- Free Consultation: 844.PITT.DUI Tap Here to Call Us
Pittsburgh DUI
Incidents of drinking driving are on the rise in Pittsburgh. If you drive in an inebriated state beyond permissible limits you can be charged with a DUI. If the police have even an iota of doubt they can pull you off the road. Even a first DUI charge can result in conviction and multiple penalties. Given the fact that conviction can result in a permanent criminal record hurting your career you should hire a Pittsburgh DUI Lawyer with a proven criminal defense track record.
If you have been charged with a DUI or DWI in the State of Pennsylvania, a skilled DUI Attorney could mean the difference between keeping your driver’s license and taking the bus. There are things that a DUI lawyer can try and do to save your license. A skilled Criminal Defense Attorney can file for a DMV hearing, and can also see about getting you a restricted license so that you can still work. If you have received your first DUI, or if you are a second or third time offender, call Sean Logue today.
DMV HearingYour Pittsburgh DUI Attorney can ask for a DMV hearing. There is a limited amount of time that you can do this after your arrest. This is a small window of opportunity that you MUST take advantage of quickly. If you would like to try and save your driver’s license, call Sean Logue today.
What Police Usually Look ForEven the slightest indication of inconsistent driving such as swerving, weaving or driving under the speed limit can attract flashing lights.
Once your vehicle has been stopped police look for indications such as bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, difficulty in getting out of the vehicle and fumbling while trying to find your license.
What You Must Know About Field Sobriety TestsAs a preliminary investigating technique, the police may subject you to what is known as a field sobriety test to judge your alertness, or in other words, your physical and mental capabilities. They would ask you to –
- Recite the alphabet
- Stand on one leg to judge your balance
- Walk in a straight line
- Follow a light or a moving object when instructed with just yours eyes, keeping your head still
Blood alcohol concentration is the parameter used by the police to establish the influence of alcohol. BAC of 0.08% and above can invite charges which can result from two large drinks. In most cases police would ask you to undergo a chemical test (breath, urine, blood) to determine your BAC levels. However having BAC levels lower than 0.08% doesn’t mean the police won’t charge you if you appear to be impaired due to alcohol and/or drugs.
The law mandates a driver to be tested within 2 hours of arrest. Refusing a test can complicate matters and result in suspension of your license for a year or more. As per the laws of the State Transportation Department, a three-tier system is used to determine punishment based on BAC levels.
First TierIt is treated as general impairment when BAC ranges between 0.08% and 0.099%. If proven guilty, your punishment may include up to six months of probation as well as a $300 fine. The court may order you to attend a treatment program and mandate attending the alcohol highway safety school.
Second TierSecond Tier is applied when BAC levels range between 0.10% and 0.159% and it is classified as high impairment. Here, the punishment includes between two days and six months in prison, fines between $500 and $5,000, suspension of license for one year, and installation of an IID for a year. Additionally the court may order you to undergo a treatment program and also attend the alcohol highway safety school.
Third TierClassified as highest impairment it is applied when BAC is 0.16% or more. The punishment here is stringent and can include between $1,000 and $5,000 in fines, imprisonment between three days and six months, suspension of license for a year, installation of IID and mandatory treatment program and alcohol highway safety school.
What to do When Pulled Over by the Police?- Do not resist arrest
- Don’t acknowledge that you have been drinking
- Don’t give out any statements without your Pittsburgh DUI Lawyer by your side
- Your Possible Defense
- You weren’t impaired and/or not driving the vehicle
- You were stopped illegally and the checkpoint didn’t meet standards
- Test wasn’t administered properly and the samples were contaminated
- Testing equipment wasn’t calibrated as required by the law
Sean Logue is a reasonably priced DUI Attorney in Pittsburgh. If you are looking for a skilled and decorated trial lawyer to protect your Driver’s License, call Sean today. Trying to save a buck by calling an inexperienced attorney could cost you thousands of dollars in the end. Not to mention you may lose your Driver’s License. Do not trust your Driver’s License and your ability to get around to a less qualified lawyer. Sean Logue has almost 20 years of litigation experience. He has helped hundreds of accused clients with their criminal defense needs. If you are facing a Driving Under the Influence or Driving While Intoxicated charge, let Sean fight for your rights. Sean will work with you to cater a budget that you can afford while still getting an experienced attorney to handle your case. Call Sean today.
How Will a Lawyer Defend Me?An experienced DUI Lawyer in Pittsburgh knows how to handle DUI charges and shall explore all possible legal options to get the charges dismissed. Seasoned lawyers know how to protect your rights and would discredit all the charges that have been brought against you.
For a free consultation with a DUI defense attorney, contact us online today, or by calling 844.PITT.DUI or 844.PITT.DUI.