Abington DWI Lawyers

Being arrested on drunk driving charges can flip your life upside down instantly. Pennsylvania takes driving under the influence (DUI) seriously, and those convicted may face severe penalties such as heavy fines and time behind bars. Depending on the severity of the DUI charge, you may continue to face the consequences long after your sentence is served. 

Fortunately, you do not have to fight these charges alone. If you have been arrested for drunk driving in Abington, the trusted attorneys at Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg, and Gifford, P.C. can help. Our highly-qualified Abington DUI attorneys have over 65 years of experience defending clients like you and achieving favorable results for their cases. When you partner with us, you can have peace of mind that a compassionate legal expert is handling your case.

What Are Pennsylvania’s Drunk Driving Laws and Penalties?

In Pennsylvania, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The legal limit for blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08%. This limit reduces to 0.04% for commercial drivers and 0.02% for individuals under the age of 21. It is important to note that you do not have to show signs of impairment to be charged with a DUI if your BAC exceeds the legal limit. 

The penalties for driving under the influence can be severe, even if it is your first offense. Those convicted of a first-time DUI may face up to 72 hours in jail and a fine of $5,000. Additionally, you may have your driver’s license suspended for an entire year. These penalties may increase significantly if you have prior convictions or a BAC of 0.10% or higher. Since so much is at stake, it is vital to have an experienced attorney in your corner to defend your case.   

What Happens at a Drunk Driving Stop?

The steps of a drunk driving stop begin before you are pulled over. Police officers should look for signs of reckless or impaired driving before pulling someone over for a DUI. Some indicators of drunk driving may include:

• Making wide turns
• Drifting between lanes
• Narrowly avoiding accidents
• Weaving and swerving
• Driving on a sidewalk or other non-designated roadway
• Tailgating
• Braking erratically
• Responding slowly to traffic signals
• Driving with your headlights off

If an officer notices these or any other reckless driving behaviors, they may have probable cause to pull you over for a DUI. After being pulled over, the officer may temporarily detain you to take a breathalyzer or field sobriety test. If the test indicates a BAC of over 0.08% or other signs of impairment, you may be arrested for a DUI. It is essential to remember that probable cause is key during a DUI stop. Even if the test shows that you are impaired, the case may be dismissed if the officer lacks probable cause to stop, detain, and arrest you. 

Possible Defenses for DWI/DUI Charges in Pennsylvania

Many individuals charged with a DUI may incorrectly assume that a failed breathalyzer or field sobriety test may lead to an automatic conviction. Unfortunately, these tests may produce inaccurate results, causing innocent people to be arrested. Even if the test was accurate, other factors might be at play in your case that establishes your innocence. Some possible defense strategies your lawyer may employ include:

• The breathalyzer test was not maintained or calibrated correctly and produced inaccurate results
• You were stopped illegally or without probable cause
• The field sobriety test was not administered properly and failed to reflect your level of sobriety
• You were not operating the vehicle 
• Your BAC rose from the time you stopped driving to the time you completed the breathalyzer test

Your lawyer will work with you to understand every aspect of your case so that they can develop the best possible defense strategy for your unique situation. Your DUI lawyer in Abington, Pennsylvania will conduct a full investigation into your case to ensure no stone goes unturned as they fiercely advocate for your rights and interests. 

Speak With a Seasoned Abington DWI Attorney at Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg, and Gifford, P.C. 

If you have been charged with a DWI in Abington or the surrounding areas, do not hesitate to contact the trusted attorneys at Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg, and Gifford, P.C. Our seasoned attorneys have over 65 years of experience navigating Pennsylvania’s complex justice system and protecting the rights of the criminally accused. We pride ourselves on taking a personalized approach to every case so that each client gets the best defense possible for their individual situation. Our skilled criminal legal team has a proven track record of success defending our clients’ interests and achieving favorable outcomes such as dropped charges and reduced sentences.

To schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can help with your case, call us today at (215) 822-7575 or complete our contact form.