What happens when you are charged with your first DUI?

Drinking a few with your friends and getting behind the wheel may seem like a good idea, but it could lead to serious consequences. To get a blood alcohol content of 0.08%, just 3 drinks for women, and 4 drinks for men are all it takes.  In Pennsylvania, that’s the limit for driving drunk. It happens to good people sometimes. If  See Alcohol Impairment Chart Here

I was stopped, Now what?

Your blood alcohol level at the time of your arrest determines whether you are charged with a DUI in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania is an implied consent state, which means that if an officer has probable cause to believe that you are driving under the influence of alcohol. You could have swerved, sped up, failed to use a turn signal, or ran a red light. In the event that you are arrested and required to take a blood, urine, or breath test to determine your BAC. If you are facing charges for a DUI you need to know the potential consequences a conviction could have on your personal and professional life.

For the entire DUI court process, click here. Below are some guidelines I used, when I worked as a Prosecutor.

Consequences of a DUI/DWI

If you do not have any past criminal history, and it is your first DUI charge, you are likely to get ARD.

Should you fight a DUI?

The simple answer is yes.

Why? Driving under the influence has severe and long-lasting consequences, including problems with employment, housing, and credit. If you do not have an attorney, you could be charged the maximum penalties.

It takes a skilled attorney to look at the situation from all angles and challenge the prosecution and the office that stopped you. Police officers are also required to follow guidelines during a controlled stop. Click here to learn how to beat a DUI charge.

Your lawyer will attempt to have the case dismissed if possible. If not, they will look into ways to reduce the severity of your sentence. A program like Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) is often offered to first-time offenders without any criminal history. Once you complete a program, you may be able to avoid jail time and get a much shorter suspension of your driving license. In addition, you can apply to have the charge expunged from your arrest record.