near Me (610) 680-7842
Penalties for Driving Under the Influence in West Chester
In these cases, the consequences of a conviction range from license suspension to prison time, and what you face depends on the circumstances of your DUI arrest. For example, you could receive a jail sentence for a first offense if you register a BAC of .10 or higher. Even if you refuse to take a breathalyzer test, you will undergo automatic license suspension and likely still face charges.
The following chart summarizes possible license suspension terms, fines, and jail time for DUI charges based on the number of prior offenses:
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No prior offenses |
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Second offense |
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Third and subsequent offenses |
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It’s worth noting that for any level conviction – from an ungraded misdemeanor to first-degree misdemeanor – the court can order mandatory enrollment in alcohol highway safety school and a treatment program. Likewise, any second or subsequent offense requires the use of an ignition interlock device for one year.
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Possible Defense Strategies Against DUI Charges
Depending on the facts of your case, we may be able to build one of the following defenses:
- Failure to read your Miranda rights
- Incorrect administration of the breathalyzer or blood test
- Faulty test results
- No probable cause to pull you over
- You were not driving at the time
After a thorough review of the case, we will let you know what we believe the best course of action is and take steps to fight against your charges.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Contact Our West Chester Criminal Defense Attorney for Help with Your DUI Case Today
Let us fight the DUI charges you face in Chester County on your behalf. If you’re facing charges in another county, we also serve clients in Bucks, Delaware, and Berks. Our DUI attorney may be able to get the case dropped, reduce the charges, or present a winning defense in court.
We are ready to discuss your or your loved one’s recent DUI arrest now: (610) 991-7219.
Call or text (610) 680-7842 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
