Free Consultation:
610-436-1410
Free Consultation:
610-436-1410West Chester
If you were charged with a first drunk driving offense, you need to contact an experienced DUI attorney in Pennsylvania to help you through each stage of the case. Many individuals charged with a first-time offense of driving under the influence (DUI) will qualify for the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program, or would benefit from the help of a lawyer fighting for them to have their charges reduced or dropped entirely. A lot is on the line when you’re faced with a criminal charge, and as such, you need the assistance of an experienced first DUI attorney.
Skinner Law Firm may be able to help you fight the charges and retain your driving privileges and other freedoms. It is important to consult with a criminal attorney in West Chester, PA to discuss your options, including reviewing the criminal justice process and what penalties you might face if convicted. To schedule a free and confidential consultation of your case with attorney Michael J. Skinner, call (610) 436-1410 today, or reach out online.
A first DUI offense in PA involving a BAC (blood alcohol content) of 0.08% to .099% is an ungraded misdemeanor.
For a first DUI in Pennsylvania with this BAC, the mandatory minimum sentence is:
A first DUI involving a BAC of .10% to .159% is an ungraded misdemeanor. For a first DUI in Pennsylvania with this BAC, the mandatory minimum sentence is:
A first DUI involving a BAC of .10% to .159% is an ungraded misdemeanor. For a first DUI in Pennsylvania with this BAC, the mandatory minimum sentence is:
The ARD program was created to help individuals charged with a first-time offense to avoid a criminal record. If an individual successfully completes this program, the prosecutor with the District Attorney’s Office will dismiss the charges.
By statute, a DUI dismissed by ARD can be expunged. A DUI conviction, however, cannot be expunged. In addition, a DUI dismissed by ARD will be expunged and removed from a person’s Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) record after 10 years. In the case of a DUI conviction, however, the charge cannot be expunged and will remain on his or her PennDOT record.
Pennsylvania law mandates a driver’s license suspension for certain DUI convictions, but the details of such a consequence depend on various factors, including your BAC while driving, other traffic convictions at the time of a guilty plea, a DUI test refusal, or whether you were under the influence of any controlled substances.
If convicted of a first-time DUI in PA, you face the following driver’s license suspension terms:
In certain cases, a person convicted of a first-offense DUI may be eligible for an Ignition Interlock Limited License and to have an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) installed in their vehicle. This allows DUI offenders restricted driving privileges during their suspension period. When an IID is installed, the driver must blow into the device before the vehicle can start, and periodically during operation to confirm they are not impaired.
Under the ARD program, the court will impose a driver’s license suspension for offenders based on certain blood alcohol concentration (BAC) ranges and whether any controlled substances were in the person’s blood. The suspensions are as follows:
If you are convicted, yes — a DUI conviction cannot be expunged and will remain on your criminal and PennDOT records permanently. However, if you enter and successfully complete the ARD program, your record can be expunged after the case is dismissed and 10 years have passed.
Yes. Even for a first offense, you are required to appear in court. Your attorney can often handle many of the procedural matters and may be able to minimize your court appearances, but certain hearings — such as arraignment or plea — generally require your presence.
Typically, your license remains valid until your case is resolved. If you are convicted or accepted into ARD, any suspension will begin after sentencing or ARD entry. In some cases, you may qualify for an Ignition Interlock Limited License that allows restricted driving during the suspension period.
Almost always. Even if your case is resolved through ARD, your insurer will likely view the incident as a high-risk event and raise your rates. The increase varies by company, but you can expect a significant premium jump for at least several years.
Refusing chemical testing triggers an automatic license suspension, separate from any criminal penalties. For a first offense, this suspension lasts 12 months, even if you’re later found not guilty of DUI in court.
Most first-offense DUI cases take three to six months from arrest to resolution, depending on the county, court schedule, and whether you apply for ARD. Cases that go to trial can take longer.
Usually yes, but you must obtain permission from your probation officer or the court before leaving the state. Unauthorized travel during probation or ARD can be considered a violation of your terms.
Yes. Pennsylvania reports DUI convictions and ARD participation to the Driver License Compact, which shares information with most states. Your home state may impose its own penalties or suspensions based on Pennsylvania’s report.
In some cases, yes. A skilled defense attorney may negotiate to have a DUI reduced to a reckless driving or careless driving charge, particularly if there were procedural issues, low BAC, or mitigating circumstances. This can significantly lessen penalties and keep your record cleaner.
Yes. Even if you plan to enter ARD, an attorney ensures you meet all eligibility requirements, completes your application correctly, and protects your rights. Mistakes in the ARD process can result in denial or delays that make your case more difficult to resolve.
If you have been arrested for a first offense DUI, you need to contact an experienced drunk driving attorney to fight for your rights and freedoms. Michael J. Skinner can help you assess whether you are eligible for ARD, or assist you at each stage of the criminal process to protect your rights and driving privileges.
Whether your case involves a breath test, a blood test, or a refusal to submit to testing, he can help you fight the charges. Find out what you need to do right now to protect your driver’s license, your criminal record, and your good name. Let attorney Skinner put his experience to work for you.
To schedule a free, initial evaluation of your case with an experienced DUI attorney, contact Skinner Law Firm LLC today at (610) 436-1410.