DUI/Drunk Driving Attorneys in Ridley Park, Pennsylvania

A drunk driving charge – also known as DUI – is not something you should go through alone. If you are facing a DUI charge in Pennsylvania, hiring an experienced attorney can be the best course of action. An attorney will help you navigate the court system, advocate for your rights, and provide sound legal advice throughout the process.  

If you were arrested for DUI in Ridley Park, Pennsylvania, our DUI attorneys at Adams Kearney Law might be able to help you reduce the penalties you face or dismiss the drunk driving charge entirely. With an office in Ridley Park, Pennsylvania, we serve individuals facing DUI charges in Chester County, Delaware County, and the greater Philadelphia area. 

DUI Charges in Pennsylvania  

According to the law in Pennsylvania, it is illegal for a person who has consumed alcohol or drugs to operate a motor vehicle. If a person has a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 percent or higher, they are considered legally impaired and may be arrested for DUI.  

In addition to BAC levels, factors like driving behavior and performance on field sobriety tests can also be used as evidence against a driver accused of DUI.  

In Pennsylvania, you do not necessarily need to be driving to be arrested for DUI. Pennsylvania makes it illegal to operate a motor vehicle or be in actual physical control of one while under the influence of alcohol.  

Pennsylvania law also imposes harsher penalties for those arrested for DUI with a minor passenger in the vehicle. Thus, if there was a child under the age of 18 in your vehicle during your DUI arrest, the consequences can be even greater compared to a regular DUI with adult passengers or no passengers at all.   

Sobriety Tests and Your Rights  

In Pennsylvania, drivers are obligated by law to submit to both breath and chemical testing when requested by police officers during traffic stops related to suspected drunk driving. Drivers have the right to refuse these tests but could face consequences such as license suspension if they do so.  

The refusal also gives prosecutors additional evidence they can use against individuals charged with DUI offenses in court. However, this rule does not apply to all DUI tests. Standardized field sobriety tests (SFSTs) and preliminary breath testing do not fall under the implied consent law in Pennsylvania, which means you have a right to refuse a preliminary field sobriety test or SFST without facing additional penalties.  

Drivers should also know their Miranda rights when stopped by police officers for suspected DUI violations. Refusing to answer questions without consulting an attorney first can help protect your legal rights no matter what state you are in.    

Possible Penalties for DUIs 

The specific penalties imposed on individuals convicted of DUI depend on several different factors including prior convictions, BAC levels at the time of arrest, whether any minors were present in the vehicle at the time of arrest, and other extenuating circumstances surrounding each case.  

Generally speaking, punishments range from fines and license suspension or revocation up to jail time and community service depending on the severity of each case.

Consulting with an experienced attorney is recommended because they can help explain all potential penalties associated with each case more clearly so that defendants can make informed decisions about how best to proceed with their defense. 

How a DUI Defense Attorney Can Help 

A DUI charge is a serious matter, so it is important that you understand your rights and obligations before appearing in court. Your lawyer will be able to explain all aspects of the criminal justice system and walk you through every step of the process. They will also help to ensure that your rights are not violated at any point during the proceedings.  

Your attorney will review all evidence related to your case and determine if there are any potential defenses available to you. For example, they may be able to argue that there was an issue with law enforcement’s administration of tests or handling of the stop or arrest, or that certain evidence should not be admissible because it was obtained illegally. In addition, your lawyer may be able to negotiate with prosecutors for a plea bargain or reduced sentence if appropriate.   

Having an experienced attorney on your side can give you a much better chance at negotiating with prosecutors for a plea deal or reduced sentence. Your criminal defense attorney will have insight into how prosecutors think and how they evaluate cases which can help them craft a successful negotiation strategy on your behalf. They may also be able to work out alternative, appropriate sentencing options such as probation instead of jail time.