Yes, a DUI Is Worth Fighting

You may think that your first charge of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol (DUI) isn’t worth fighting. You may think your third DUI isn’t worth the time it will take to hire an attorney to defend you. In either situation, you are facing jail, treatment programs, fines, and the loss of your driving privileges. Surely those penalties make fighting back worth it under any circumstances. The court treats DUIs, like any other crime, with a presumption of innocence. That is your right under the law, so why would you choose to not take advantage of that right?

If you have been charged with DUI in York, Lancaster, Harrisburg, or Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, it’s important to reach out to skilled advocacy. Contact our team at Korey Leslie, Attorney-At-Law, LLC. 

What Are the Possible Penalties for a DUI Conviction in Pennsylvania?

A conviction for a first DUI charge in Pennsylvania can result in a jail sentence of 72 hours to six months. A third DUI may be punishable by one to five years in prison. Fines range from $1,000 to $10,000. You could be ordered to complete drug and alcohol treatment, pay for the installation and maintenance of an ignition interlock device, and purchase SR-22 insurance.

Moreover, your driver’s license may be suspended for 12 to 18 months. If you are serving a prison sentence for a DUI conviction during that time, losing your license may not matter. If you are trying to work or go to school, a conviction will certainly take its toll on you.

What Are the Other Consequences of a DUI Conviction?

Consequences other than the criminal penalties of incarceration, fines, and a license suspension may be just as devastating. Many people lose their jobs—either because they need their license to perform it, or because a DUI conviction is grounds for termination. Moreover, you may be unable to get a student loan, attend college, gain professional licensure or certification, or be eligible for employment in certain fields. Auto insurance companies, always looking for ways to charge policyholders more, may dramatically increase your rates. Insurance is all about risk, and a DUI conviction makes you a greater risk than other drivers.

Your personal relationships may also take the brunt of a conviction. You can’t transport your children without a driver’s license. You may need to ask others for rides and be unable to run errands for the household, placing the burden on others you live with. Your personal relationships will be in jeopardy.

What Possible Defenses Against a DUI Charge Do I Have?

The defenses your attorney can raise will depend on the circumstances of your stop and your arrest. In general, some of the more common defense strategies include:

• Asserting that there was no probable cause for the stop by law enforcement

• Claiming that the procedures carried out by law enforcement during the stop were not lawful. For example, an officer might have told you that you absolutely must perform field sobriety tests or face arrest.

• Arguing that your blood alcohol content (BAC) was caused by certain health conditions or certain things you ate, breathed, drank, or consumed other than alcohol or drugs

• Asserting that the breathalyzer might have not been maintained, calibrated, or administered properly

Consider the circumstances that your attorney could help investigate and use in your defense. The potential for a reduced or dropped charge, a finding of not guilty, and minimum sentencing penalties should provide the incentive to hire an experienced DUI attorney to represent you.

How a Knowledgeable Attorney Can Help

Fighting a DUI is worth it. Just make sure you put the right DUI defense attorney in your corner. After more than a decade as a DUI defense attorney, there is little that Attorney Leslie has not seen. Every client our team represents in and around York, Pennsylvania, receives the benefit of our dedication to providing the best possible criminal defense. Call Korey Leslie, Attorney-At-Law, LLC now to schedule a case consultation.