Felony DUI Lawyers in Ridley Park, Pennsylvania

Being arrested for drunk driving can be a life-altering experience. Whether you think you’re guilty or not, the situation you’re in demands immediate and informed action, especially if you are facing felony charges instead of the standard misdemeanor.  

Right now, your freedom and future are on the line. If you choose to do nothing or you simply don’t do enough, a conviction could derail your life of hard work in an instant. At Adams Kearney Law, our felony DUI attorneys in Ridley Park, Pennsylvania, understand the serious implications of a conviction.  

If you are not the type of person who just sits and waits to see what’s going to happen, you should invest whatever time you have left before your arraignment or trial date to mount the best possible defense. And our team of attorneys at Adams Kearney Law are here to help. With over 100 years of experience combined, we are dedicated to helping you through this difficult time.  

Is DUI a Misdemeanor or Felony in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, driving under the influence (DUI) can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on several factors. Typically, a first or second DUI offense without any aggravating circumstances (e.g., causing serious bodily injury or death) is charged as a misdemeanor.  

Depending on the circumstances surrounding your offense, DUI charges can be upgraded from misdemeanor to felony when:  

• It’s your third or subsequent DUI offense;  

• You refused a breath or chemical test;  

• You were involved in an accident causing serious bodily injury or death; and/or 

• You had a minor in the vehicle at the time of the offense. 

You need to understand whether your DUI charge is a misdemeanor or felony in order to plan your defense. Since a felony charge carries more severe penalties and potentially lifelong repercussions, you might want to consider contacting a Ridley Park felony DUI attorney.  

When Can You Face Felony Charges for DUI in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania enacted Deana's Law in 2022 to change the way the state charges motorists for drunk driving. After the enactment of the law, those arrested for DUI can face either misdemeanor or felony charges. DUI felony charges are categorized into:   

• Felony of the second degree 

• Felony of the third degree 

Felony of the second degree charges, which are more serious than felony of the third degree charges, apply when you have at least three DUI conviction and any of the following is true:  

• You refused a breath or chemical test provided that there is a valid search warrant;  

• You have been charged with DUI Highest Rate of Alcohol; or 

• Your DUI charges are the result of driving under the influence of controlled substances.  

Felony of the third degree charges are less serious than felony of the second degree charges and apply when you have either (a) three or more DUI convictions or (b) a conviction for homicide by vehicle while DUI and any of the following is true: 

• You refused a breath or chemical test provided that there is a valid search warrant;  

• You have been charged with DUI Highest Rate of Alcohol;  

• Your DUI charges are the result of driving under the influence of controlled substances; or 

• You were DUI with a minor under the age of 18 in your vehicle.  

Regardless of the way you are charged with a felony DUI instead of the standard misdemeanor, you might want to discuss your situation with an attorney and start developing a defense strategy.

Penalties and Other Consequences of a Felony DUI Conviction

The penalties for a felony DUI conviction in Pennsylvania are severe and can alter your life for years to come. Some of the potential consequences include: 

• A long prison sentence of up to 10 years;  

• Substantial fines of between $2,500 and $25,000 that can place a financial burden on you and your family;  

• Loss of driving privileges, potentially for several years, which can affect your ability to work and carry out daily activities;  

• A permanent criminal record, which can hinder employment opportunities, housing options, and more;  

• Mandatory alcohol education and treatment programs that you must complete as part of your sentencing; and 

• Increased insurance premiums or even the loss of insurance coverage. 

The only way to avoid the harsh penalties or lessen the severity of the punishment is if you mount a strong defense strategy. Our Pennsylvania felony DUI attorneys at Adams Kearney Law can help explore your defense options to achieve the most favorable result possible. 

Defense Strategies in Felony DUI Cases

There are dozens of defense strategies that can be used when facing felony DUI charges. However, you cannot just choose any strategy randomly and expect it to do you any favor. Instead, you may need to have an attorney review all aspects of your case to mount the best defense for your specific case. An attorney may choose among the following defenses:  

• Challenging the legality of the traffic stop 

• Questioning the accuracy of breathalyzer or blood test results 

• Contesting the administration and results of field sobriety tests 

• Arguing that the arresting officer lacked probable cause. 

• Highlighting procedural errors made during your arrest 

• Demonstrating that medical conditions may have affected test results 

• Providing evidence that your rights were violated 

• Presenting witness testimony to support your case 

Every DUI case is unique, which is why you shouldn’t limit yourself to these defenses. It might make sense to schedule a consultation with an attorney to explore all possible defenses that may be available to you.  

Why Choose Adams Kearney Law?

When your future and freedom are at risk, you don’t want just any attorney to represent you. You want a team fighting relentlessly on your behalf. If you choose to entrust your case to Adams Kearney Law, you’re getting:  

• Over a century of combined legal experience: With more than 100 years of combined experience in criminal defense, our seasoned attorneys bring their cumulative wisdom to each case they handle.  

• Vigorous defense: We aren’t just regular DUI attorneys. We are a client-focused team committed to fighting for your rights and achieving the best possible outcome. 

• Steadfast support at each stage of legal proceedings: From arraignment to trial, we will be there to stand by your side every step of the way. 

• Down-to-earth team: We pride ourselves on being approachable and responsive to our clients’ needs.  

• Personable and caring approach: We understand the stress you’re under when facing felony DUI charges and strive to provide compassionate support throughout your case. 

• Glowing testimonials: Our satisfied clients speak to our dedication and effectiveness in defending DUI cases. 

If you think your freedom and future are worth more than the cost of representation in your felony DUI case, do not hesitate to reach out to Adams Kearney Law.