Montgomery County First Offense DUI Attorneys and ARD Program

Everyone makes mistakes from time to time. According to Pennsylvania law enforcement, even a first-time mistake of drinking and driving merits severe consequences. Pennsylvania laws take a harsh stance against driving under the influence (DUI) to deter others from behaving similarly. However, if your DUI/DWI/DAI arrest was your first, you may qualify for the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program. ARD is a program offered in Pennsylvania designed to keep first-time offenders out of the criminal justice system. Completion of ARD will resolve your case entirely, without ever reaching a verdict. Driver’s license suspension is kept to a minimum, there is no time spent in jail, and—most importantly—you will have no criminal record.

In sum, the ARD program offers you the chance for a speedy resolution to your drunk driving arrest, which you are well-advised to accept in good faith. A knowledgeable Montgomery County DUI lawyer can guide you through the ARD process with as little disruption to your life as possible.Stay out of jail. Protect your clean record. Retain your driving privileges. Contact Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C. to schedule a free initial consultation after a first-time DUI arrest.

Helping You Avoid the Effects of a License Suspension in Pennsylvania

After a first-time DUI arrest, completing the ARD is the best way to put the trouble behind you and go on with your life as freely as before. For many people, a driver’s license suspension, while not as severe as jail time, is the worst outcome in a DUI case. Without being able to drive to work as usual, some people lose their jobs and even their homes due to one drunk driving arrest. Marriages may be strained, and it can tarnish one’s good name forever.

DUI defense attorneys at Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford possess over 65 years of combined experience defending the rights and freedoms of individuals in Montgomery County and throughout Pennsylvania. Our talented team of attorneys includes former prosecutors with insight into how the prosecution handles first-time DUI cases. We are here to help you put this challenging time behind you to move forward in your life.

What Are the Consequences of a First-Offense DUI in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania establishes penalties based on the blood alcohol content (BAC) found in a driver’s blood when they’re arrested. While a judge can modify the penalties based on the presence of a criminal record and whether the DUI arrest involved injuries, the general sentences for a first-time DUI in Pennsylvania are as follows:

• BAC .08 to .099:  Fines up to $300 and probation for up to six months.
• BAC .10 and up: A jail sentence up to six months, fines up to $5,000, and driver’s license suspension for up to 12 months.

Additionally, you may be required to attend alcohol education classes and install an ignition interlock device (IID) in your car to monitor your BAC before getting behind the wheel. However, keep in mind these are general guidelines for penalties. DUI defense lawyers at Rubin, Glickman, & Gifford, P.C. advocate fiercely to help our clients avoid or reduce the severity of consequences. 

How Can I Avoid a DUI Conviction in Montgomery County, PA?

The best way to avert a DUI conviction is to avoid an arrest for drunk driving in the first place. Think ahead to any plans for events or evenings when you may drink alcohol and plan to use a rideshare service, ride with a friend who’s not drinking, or take public transportation. If you’re at a bar and need to call for a ride home, bar owners are usually glad to allow guests to leave their vehicles in the parking lot overnight so they can get home safely. 

After having a drink, you might believe that you can still drive without issues. However, one of the effects of alcohol is impaired judgment. After a few drinks, you cannot trust your decision-making process. The wisest thing to do is remove the temptation and plan to call a rideshare service or cab whenever you may go out and drink alcohol.

Speak with an Experienced First-Offense DUI Defense Lawyer in Montgomery County for Free Today

Even a first-time DUI can lead to long-term complications in Pennsylvania. At Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C., our first-offense DUI lawyers in Montgomery County, PA, offer clients the benefit of our knowledge and experience, which may be critical factors to the outcome of your drunk driving case. Our attorneys are former prosecutors with in-depth knowledge of all local courts in Montgomery County, and Bucks County.

For over 65 years, our firm has provided award-winning legal services to clients throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania. If you’re facing a DUI charge in Montgomery County, get in touch with us as soon as possible to learn your legal rights. Schedule a free consultation with a seasoned DUI defense lawyer today by calling 215-822-7575 or completing a contact form.