Defending Against Sentence Enhancements and Protecting Your Rights
Pennsylvania courts consider your entire criminal history in DUI cases. DUI arrests, charges and/or convictions up to 10 years prior can affect your case and sentencing significantly. The court will account for convictions in Pennsylvania and any other state. Prior convictions are just one factor that can affect your case as a sentencing enhancement. Other factors such as high blood alcohol content (BAC), driving under the influence with kids in the car or driving recklessly can also enhance sentencing.
Multiple DUIs trigger mandatory sentencing, but that is greatly dependent on Pennsylvania's three-tiered DUI punishment system, which includes:
- General impairment: .08 to .099 BAC
- High BAC: .10 to .159
- Highest BAC: .16 and greater
For a 2nd DUI offense, you face a sentence of five days in jail to five years in prison and a fine of $300 to $10,000. On a 3rd DUI offense, you face a sentence of 10 days in jail to five years in prison and a fine of $500 to $10,000. These sentences and fines are determined on a case-by-case basis, and mandatory sentencing guidelines are based on each tier and number of prior convictions.
It is critical to get an attorney involved right away. You need an attorney who is experienced at defending against multiple DUI offenses in Lancaster County. David F. Wedge, Attorney at Law, provides clients throughout the area with serious and vigorous defense, and he has done so since establishing our firm in 1981.
Contact our law firm today to discuss the facts of your case and to fully understand the consequences you face. We provide free and confidential initial consultations.
Timing Is of the Essence in DUI Defense
There are two ways to beat a DUI charge, but quick action must be taken. We can move to suppress evidence if your DUI arrest was based on an illegal stop by law enforcement officials, and we can work with medical experts to challenge the results of Breathalyzer and blood tests. Both strategies must be pursued quickly, however, before tests are thrown out. We must have time to examine your case and your test results to provide you with the most robust defense possible.
A mandatory timeline also exists for the settlement or sentencing in your case, and you will have your license suspended or revoked, depending on the circumstances, immediately after your arrest. It takes a knowledgeable, talented and attentive lawyer to protect your rights and driving privileges.
Mr. Wedge will fight for your best possible outcome and to mitigate consequences as much as possible if your charges cannot be dropped. It may also be to your advantage to accept a plea bargain agreement, but this should never be done without experienced legal representation. You could be agreeing to provisions that will severely impact your ability to drive, keep your job, retain custody of your children, obtain future employment and/or pursue educational opportunities.
You may qualify for the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program if you have only one prior DUI conviction, and it was more than 10 years ago.
Contact Our Lancaster County DUI Offense Attorney
Call us today at 717-207-8362 or toll free at 866-935-9912, or contact us online to take advantage of our free initial consultation and flexible payment options.
