If you face DUI charges, have an Abington DUI attorney at McKenzie Law Firm, P.C. represent you. We know the ins and outs of Montgomery County's court system. We'll give you our objective assessment of your case and a solid explanation of your perspectives so we can decide on the best course of action.
Drinking and driving (DUI) cases are complex and require a thorough understanding of the law to fully exercise your rights. If you're convicted of a DUI felony, you could face jail time and other penalties, not to mention the DUI remaining in your possession.criminal record.
The impact of such a history could include losing a job or opportunities for future positions, as well as loss of income while serving a prison sentence. Suspension of your driver's license may prevent you from driving to work or performing certain tasks. You may also have to appear at Abington Traffic Court.
DUI penalties in Pennsylvania are severe
Pennsylvania has a graduated sentencing structure based on the defendant's driver's license and blood alcohol content (BAC) at the time of arrest. AccordinglyPennsylvania Department of Transportationinclude general impairment (0.08% to 0.099%), high BAC (0.10% to 0.159%), and highest BAC (0.16% or more) categories.
A first-time DUI offender with a BAC of 0.08 to 0.099 does not typically face jail time but may face a variety of other penalties, including a $300 fine and up to six months probation.
The penalties only become more severe if your BAC is 0.10% or more and/or you have previously been arrested for a DUI. If you already have one or more DUI convictions on your record, depending on your BAC, you can face jail time and large fines, including:
- Up to five years imprisonment
- Fines and penalties range from $300 to $10,000
- Up to 18 months license suspension
- Mandatory installation of an ignition interlock in your vehicle for one year
Certain aggravating factors can increase your fees and penalties, including:
- Injuring a passenger, another driver, or pedestrian while committing the DUI
- A child present in the vehicle.
- A DUI that occurs while driving with a suspended license
We will look for ways to reduce your fines or advocate for lower fees, such as: We can even appeal the suspension of your driver's license or apply for a restricted work permit so you can continue to drive to work, school, and other important chores.
If your BAC was 0.08 or slightly higher, this is your first offense and you have a clean driving history to qualify forAccelerated Rehabilitation Agreement (ARD). This essentially dismisses your DUI case by completing a rehab program.
Do I have to agree to a chemical test?
Sim.Pennsylvania Law 24 § 1545requires you to undergo a chemical test by breath, urine or blood test if officers legally arrest you for a DUI in Abington. Refusal to submit to a chemical test may result in a license suspension of 12 months for the first offense or 18 months for a subsequent offense.
In addition, the state can use your refusal to claim knowledge of your intoxication. Refusing to undergo a chemical test can still result in a DUI conviction and associated penalties.
Related:What should I do if my memory of the car accident differs from when I returned to Pennsylvania?
How Can an Abington, PA Drunk Driving Attorney Help My Case?
Even if your BAC chemical test was above the legal limit, or you think your behavior during traffic stops might indicate your level of intoxication, speak to one of our firm's Abington DUI attorneys about your case.
Various mitigating circumstances may affect the charges against you and the penalties you may face. Factors your Abington criminal defense attorney will consider and may argue include:
- Whether the breathalyzer was properly calibrated, the officer performed the test correctly, or the results were erroneous
- Whether there was sufficient probable cause to initiate the DUI stop and whether the stop and subsequent arrest were lawful
- If you are entitled to ARD or reduced fees or fines; This may require you to speak to the prosecutor handling your case
Our Abington DUI attorney will review all aspects of your case, secure the evidence, speak to expert witnesses (if necessary), provide a thorough evaluation of your case, and help you navigate the Montgomery County legal system.
Related:Do you have to register long guns in PA?
Why shouldn't I try to fight a DUI charge on my own?
Even if your DUI charge doesn't reach the level of a felony, you should take the possible consequences of a conviction very seriously. Hiring a lawyer is a fundamental step for anyone looking to make the best of a difficult situation.
The risks of handling a DUI case yourself include:
- not assessing your case accurately: If you don't have a legal background, you may not understand the nuances of your case. Having attorney David McKenzie interpret the facts of your case can be instructive.
- Not recognizing the strengths of your case: A lawyer can plead guilty against you in the prosecution's case; Such mistakes can be strengths in your defense. These nuances can be very technical and may not be obvious to non-lawyers.
- Neglect other responsibilities in your life.: Dealing with a DUI defense will take a lot of time and energy. When you try to control your defenses, other areas of your life can suffer.
- Suffering a legal consequence worse than necessary: If you don't build an effective defense, you could face unnecessary legal consequences. A lawyer can achieve a better result if he can present a more convincing case than you.
You want to choose the lawyer that is right for you. McKenzie Law Firm, PC has a successful track record of defending clients against DUI charges. Several of these customers reported positively about our agency:
- “David was very experienced in the DUI field. He focused on my [situation] and made sure all my questions were answered. His price was fair and he offered a favorable outcome for my case. If you are looking for a good lawyer who will focus on your situation and needs and not theirs, call David McKenzie."–Jennifer, Ehemely Kundin
- “After being charged with drunk driving and being denied a breathalyzer test, I spoke to some local lawyers on the phone. Right from the start, David was personable, credible and informative. He helped me answer the many questions I had over the phone and via email. When I emailed him, he always replied the same day, sometimes right away."–anonymous former customer
- “I would recommend David to anyone facing a DUI or any other criminal charge. He was very knowledgeable about the whole process from start to finish. It helped me calm down during the long wait to be admitted to ARD.”–Matt, former customer
We will use our past experience with DUI cases to find the best outcome for you.
Related:What laws should a gun owner in Pennsylvania obey?
The McKenzie Law Firm approaches cases from the perspective of a former prosecutor
David McKenzie is a former criminal prosecutor. He understands the motives of the organizers and knows how to negotiate with them.
David McKenzie will bring his experience as a prosecutor and criminal defense attorney to your case. This rare perspective makes McKenzie unique among Abington's DUI attorneys.
If you've been charged with a DUI, don't take it seriously. Call McKenzie Law Firm, P.C. to get a free consultation. You can reach us by phone at(610) 680-7842. We protect your rights. We represent clients in Abington and throughout Pennsylvania.