DUI Defense Attorney in Philadelphia, PA Providing Skilled Legal Representation for DUI Charges in Philadelphia County, Montgomery County, Chester County, Delaware County, and Throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania
Getting arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in Pennsylvania can leave you with considerable and lasting consequences. A DUI conviction has the potential to result in jail time, significant fines, mandatory license suspension, mandatory alcohol education classes, and extensive damage to your professional and personal reputation. If you are currently dealing with DUI charges, even if it is your first offense, consult with a Philadelphia DUI lawyer who understands the urgency of defending your rights and minimizing the consequences of your charges.
At van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim, we know what is at stake in DUI charges. Our legal team includes more than a dozen criminal defense attorneys who have decades of combined experience serving the people of the Philadelphia community. We have crafted hundreds of custom-tailored defenses for clients ranging from first-time offenders to people facing serious felony DUI charges.
Whether your charges involve an injured victim, repeat offenses, or motor vehicle accidents, we are prepared to stand by you through every stage of your defense. We do not settle for “good enough” representation, and we are dedicated to providing each of our clients with the strong and aggressive defense they need from their Philadelphia DUI lawyer. When your license, criminal record, and freedom are on the line, speak with a DUI defense attorney in Philadelphia, PA, at our law firm.
Call us at 215-486-0123 or Contact us Online to Schedule a Free Consultation with a Philadelphia Criminal Defense Attorney
The Basics of DUI Charges in Pennsylvania
State law categorizes DUI offenses into three primary categories, which are based on the level of blood alcohol content (BAC) present at the time of the arrest. These categories split BAC levels accordingly:
- General impairment for BAC between 0.08% and 0.1%
- High BAC for levels between 0.1% and 0.159%
- Highest BAC for any BAC levels above 0.16% or if the driver is under the influence of drugs
State DUI laws also look at factors like whether the driver refused DUI testing, whether the driver has prior DUI offenses, and whether there were any minors present in the vehicle, all of which can severely increase the charges and penalties you are facing.
It is also possible to be charged with a DUI for having a BAC above zero and below 0.08%. If a Philadelphia police officer believes that you are visibly impaired or unable to drive a vehicle safely, they can charge you with a DUI. This impairment can come from any combination of alcohol, controlled substances, or prescription medication. Any driver who refuses chemical testing to verify their BAC can also face additional penalties, like a mandatory license suspension.
The Penalties of a Pennsylvania DUI Conviction
The penalties of any DUI conviction are based on the BAC level, any previous offenses, and other relevant factors. In most cases, first-offense general impairment charges do not have any jail time attached to a conviction, but you may still experience probation, mandatory alcohol education, and fines. A first offense for high BAC charges often includes a suspended license of up to 12 months, up to $5,000 in fines, and mandatory treatment or education programs. A first offense at the highest BAC level has a high likelihood of jail time and even longer treatment programs.
If this is your second or third offense, the penalties for your charges will also escalate. Jail time may become unavoidable, the fines become even larger, and you can lose your license for years. You may also be forced to install an ignition interlock device and pay the costs of installation. There are also collateral consequences on top of legal penalties. For example, it is likely that your insurance premiums will go up. You may also experience difficulties with any professional licenses you have, and you may even have issues securing employment or housing.
A single night of drinking can have a lifetime of consequences, limiting your freedom and damaging your career path. Defend yourself with a seasoned Philadelphia DUI lawyer who knows how to push back against the prosecution at every stage of your case.
What Happens After Your Arrest in Philadelphia
Once you are arrested for a DUI, the legal system can quickly overwhelm you. Our Philadelphia DUI lawyers are here to protect your rights throughout your case, but we will also support your peace of mind. To do this, we want you to know what you can anticipate on the road ahead.
After your arrest, the police will likely submit a formal complaint that outlines the charges they are filing against you. The police will then either release you or hold you until your preliminary arraignment, where you will be informed of your charges and bail conditions by a judge.
Next, the preliminary hearing will require the commonwealth to establish that there is sufficient evidence against you to proceed with a trial. If your case proceeds, you will be formally arraigned and will need to enter a plea. Once the pretrial phase starts, both the defense and prosecution will prepare for evidence discovery, pretrial motions, and even negotiations. If there is no agreed-upon plea deal, your case will go to trial, where either a judge or jury will decide if you are found innocent or guilty. If convicted, you will then be sentenced to penalties that may include jail time, license suspension, and other consequences.
No matter what stage of your case you are in, it is never too late to reach out to our law office. We will always explore any opportunities to build a strong defense with your best interests at heart, keep you informed about how we are helping you, and present you with the paths available to you.
Call (215) 486-0123 or contact us online to schedule a free case evaluation with a criminal defense attorney in Philadelphia today.
Why Choose a DUI Defense Attorney in Philadelphia, PA, from van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim?
The legal representation you choose should do more than just go through the motions of your case. Any of our Philadelphia DUI lawyers will do everything in their power to develop the strongest possible defense for you. In addition to scrutinizing the police report and any other evidence the prosecution has against you, we will also consult with expert witnesses, look for possible police errors, and explore any opportunities to protect you.
Our legal team is known throughout Pennsylvania and other states for our courtroom results, and we have a long history of handling high-profile and complex cases. Our commitment to our clients leaves us available for contact seven days a week. From the moment you reach out to us, you will receive the compassionate support and aggressive advocacy you expect.
Defend Your Future With a Philadelphia DUI Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one is facing a DUI charge, now is the time to act. Time is your most valuable resource when building a strong defense, and acting quickly means you have a stronger chance of protecting your record, license, and freedom. Our lawyers offer free and confidential initial consultations where we will review your case, explain your rights, and help you secure the most favorable outcome possible.
Call us today at 215-486-0123 or reach out to us online to schedule your initial consultation. The sooner you speak to an experienced DUI attorney in Philadelphia, PA, the sooner we can put our skills and reputation to work for you.
