What Can I Do If I Am Arrested for a DUI During the Summer?

The summer months typically see an increase in car accidents and drunk driving. Multiple holidays occur over the next couple of months where heavy drinking is involved. July 4 and the Labor Day Weekend are perfect examples of holidays where alcohol consumption is the norm. Police officers generally set up sobriety checkpoints to look for drunk drivers during both holidays. High school and college students are also enjoying their summer breaks during this time. Unsurprisingly, there is also an increase in DUI arrests during the summer.

Understand the Consequences of a Pennsylvania DUI

A DUI conviction can cause major damage to your personal and professional life. Your finances could also suffer. In Pennsylvania, the consequences of a DUI could entail:

• Probation
• Incarceration
• Fines
• Loss or suspension of a professional license
• Substance abuse treatment
• Misdemeanor or felony on your record
• Driver’s license suspension
• Mandatory ignition interlock device

Simply put, the consequences of a DUI may be far-reaching and severe. Depending on the circumstances of a DUI, these penalties could affect your life for years to come. In cases where a drunk driver hits another person and causes injuries or deaths, the consequences could include years in prison and a felony. The consequences of a DUI arrest in Pennsylvania increase depending on your blood alcohol content and prior offenses. Always take a DUI seriously and seek legal assistance as soon as possible.

Avoid These Common DUI Arrest Mistakes

It is very easy to make mistakes that could jeopardize your case in the moments after a DUI arrest. Common mistakes include:

• Talking about the arrest or admitting guilt: Some people assume they are automatically guilty and unable to defend themselves against a possible conviction. They may admit guilt and speak at length with the police, which significantly increases the chance of a conviction. In other cases, these individuals may discuss their cases on their social media accounts. This also increases the chance of a conviction.

• Waiting to hire an attorney: Never wait to hire an attorney. You may have a preliminary hearing soon after your arraignment. At this point, the prosecution will make their case by presenting evidence of your alleged crime. If there is enough evidence, then the judge may determine the case can move to trial. An attorney can defend you during the hearing.

• Using an inexperienced attorney: It can be a mistake to use a public defender or an inexperienced attorney. You should pick an attorney with a record of resolving DUI cases in Pennsylvania. Depending on the attorney’s skill and the evidence surrounding your case, it may be possible to dismiss the charge against you.

Contact a Pennsylvania DUI Attorney

You need legal guidance in the following days after a DUI arrest because you will need to make an appearance in court. During this time, a DUI attorney can look at the facts of your case to help you determine your next steps. You also have only a couple of days to contest a suspended driver’s license.

About Our Montgomery DUI Lawyer

Fiore & Barber, LLC offers DUI defense services. The attorneys at Fiore & Barber, LLC can be reached by dialing (215)256-0205 or by using the site’s online case review form.