An arrest for driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious matter, regardless of whether it is your first time. There are ways to minimize the impact of a conviction on first-timers, but any criminal record can follow you for years to come.
If you are facing a first-time DUI in Cranberry Township, our firm could provide assistance. We understand what is at stake and could work tirelessly to help you protect your rights. Contact our skilled DUI defense attorneys at Benjamin Levine Law, LLC for help in understanding your legal options.
Pennsylvania does not treat every first-time DUI the same. Penalties can vary depending on your blood alcohol content (BAC) or whether drugs were involved. Even for a first offense, a conviction could significantly impact your life.
As a baseline, you could face up to 6 months in jail and a $300 fine. However, the minimum penalties may increase if you had an elevated BAC at the time of your arrest. Other factors could increase the potential penalties following a conviction. Some of the most common examples include:
You will also need to complete alcohol treatment and may face ignition interlock requirements if you are charged with DUI for the first time in Cranberry Township. Our lawyers could explain the potential consequences of a conviction and how to fight back.
The decision to accept or reject a plea offer is yours, but it is advisable to consult with an attorney first. You might find the terms reasonable at first, only to discover later that you could have secured a better deal with the help of a lawyer.
Before you agree to anything, you need to evaluate the strength of the evidence against you. Police must follow strict rules when investigating you for a crime, and any failure to do so could lead to evidence against you being invalidated.
There are a lot of factors to consider when it comes to a plea offer, especially if this is your first DUI charge in Cranberry Township. Our attorneys understand the risks of going to trial and could help you determine the best course of action.
Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) is a pretrial diversion program in Pennsylvania designed for first-time, non-violent offenders. This program is frequently used in DUI cases as part of a plea offer. Instead of going through the full criminal process, you may be placed on a period of supervision with specific conditions set by the court when charged with driving under the influence in Cranberry Township for the first time.
If you are accepted into ARD, you typically must complete requirements such as alcohol highway safety school and community service. You will also be responsible for any costs and fees incurred in your case. Your driver’s license may still be suspended, but the suspension is often shorter than it would be after a conviction.
The main benefit is that ARD allows you to avoid a criminal conviction if you complete the program. Upon completion, you can petition to have your record expunged. This means leaving with a clean record is possible, but not everyone will qualify.
It is important to note that the outcome of a first-time DUI in Cranberry Township cannot be predicted. You have the right to fight these charges, and our lawyers could help you avoid a conviction. Contact us today before you accept an offer to plead guilty.