West Chester DUI Attorney

While they seem common, DUI charges in Chester County, PA can negatively impact your career, education, and/or personal life. A conviction for drinking and driving can also result in a driver’s license suspension, jail time, fines, and more.

If you’ve been charged with a DUI in Chester County or the surrounding area, you should contact an experienced criminal defense attorney right away. With a record of success in Chester County DUI cases, attorney Michael J. Skinner aggressively fights for each of his clients and is ready to help you.

At Skinner Law Firm, we know that entering a guilty plea may not be an option for your DUI charge. We make every effort to avoid a conviction and license suspension. Call (610) 436-1410 today for a free consultation with a local DUI lawyer, or reach out online.

Did Something Else Cause Your DUI?

In many cases, factors other than alcohol or controlled substances lead to irregular driving or poor performance on DUI tests. These factors can result in driving patterns or behavior that initially looks like driving under the influence to the police. Such factors include:

  • Fatigue
  • Disability or an underlying medical condition
  • Illness
  • Inattention
  • Mechanical problems

Were You Over the Legal Limit?

The legal limit in Pennsylvania for DUI is .08%. Known as a “per se” DUI, even if a driver is not actually impaired, they still may be considered driving under the influence based solely on the fact that their BAC was above the legal limit.

Even in cases in which a BAC is not available, the prosecutor can still attempt to prove DUI if there’s evidence you were incapable of driving safely because you consumed alcohol or were impaired by a controlled substance.

our awards & memberships

  • A professional non-profit dedicated to the improvement of the criminal defense bar, and to providing valuable information to the public about drunk driving laws. Members of the NCDD are considered the most experienced DUI defense attorneys in the United States and Canada.

  • The preeminent organization in the United States. NACDL serves as a leader in identifying and reforming flaws in the criminal justice system, and addressing systemic racism, and ensuring that the criminal defense bar is fully equipped to serve all accused persons at the highest level.

  • PACDL is the premier network of the best defense attorneys in PA with a mission to educate, advocate, and inspire by providing support for criminal defense lawyers, promoting effective competence, leveling the playing field, and protecting freedoms.

  • The Pennsylvania Bar Association promotes and protects the legal profession, the rights of Pennsylvania citizens and access to justice for all. Membership is open to any lawyer in good standing who is licensed by the Bar of Pennsylvania.

  • The American Bar Association is one of the world’s largest voluntary professional organizations, with over 400,000 members and more than 3,500 entities. Their mission is to serve its members, the legal profession, and the public by defending liberty and delivering justice as the national representative of the legal profession.

  • The CCBA promotes professionalism, inclusion, and collegiality within the Chester County legal profession, and enhances the quality of life of its members and the practice of law within the community.

  • The NORML Legal Committee (NLC) is composed of attorneys committed to the overall goals of NORML. NLC attorneys meet each year to discuss emerging legal issues related to defense of marijuana consumers and to support each other in the pursuit of justice.

  • The American Institute’s Criminal Law Division is an impartial third-party rating service recognizing the excellence of fellow practitioners. To help clients across the United States make educated decisions, we compile an exclusive list of the “10 Best” Attorneys for each State. Our “10 Best” is a prestigious honor extended only to those who have reached the top of their profession while doing so with the client’s satisfaction being of paramount importance.

  • The American Institute’s DUI/DWI Division recognizes the excellence of practitioners in the field of DUI/DWI defense. We compile an exclusive list of the “10 Best” Attorneys for each State for potential clients to utilize. We look for Attorneys that have achieved unparalleled success but most importantly have done so for the benefit of their client. Very few Attorneys can do so and our organization recognizes this significant achievement.

  • Attorney Michael Skinner has been consistently recognized as among the best lawyers in Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery counties. Attorneys are nominated via peer balloting, then vetted through our editorial process in various fields of practice.

  • The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100 is an invitation-only organization composed of the premier trial lawyers from each state. Membership is extended only to the most qualified attorneys who demonstrate superior qualifications of leadership, reputation, influence, stature and public profile. Each of our distinguished members possesses the knowledge, skill, experience, and success held by only the best and finest lawyers in America.

  • The Super Lawyers list recognizes no more than 5 percent of attorneys in each state. The Rising Stars further distinguishes no more than 2.5 percent of attorneys, and to be eligible, a Rising Stars candidate must be either 40 years old or younger, or in practice for 10 years or less who have attained a high-degree of peer recognition and professional achievement.

West Chester DUI Charges & Penalties

Pennsylvania provides for three categories of DUI offenses based on your level of impairment. The consequences at each level of impairment increase as the driver’s BAC increases. According to Pennsylvania Statutes § 3804, the categories and penalties for first, second, and third DUIs are:

General DUI Impairment (BAC of .08% to .099%)

First DUI

With no prior convictions, your first DUI involving a BAC of 0.08% to .099% is considered an ungraded misdemeanor. Under Pennsylvania law, the courts will typically impose the statutory minimum sentence of six months’ probation and complete the following:

  • Pay a $300 fine
  • Successfully complete alcohol highway safety school
  • Complete alcohol or drug treatment, if ordered

Second DUI

With one prior DUI conviction, a second DUI involving a BAC of 0.08% to .099% is also considered an ungraded misdemeanor. The court will typically impose the statutory minimum sentence of five days in jail and complete the following special conditions:

  • A 12-month driver’s license suspension
  • A minimum of five days in jail (although the court can order up to six months)
  • Install an ignition interlock device (IID) for one year
  • Pay a fine between $300 and $2,500
  • Successfully complete alcohol highway safety school
  • Complete alcohol or drug treatment, if ordered

Third DUI

With two previous drunk driving convictions, a third DUI involving a BAC of 0.08% to .099% is considered a second-degree misdemeanor. Per PA law, the courts will typically impose the statutory minimum sentence of:

  • A 12-month driver’s license suspension
  • A minimum of 10 days in jail (although the court can order up to two years)
  • Install an IID for one year
  • Pay a fine between $500 and $5,000
  • Successfully complete an alcohol highway safety school
  • Complete an alcohol or drug treatment program, if ordered

High DUI Impairment (BAC of .10 to .159%)

First DUI

With no prior DUI convictions, a first DUI involving a BAC of .10% to .159% is considered an ungraded misdemeanor. Under Pennsylvania law, the courts will typically impose the following sentence:

  • A 12-month driver’s license suspension
  • At least 48 hours in jail (although the court can impose up to six months behind bars)
  • A fine between $500 and $5,000
  • Successful completion of alcohol highway safety school
  • Completion of alcohol or drug treatment, if ordered

Second DUI

With one prior conviction for drunk driving, a second DUI involving a BAC of .10% to .159% is considered an ungraded misdemeanor. If convicted, the courts will typically impose the following sentence:

  • IID for one year
  • A 12-month driver’s license suspension
  • At least 30 days in jail (although the court can impose up to six months)
  • A fine between $750 and $5,000
  • Successful completion of alcohol highway safety school
  • Completion of an alcohol or drug treatment program, if ordered

Third DUI

With two prior DUI convictions, a third DUI involving a BAC of .10% to .159% is considered a first-degree misdemeanor. As such, the courts will likely impose the following sentence:

  • A one-year installation of an IID
  • An 18-month driver’s license suspension
  • At least 90 days in jail (although the court can impose up to five years)
  • A fine between $1,500 and $10,000
  • Successful completion of alcohol highway safety school
  • If ordered, completion of a substance abuse program

Highest DUI Impairment(BAC of .16% and Higher)

First DUI

With no prior DUI convictions, first DUI involving a BAC of .16% and higher is considered a misdemeanor of the first degree. Under Pennsylvania law, the courts will typically impose the following:

  • Incarceration of at least 72 hours
  • Pay a fine between $1,000 and $5,000
  • Installation of an ignition interlock device for one year
  • A 12-month driver’s license suspension
  • Successfully complete alcohol highway safety school
  • Complete an alcohol or drug treatment program, if ordered

Second DUI

With one prior conviction for drunk driving, a second DUI involving a BAC of .16% and higher is considered a first-degree misdemeanor. Under PA law, the court will typically impose the following conditions:

  • A minimum of 90 days’ incarceration
  • Fines between $1,500 and $10,000
  • Installation of an ignition interlock device for one year
  • An 18-month driver’s license suspension
  • Successfully complete alcohol highway safety school
  • Complete alcohol or drug treatment, if ordered

Third DUI

With two prior DUI convictions, a third DUI involving a BAC of .16% and higher is considered a third-degree felony. Under Pennsylvania law, the courts will typically impose the statutory minimum sentence of:

  • At least one year behind bars (and up to seven years of incarceration)
  • Installation of an IID for one year
  • An 18-month driver’s license suspension
  • At least $2,500 in fines
  • Submit to DNA sample
  • Successfully complete alcohol highway safety school
  • Complete an alcohol or drug treatment program, if ordered

 

Besides getting charged with operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, you can also face charges in Chester County, PA for:

DUI with a Refusal to Submit to BAC Testing

If a driver refuses to submit to chemical testing to determine his/her BAC, then Pennsylvania imposes the same penalties as those for drivers with the highest DUI impairment.

DUI While on Probation

If a driver is charged with a DUI while they’re on probation, they’ll face new charges and consequences for the crime that placed them on probation. It’s possible that their probation will be revoked or they’ll face time in jail.

DUI by Controlled Substance

If a driver is charged with drug-related DUI because they were under the influence of controlled substances, then Pennsylvania imposes the punishments that apply to drivers with the highest BAC impairment level.

Underage DUI

If you are under the legal drinking age and get behind the wheel with a BAC of .02% or higher, you will be charged with a DUI.

Depending on the facts, your criminal history (or lack thereof), and other factors, you’ll face a license suspension, possible time in custody, and a permanent conviction on your record.

DUI Criminal License Suspension

Under the law, the court must impose driving suspensions based on the following BAC ranges:

  • No suspension if the BAC is less than .10%
  • 30-day suspension if the BAC is .10% to less than .16%
  • 60-day suspension if the BAC is .16% or above.

Enhanced DUI Penalties for Certain License Holders

Some drivers in Pennsylvania may be subjected to the penalties normally reserved for those with elevated BAC levels, even if their BAC is not in a high category. Examples of these types of drivers include:

  • Commercial drivers
  • Drivers under the age of 21-years-old
  • School vehicle or bus drivers
  • Drivers involved in an accident that either causes property damage or personal injury to another person
  • Drivers who refuse to take a chemical test of their breath or blood.

Additional DUI Consequences

What many people fail to realize about DUIs in Chester County, PA is that there are various non-criminal consequences of a conviction. If you are a teacher, doctor, or other licensed professional, you could lose your ability to practice your profession. Depending on your family situation, you could lose custody of your children. To avoid these harsh consequences, reach out to a drunk driving attorney today.

Mike is the guy to call!

A top-notch attorney in West Chester.

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10-10-2019

Placed into the ARD program.

Michael and Nichole made me feel comfortable as you truly feel that you are discussing your problem with friends.

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11-15-2018

He listened and told me where...

Michael was able to give me clear guidance on my legal options and explained each step of the process.

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He’s worth every penny.

If you work with him, he will get you what you want/deserve.

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06-13-2018

I am beyond grateful.

Going above and beyond for their clients is an understatement.

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12-20-2018

I’m very happy with Mike Skinner’s...

I was a little nervous about everything and just 5 minutes of talking with Mike, I felt at ease.

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12-18-2018

I am grateful he helped me.

Extensive experience with defending DUI’s and I saw this confidence in the courtroom.

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12-17-2018

Always available

Anyone faced with a DUI charge needs Mike Skinner.

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12-17-2018

Mike Skinner in the best.

He is very nice and will work with to help get you the best possible outcome.

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07-08-2018

More than exceptional

He was very negotiable and understanding of my circumstances.

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11-14-2018

Professional and Understanding

He is very professional and understanding of each person’s needs.

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05-19-2019

Best lawyer in Delaware County

He was extremely helpful and knowledgeable.

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06-14-2018

Gave me realistic advice.

He was able to reduce my son’s sentence from a potentially harsh fine, loss of driving privileges or even jail time, down to a few community service hours.

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10-11-2018

Recommend him 110 %

Working with Mr. Skinner has been a pleasure.

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12-19-2018

I would highly recommend him.

I was nervous regarding my situation, but after a brief conversation describing my charges and the delicacy of my situation, Michael assured me he could easily handle this case.

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11-23-2019

Michael had listened intently

I would highly recommend him to anyone facing charges or violations in Chester County.

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08-16-2019

A masterful defense lawyer

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07-11-2019

Mike is by far the best...

His calm presence is also very reassuring for his clients. Highly recommend choosing him.

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He was able to have everything...

His diligence and professionalism are unmatched making it a pleasure to have been a client.

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12-19-2018

There for me every step of...

From day one I felt comfortable with him and confident that he would help me get the best outcome available.

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12-19-2018

Mr. Skinner went above and beyond

He is very informative and knowledgeable. I had no trouble contacting him to answer questions or give me advice.

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11-29-2019

Has a lot of knowledge and...

Mr Skinner always kept us updated about the case and was prompt with his responses.

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12-13-2018

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I am thankful I found and chose Michael Skinner.

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12-14-2017

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Mike Skinner is an excellent attorney.

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12-08-2019

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What Happens to Your License After a DUI in West Chester, PA?

Pennsylvania law provides for certain DUI driver’s license suspensions based on the number of prior offenses, level of impairment, whether drugs wee involved, and other factors.

The suspensions periods are as follows:

  • No suspension for a first offense if the driver has a BAC below .10%.
  • A 12-month license suspension for a second or subsequent DUI if the driver’s BAC is below .10%.
  • A 12-month license suspension for first and second DUI if a driver’s BAC was at least .10%, but less than .16%.
  • An 18-month suspension for third or subsequent DUI offenses if the driver’s BAC was at least .10%, and less than .16%.
  • A 12-month driver’s license suspension for a first offense if the driver’s BAC was greater than or equal to .16%.
  • An 18-month suspension for a second or subsequent offense will be imposed if the driver’s BAC was greater than or equal to .16%.
  • No suspension for a first offense out-of-state DUI conviction.
  • TA 12-month suspension for a second or subsequent out-of-state DUI conviction.

Ignition Interlock Devices (IID) and Limited Licenses

You can still drive in Chester County after a DUI, but certain conditions will apply.

An ignition interlock system, along with an Ignition Interlock Limited License is now mandatory for first-time DUI offenders with high blood alcohol levels, repeat DUI offenders, and those who refuse chemical testing.

An IID is installed to prohibit someone under the influence of alcohol from operating the vehicle. Before starting the vehicle, an individual must blow into the device. If the device detects alcohol, it will not start.

In addition, at periodic times during operation, the individual will be prompted to blow into the device to ensure they are not under the influence.

What Does an Ignition Interlock Cost?

An Ignition Interlock system is leased from approved Ignition Interlock vendors and the current average costs associated with leasing an IID is between $900 to $1,300 per year.

You IID Limited License

An Ignition Interlock Limited License is also issued to drivers whose privileges are suspended or revoked for DUI or refusal to submit to chemical testing.

An Ignition Interlock Limited License permits an individual to only operate a motor vehicle equipped with a functioning Ignition Interlock system during their suspension or revocation period. From the date the Ignition Interlock License is issued to the time an unrestricted driver’s license is reissued, an individual may not operate any vehicle not equipped with an IID.

How to Defend Against a DUI in Chester County?

Upon hearing the facts of your particular case, your DUI defense lawyer may be able to identify defenses to your DUI arrest or address other mitigating factors to reduce your charge or even have it dismissed.

Common DUI Defenses

  • The officer did not have probable cause or reasonable suspicion to stop your vehicle.
  • The arresting officer did not have cause to prolong your detention or ask you to exit your vehicle.
  • The officer did not have probable cause to arrest you for DUI.
  • The arresting officer did not read you your Miranda rights.
  • The test administrator did not follow the statutory requirements in giving you a breath test.
  • The breath test machine lead to inaccurate BAC results.

Resources for Those Charged with DUI

If you’ve been charged with drunk driving in Chester County or the surrounding areas, there are various resources you might find helpful as you navigate the legal process:

West Chester Police Department

The West Chester Police Department is a Pennsylvania law enforcement agency dedicated to protecting and serving the community. The department is located at:

401 East Gay Street
West Chester, Pennsylvania 19380
Phone: (610) 696-2700

Alcoholics Anonymous
This organization is a fellowship for men and women who desire to quit drinking alcohol, support each other, and share their experiences from their addiction to alcohol and their paths to recovery. 

Title 75 of PA’s Consolidated Statutes (Vehicles)

This online resource has all of Pennsylvania’s rules regarding offenses and penalties associated with driving under the influence.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving

The Pennsylvania branch of this national organization seeks to stop impaired driving and has created a variety of initiatives for adult education, youth education, and prevention, and to reach out to culturally diverse communities.

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation

This Pennsylvania state agency has information about driver’s license suspensions, reinstatements, renewals, commercial driver’s licenses, and a variety of other information.

Contact a West Chester DUI Attorney

When you have been charged with drunk driving, a lot is on the line. You could go to jail, lose your driver’s license, and even face repercussions in your personal life.

With so much at stake, it’s important to have an experienced West Chester DUI lawyer on your side who will protect your rights and best interests. Michael J. Skinner has over a decade of legal experience, and he’s ready to take on your case. He will listen to the facts and help find the most optimal outcome for your situation. Based on the details, this could mean a reduction, keeping your license, getting your DUI dismissed, or proving your innocence in court.

To schedule a free consultation about your DUI, call (610) 436-1410 today, or send a message online.