Bensalem DWI/DUI Lawyers

There are numerous potential consequences to getting pulled over on suspicion of driving under the influence. Driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated puts other people’s lives at risk, so these charges are usually punished harshly. 

However, the methods used to assert intoxication and punish the accused do not always stand up to scrutiny. Sometimes a skilled Bensalem criminal defense attorney can step in and scrutinize the case in a way that lessens the consequences for the accused party. In many ways, a Bensalem DUI lawyer can be a great asset to anyone facing a DUI charge.

Can I Lose My License if I Am Charged With a DUI in Bensalem?

If you plead guilty or are convicted of DUI in Pennsylvania, your license will be suspended. The nature of the offense determines the length of the suspension. Previous DUIs, testing compliance, and the driver’s age play a role in the length of license suspension.

The suspension terms for a DUI conviction include:

• Drivers receiving their first DUI with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.10 percent or higher may have their license suspended for 12 months.
• Drivers who have been previously convicted of a DUI may have their licenses suspended for 12 to 18 months with added limitations.
• Refusing to do a breathalyzer or take a blood test results in a 12-month license suspension.
• Drivers under 21 years old with alcohol in their system will have their license suspended for 12 months.

Having your license suspended can be significantly inconvenient. Many people drive to work, run errands, or even earn an additional income. If you face a DUI charge that could cause your license to be suspended, it may be worth talking to a DUI lawyer about your legal options.

Does Pennsylvania Have a Zero Tolerance Marijuana DUI Law?

Similar to many other states, Pennsylvania has a zero-tolerance marijuana DUI Law. A person can be charged with driving under the influence of marijuana in Pennsylvania if they operate a motor vehicle with any amount of cannabis or THC in their system within two hours of driving. According to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, Marijuana and its by-products are classified as Schedule I controlled substances, meaning they are considered drugs with no recognized medical value and a significant risk of abuse.

What Options Do I Have if I Am Arrested for a DUI in Bensalem?

When you are arrested for a DUI, you can plead guilty or not guilty to the charges against you. It can be challenging to decide which direction would be the best course of action if you handle your case alone. An experienced DUI attorney in Bensalem may be able to examine the details of your case and advise you on which decision will yield the best results.

You Can Choose to Plead Not Guilty to Your DUI Charges

Your attorney may advise you to enter a not guilty plea, meaning they want you to inform the court that you intend to fight the charges against you. Your attorney is likely advising you to do this because your case has the potential to be defended, leading to a more favorable outcome.

You Can Choose to Plead Guilty to Your DUI Charges

In cases where your attorney advises you to plead guilty, the prosecutor has likely offered a plea deal. Plea deals are typical in first DUI cases or cases where the defendant did not cause any injuries or property damage. Through this deal, the prosecutor may agree to modifying the original charges for a more favorable outcome.  The prosecution may also propose to reduce your charges if the evidence against you is not substantial.

Are There Any Defenses Against a DWI or DUI Charge?

While DWI and DUI charges are typically judged harshly, it is not impossible to defend against them. Depending on the details of your case, your lawyer may be able to defend you in various ways.

Possible defense strategies present in your case may include:

• Someone broke the chain of evidence for your case.
• The authorities did not calibrate the breathalyzer properly.
• Authorities pulled you over without reasonable cause.
• The authorities interrogated you improperly.
• You were not actually in control of the vehicle.

These strategies could greatly benefit your case and may even result in reduced or dropped charges if in the right hands. A DUI attorney will have the knowledge and experience necessary to build a strong defense and present it in a way that increases your chances of winning your case. 

Get Trustworthy Legal Advice From an Experienced Bensalem DWI and DUI Attorney

Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a terrible mistake. However, the authority’s methods for convicting people of this crime are often unfair or incompatible with the nature of the case. After your arrest, you may think that pleading guilty to a DUI offense will make everything more manageable, but you might be able to secure a better outcome by working with a Bensalem DUI lawyer.

When you work with the skilled DUI attorneys at Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C., you will realize that there may be other options available to you. Our highly trained legal professionals have over 65 years of experience and are well-equipped to defend you, protect your rights, and skillfully argue on your behalf. Effectively questioning the validity of your arrest and their testing practices are just a few ways we can defend you against harsh DWI and DUI charges. Learn more about your legal options by calling us at (215) 822-7575 or submitting our contact form.