In Pennsylvania, DUI laws are severe and strictly enforced with each successive arrest bringing the possibility of even more severe penalties. The impact of an arrest can haunt those charged for years, especially if it is a repeat offense.
It may seem as though the evidence against you cannot be countered and the police may have a Breathalyzer or chemical test that they say indicates an illegal BAC. But the fact is, effective criminal defense can neutralize even the most apparently damaging evidence.
When lawyer Barry G. Goldman partners with clients, he brings more than 23 years of experience in criminal defense cases to undertake comprehensive investigation to understand optimal actions in DUI defense.
In Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) controls a driver's license suspension. It waits to see the outcome of your DUI charge before suspending a license. If your license is suspended you can apply for an occupational license, also known as a "bread and butter" license, for vocational travel.
A noteworthy component of a DUI arrest is the tier in which the charge is placed, generally separated by blood alcohol content:
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Tier one — .08 to .099, no suspension for a first offense
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Tier two — .10 to .159, one-year suspension for first offense, 48 hours in jail
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Tier three — .16 and up, one-year suspension for first offense, 72 hours in jail
Refusal to submit to a blood alcohol content (BAC) test and driving under the influence of controlled substances are treated as tier-three offenses and results in an additional suspension of driving privileges.
Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD)
Many first-time offenders can take advantage of ARD, a program that offers treatment instead of incarceration. ARD is not normally available to offenders:
- With a previous offense in the past 10 years
- Who were arrested with children in their vehicle
- Where the BAC exceeds .24
- Where someone was injured or property was damaged
Pennsylvania Drug Crime Attorney Serving Lebanon
Barry G. Goldman is also able to bring his comprehensive criminal law knowledge to work on drug cases involving misdemeanor possessions and felony charges for delivery/intent to deliver. Barry G. Goldman can pursue pleas, litigation or alternative methods for mitigation including the Lancaster County Drug Court program, the state intermediate punishment program, and rehabilitation and treatment programs. These programs allow those charged to avoid jail through work, rehabilitation and treatment.
To discuss any aspect of your legal issue with Lancaster DUI/drug offense attorney Barry G. Goldman call 717-826-0209 or e-mail him.
