What Police Look for When Issuing a DUI
As one of the best Philadelphia DUI defense attorneys, we have seen the same story too many times; normally law-abiding citizens in Pennsylvania and New Jersey find themselves mired in a criminal justice bureaucracy after an arrest for DUI or DWI. With a legal blood alcohol limit of .08 and police discretion to cite drivers at even lower levels, our DUI lawyers understand how one bad choice can turn into a criminal record.
The consequences of a DUI conviction in Philadelphia will depend on whether it is a first, second or third conviction, as well as the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at the time of the arrest, which is divided into three levels.
General Impairment: 0.8 – .099%
High BAC: .10-.159%
Highest BAC: .16% +
Following an arrest, you’ll likely be involved in two cases: a criminal case with penalties from the court and a separate action by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. From 6 months of probation and up to $300 in fines for general impairment to 6 months in jail and $5,000 in fines for the highest BAC, there’s a lot at risk in any case. Additionally, your license suspension of up to 12 months starts almost immediately, and with only 10 days to schedule your DMV hearing, it’s imperative to contact a team of top DUI attorneys in Philadelphia in order to protect your driving privileges.
It is important to note that several factors can affect a person’s BAC such as:
- Weight
- Body type
- Gender
- Medications
- Rate of consumption
- and more
So even if you feel you did not drink enough to reach the legal limit, you may be driving legally impaired. It is also possible to be charged with a DUI with a BAC of less than 0.08% if the officer feels you were driving unsafely. Our DUI attorneys in Philadelphia have seen many cases where officers make an arrest based on an overzealous goal to keep our roads safe, and our experienced DUI lawyers were able to provide the proper defenses in court to protect the rights of the innocent driver.
All these charges have the ability to permanently ruin reputations, relationships and careers and will only continue to manifest over time, affecting multiple areas of your life for years to come. Despite the severity of DUI charges in Philadelphia, they are quite common, especially during the holiday season. While many people regrettably try to handle DUI charges on their own, you have too much at risk to settle for anything less than one of the best Philadelphia DUI lawyers at your defense.
If police suspect you may be charged with DUI, you need an experienced defense lawyer like Brennan Law in PA to help. Here’s what police look for when issuing a DUI to suspects:
- Erratic or unusual driving behavior like speeding or swerving may be enough evidence to charge drivers with DUI penalties leading to the need of an attorney.
- Bloodshot or watery eyes and slurred speech are also indicators that someone could need a DUI attorney after being charged.
- Traffic violations like blatantly running stop signs or red lights might also be grounds for DUI.
- A police officer will usually give suspects a breathalyzer test to confirm that they are driving under the influence.
If you’ve been charged with DUI, contact a lawyer at Brennan Law for knowledgeable legal counsel today.
Why Hire Our DUI Lawyers?
- We Care About & Fight For Our Clients
- We Offer Affordable Rates
- We Have Years Of Experience in DUI Law
Fighting To Minimize Your DUI/DWI Penalties
With how common DUIs have unfortunately become, many of us may know someone who has faced a DUI charge, lessening the perceived severity of these crimes. But in reality, the consequences of a conviction can affect many aspects of a person’s life, and in many ways, only the defendant’s close family and friends can see.
In addition to the immediate consequences, a DUI conviction will cause issues with applying for employment or getting promoted, qualifying for a loan or housing, seeking further education, and managing increased financial costs for years to come. The key is having the help of a criminal defense attorney who provides the best chance for you to maintain a clear criminal record or get your case dismissed altogether.
Possible Defenses for a DUI Charge
Our DUI lawyers in Philadelphia possess an intimate knowledge of Pennsylvania and New Jersey drunk driving laws. Over the years, we’ve gained the trust and respect of judges and other DUI attorneys in the local area and developed a reputation well known by prosecutors as fierce advocates for our clients who won’t hesitate to take a case before a jury to make sure charges are reduced or a case gets dismissed. Possible defenses may include:
- The police did not have probable cause to stop you
- There is not enough evidence to prove you were intoxicated
- The vehicle was not driven on a public roadway
- The DUI checkpoint did not comply with standards
- The tests conducted were unreliable
- The breathalyzer was inaccurate
As your dedicated DUI lawyer, our primary focus is to ensure that your case is resolved according to the law and only the facts of the case, not by questionable police tactics or overzealous prosecutors. Our team of DUI attorneys are skilled at the thorough investigation and explication of drunk driving arrests in order to identify and exploit weaknesses in the prosecution’s case against you. From unlawful traffic stops and breath test procedures to lab errors and miscommunications, our DUI lawyers will evaluate your case in exhaustive detail to identify all the possible ways to reduce your charges.
