Top West Whiteland PA DUI Lawyer from Benari Law Group

Make no mistake about it; your freedom, financial security, job prospects, and reputation are all in jeopardy if you are convicted of driving under the influence, which is why it’s vital to have an expert West Whiteland PA DUI lawyer in your corner. Our firm has been fighting criminal charges since 2001 and we understand what you’re up against as well as what avenues can be taken to prevent a blemish such as this from overtaking your future.

The Consequences of a Drunk Driving Conviction are Great

In 2004, the legislature enacted a new set of drunk driving laws that escalated the penalties for drunk driving. Mandatory minimum jail sentences are now in effect, even for first-time offenders. These penalties depend on the BAC (Blood Alcohol Rate), your refusal of a breathalyzer or blood test, your prior criminal history, and whether an accident occurred, along with other variables. If convicted, you may face:

• Loss of your license
• Fines
• Incarceration / Prison time
• Probation
• Ignition interlock device requirement for your vehicle
• Community service
• ARD
• Loss of wages
• Loss of reputation
• Mandatory Substance Abuse Treatment
• Random Drug Tests by the Court

The State has Three Tiers of Blood Alcohol, with increasing consequences

Tier 1: BAC of 0.08- 0.99% or Unsafe Driving- A first-time offender can expect a minimum of six months’ probation and up to six months’ imprisonment, with fines starting at $300, but the same offense on a third or later occurrence comes with a mandatory minimum sentence and jail or prison time that can reach as much as two years, plus fines of as much as $5,000 to start.

Tier 2: BAC of 0.10- 0.159%, BAC of 0.02% or Higher if Underage- First-time offenders convicted of a Tier 2 DUI automatically lose their license for 12 months and have a mandatory minimum jail sentence of two days, with a maximum of six months. The fines and costs can easily reach $5,000.

Tier 3: BAC of 0.16% and Above, Refusal of BAC or Blood Test, or any Controlled Substance in Your System- As with a Tier 2, the license is revoked for 12 months automatically and on a first offense, sentencing is three days to six months with fines and costs that may reach $5,000. A second offense at this tier has a ninety-day mandatory minimum jail sentence, and a third or later occurrence results in a mandatory minimum of one year in a state prison, but can extend to as much as five years quickly with additional offenses. Fines and costs in these later cases can reach up to $10,000 and licenses are revoked for at least 18 months.

Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition May Be an Option

Many people benefit from Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD), or the state’s option to aid first-time offenders avoid becoming habitual offenders. Entering the program essentially seals your records and does not go down as a conviction, provided you remain a law abiding citizen for a period of time after the incident. Nonetheless, this option is only provided at the sole discretion of the district attorney and the terms must be worked out by your DUI Defense Lawyer. Benari Law Group has competently put well over a thousand clients through the ARD program, and are the best possible choice for you if you are a first offender.

Retain a West Whiteland PA DUI Lawyer Who Focuses on You

There are more than 1,000 people arrested in an average month for driving under the influence in Southeastern Pennsylvania, and we are hired for much more than our fair share of these cases. This is because our process is different than other firms. We start by identifying your intended goal and then giving avenues to reach it. Drunk driving charges can often be reduced or dismissed, depending on the circumstances of a case and your personal history, and we will take the time to give you all the information you need to make the right decision for you.

Speak with a Top West Whiteland PA DUI Lawyer Today

We provide custom defense strategies and are dedicated to delivering the results you need. While no lawyer can ever guarantee a win, our firm has a strong track record for delivering desirable results and negotiating or fighting to make sure our clients can resume their normal lives as quickly as possible. For more information about what your options are, speak to a seasoned West Whiteland PA DUI lawyer by calling 610-566-1006 today.