David J. Eckle
In Pennsylvania, driving under influence(DUI) is a crime. DUI is commonly referred to as drunk driving. DUI refers to driving a motor vehicle when the alcohol content in a person’s blood is above the legal limit set by statute and it is not safe to drive. In DUI cases, a combination of narcotics and alcohol can cause an individual to be "under the influence." The drugs causing or contributing to the impairment need not be illegal but can consist of lawfully prescribed or over-the-counter medication.
If you are arrested for DUI in Pennsylvania, the police will ask you to take a breath or blood test. If your blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08% or higher, and you are convicted of DUI, you can expect:
- Up to one-year driver's license suspension
- Drug and alcohol evaluation
- Fines (up to $5,000.00 for a first offense), court costs, and restitution
- To complete a state-approved Alcohol Highway Safety Program, if ordered by the court
If you are under 18 years of age, you may also have a juvenile complaint filed against you within 5 days, and you may be adjudicated delinquent. Your parents will be notified of your arrest.
If you are older than 18 years of age, you may be ordered to the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition Program, if you qualify. If you do not qualify, you could be sentenced to 48 hours in jail.
If you refuse to take a breath or blood test, your driving privileges could be suspended for one year.
DUI is considered a misdemeanor, and the person accused is subject to a test of sobriety which is a blood or breath-analyzer test. Some offenses may be charged as misdemeanors but felony charges may be pursued if the incident caused serious injury, death, or extensive property damage, or if the individual charged has had several prior convictions for the same offense. Penalties can include fines, suspension or revocation of one’s license, incarceration, mandatory attendance at DUI schools, community service, probation, and installation of a breath alcohol ignition interlock device.
If you are facing DUI charges, it is very important that you contact Attorney David J. Eckle right away! Depending upon your specific circumstances, attorney Eckle may be able to establish that a DUI felony charge should be reduced to a misdemeanor or possibly dismissed. Such a reduction could be crucial to maintaining your driving privileges and your freedom.
David J. Eckle has successfully helped numerous clients, from first-time offenders to those with multiple convictions. If you are looking for an attorney who has rich and varied experience in this field and over 25 years of legal experience in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, you have come to the right place.
