Uniontown DUI Lawyer

Trusted DUI Attorney in Uniontown

Driving under the influence (DUI) is not only extremely dangerous, but has the potential to result in serious criminal charges. If you have been arrested, it is important to work with a Uniontown DUI lawyer as soon as possible, so they can defend your rights, investigate your case, and build a defense strategy that helps you move forward after being charged with DUI.

Crowe Law, LLC: Hire a DUI Lawyer You Can Count On

Since 2023, Crowe Law, LLC, has helped clients through over 200 criminal matters. Attorney Patrick Crowe understands how stressful these cases can become, which is why he offers steadfast support and guidance while building a strategic defense strategy that pursues a positive outcome.

While it may seem challenging to succeed in a DUI defense case, it is possible. For example, in a recent case, Patrick Crowe was able to get a client’s DUI charges dismissed entirely. However, past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case is different.

Understanding DUI Charges in Uniontown

Driving while under the influence of alcohol and drugs is extremely risky. Not only is there a huge risk of an accident, with 30% of all traffic fatalities happening in a crash involving a drunk driver, but it puts you at risk for criminal charges that can have a significant impact on your future.

DUI charges are some of the most common criminal charges in Uniontown, especially on roads such as Route 119 or Route 40. Across Pennsylvania, there were 40,823 DUI arrests made in 2023. Despite how common these charges are, they can still have serious impacts.

Types of DUI Penalties in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has strict DUI penalties for convicted offenders. The specific penalties you may face depend on factors such as your BAC or the type of controlled substance, whether you have any prior offenses, and whether you caused an accident. A Uniontown DUI lawyer can evaluate your case and explain your charges and their potential consequences.

Despite how much DUI penalties can vary, there are some common penalties included in a sentence. They include:

• Imprisonment. While low-level DUIs may result in probation alone, without any jail time, it is common for offenders to spend days to over a year in jail or prison.
• Probation. Probation can be ordered in lieu of jail time for low-level DUIs, or to replace part of a jail sentence. Probation is often preferred to jail time as it allows an individual to remain in the community. However, there are strict probation conditions that must be followed, such as drug and alcohol testing and meetings with a probation officer.
• Fines. A DUI conviction can be expensive. Not only are there court-ordered fines associated with a conviction, but there may be additional expenses that you must pay. Program fees, license fees, and victim restitution are some examples.
• Alcohol highway safety school (AHSS). AHSS is a 5-hour DUI education program that Pennsylvania DUI laws require offenders to complete.
• License suspension. Even after you have completed your jail or probation sentence, a license suspension can still affect your freedom. License suspension is one of the most common penalties and can last for months or years.
• Installation of an ignition interlock device (IID). An IID is a device that tests your BAC through a breathalyzer before and while driving, preventing you from using your vehicle if there is alcohol detected.

Defense Strategies for DUI Charges

Just because you have criminal charges does not mean that you are going to be convicted of DUI. You can minimize the chance of a conviction by working with a Uniontown DUI attorney to build a customized defense. While every case requires a unique defense, successful defenses often involve challenging:

• The reliability of field sobriety tests
• Whether a chemical test was accurately administered and analyzed
• Whether an officer had a lawful reason to conduct a traffic stop

FAQs

Is it Worth It to Hire a DUI Lawyer?

Yes, it is generally worth it to hire a DUI lawyer. Working with a lawyer can help you minimize the risk of law enforcement gaining additional evidence against you through avoidable searches and seizures, interrogations, or your personal statements. A Uniontown DUI lawyer can also identify a strong defense strategy for your case, depending on the facts of the offense and the weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.

What Is the Two-Hour Rule for DUI in Pennsylvania?

The two-hour rule for DUI in Pennsylvania states that a chemical test must be taken within two hours of the time when you last operated the vehicle. This is because after the two-hour window, your blood alcohol concentration may no longer reflect your BAC at the time of the offense. If police fail to complete a chemical test within the two hours, you may be able to argue that the results should be deemed inadmissible in court.

Is it Worth Defending Against a DUI Charge?

Yes, it is worth it to defend against DUI charges. A strong defense strategy has the potential to help you achieve dismissed charges, reduced charges, not guilty verdicts, and other positive outcomes. Even if you believe there is no available defense, it is always worth speaking with a Uniontown DUI attorney. A lawyer is often able to identify creative or complex defense options that can help you protect your future against Pennsylvania’s harsh DUI penalties.

Can You Refuse a Chemical Test After Being Arrested for DUI?

No, if you are arrested for DUI, you cannot refuse chemical testing, including blood, breath, urine, or other tests used to determine BAC or the presence of drugs in your system. This is because of Pennsylvania’s Implied Consent law, which means that all drivers in the state are considered to have agreed to consent to these tests. Refusing a test can result in license suspension, and your refusal may be used as evidence of your guilt.

Speak With a Uniontown DUI Attorney About Your Legal Options After a DUI Arrest

If you are arrested for DUI, it is important to act quickly to protect your rights. Contact Crowe Law, LLC, as soon as possible to get professional guidance throughout your DUI case.