DUI & DWI Legal Services in South Philadelphia
Facing DUI/DWI charges can be overwhelming and life-changing. If you or a loved one has been charged with DUI or DWI in South Philadelphia, it's important to get the right legal help. At van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim, our DUI lawyers are dedicated to providing strong and effective defense strategies to protect your rights and work towards the best outcome for your case.
Our firm is known for defending clients in South Philadelphia and the surrounding areas. With a deep understanding of local laws and a proven record of success, our attorneys are ready to handle a wide range of criminal defense cases. Whether you're dealing with a minor misdemeanor or a serious felony, we bring the same level of dedication and skill to every case. Trust van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim to stand by your side and fight hard for your defense.
What Constitutes DUI or DWI in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, DUI (Driving Under the Influence) and DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) charges are taken very seriously, with strict laws and penalties in place to prevent people from driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Knowing what counts as a DUI/DWI is important for defending yourself against these charges.
Legal Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limits
In Pennsylvania, the legal BAC limit for drivers 21 and older is 0.08%. For commercial drivers, the limit is 0.04%, and for drivers under 21, a BAC of 0.02% or higher can lead to DUI charges. You can also be charged with DUI if you are impaired by drugs, including prescription medications or illegal substances.
Other Factors Leading to DUI/DWI Charges
Besides BAC levels, DUI/DWI charges can be based on observed signs of impairment, such as erratic driving, failing field sobriety tests, or evidence of drug use. Our South Philadelphia DUI lawyers understand all the details of DUI/DWI law and can help you navigate the specifics of your case.
Penalties for DUI and DWI Convictions in Pennsylvania
The consequences of a DUI/DWI conviction in Pennsylvania can be serious and long-lasting. The penalties you might face depend on factors like your BAC level, whether it’s your first offense, and if there was an accident or injury involved. Some potential penalties are…
- Fines: DUI/DWI fines can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the severity of the offense.
- License Suspension: A DUI/DWI conviction can lead to the suspension or revocation of your driver’s license, making it difficult to get to work or handle daily tasks.
- Jail Time: Depending on the details of the case, you could face jail time ranging from a few days to several years.
- Criminal Record: A DUI/DWI conviction stays on your criminal record, which can affect job opportunities, housing applications, and more.
- Enhanced Penalties for Repeat Offenses or High BAC Levels: If you have previous DUI/DWI convictions or if your BAC level was particularly high (0.10% or higher), the penalties are even tougher. This can include longer license suspensions, higher fines, mandatory alcohol treatment programs, and extended jail time.
Understanding each step of the DUI/DWI legal process in Pennsylvania is essential to protecting your rights and getting the best possible outcome. Having the experienced attorneys at van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim by your side can make a big difference in managing your case effectively.
The Legal Process for DUIs and DWIs
Navigating the legal process for a DUI/DWI charge can be confusing and stressful. Our experienced DWI attorneys in South Philadelphia, PA, are here to help you through each step.
- Initial Traffic Stop and Arrest: The process starts with a traffic stop, where the police will check if you’re impaired. This might include field sobriety tests or a breathalyzer. If the officer thinks you’re impaired, you will be arrested.
- License Suspension Hearing: After your arrest, your license might be suspended. This is separate from your criminal case and involves a hearing to decide if you should lose your driving privileges. Our DUI lawyers can represent you at this hearing to help keep your license.
- Criminal Court Process: The court process for a DUI/DWI charge includes several steps, like arraignment, pre-trial motions, and possibly a trial. Our attorneys will work to build a strong defense, challenging the evidence and fighting for the best outcome for you.
- Defenses and Plea Options: There are several ways to defend against a DUI/DWI charge, such as questioning the legality of the traffic stop or the accuracy of BAC tests. We will also look at plea options, like reduced charges or alternative sentencing, to get the best result for you.
Understanding the DUI/DWI legal process in Pennsylvania is important, as it can greatly affect the outcome of your case. Seeking professional legal advice and representation can help you navigate this process successfully.
Why Choose van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim?
When defending against DUI charges or DWI charges, having experienced and dedicated legal help is crucial. At van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim, we have a strong history of success in DUI cases and are committed to giving you personalized and aggressive representation. Our South Philadelphia DUI lawyers have handled many DWI cases and have a high success rate in getting favorable outcomes for our clients. We know the details of DUI law and DWI law and use this knowledge to build strong defenses.
Each DUI and DWI case is different, so we create a defense plan tailored to your specific situation. Our team takes the time to understand your case and works hard to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome.
Common DUI/DWI Defenses
Building a strong defense is essential in a DUI/DWI case. Our South Philadelphia DUI lawyers are experienced in finding and using effective defense strategies to help you.
- Challenging the Legality of the Traffic Stop: One defense is to question whether the police had a valid reason to stop you. If they didn't have reasonable suspicion, any evidence they gathered during the stop might not be allowed in court.
- Questioning the Accuracy of BAC Tests: Breathalyzer and other BAC tests can sometimes be wrong. Issues like improper calibration, certain medical conditions, or even specific foods or medications can affect test results. We carefully examine the testing process to find any errors.
- Demonstrating Procedural Errors by Law Enforcement: If the police made mistakes during your arrest, such as not following proper procedures or failing to read your Miranda rights, it could lead to evidence being dismissed or even the case being dropped.
- Exploring Alternative Explanations for Impaired Behavior: Sometimes, behavior that looks like intoxication can be caused by other factors, like medical conditions, fatigue, or nervousness. We investigate all possible reasons to build a strong defense.
Understanding the different defenses available for DUI/DWI charges is key to creating an effective legal strategy. Each case is unique, and a skilled attorney can help identify the best defense to challenge the charges and protect your rights.
Contact Our Experienced DUI & DWI Defense Attorneys Today
If you are facing DUI charges or DWI charges in South Philadelphia, it's important to get legal help right away. Contact van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim today for a free consultation. Our South Philadelphia DUI lawyers are here to give you the strong defense you need to protect your rights and your future.
