King of Prussia DWI/DUI Lawyers
Skilled DUI Lawyers in King of Prussia Go to Battle for Clients Arrested on DWI/DUI Charges
All people make mistakes, and, under Pennsylvania’s strict DWI/DUI laws, it is relatively easy to make the mistake of driving under the influence of alcohol when compared to other types of criminal offenses. Despite this, clients should never make the mistake of taking a DWI/DUI charge lightly—DWI/DUI charges are criminal charges that can result in a criminal conviction that will stain your record for years to come. Importantly, remember that a conviction will require that you disclose this information on many employment or housing applications, potentially making you a less impressive candidate for future opportunities.
Charged With A DUI And Have Questions? We Can Help, Tell Us What Happened.
At Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C., we understand how important the outcome of your DWI/DUI case is for your future, and put all our resources to work in evaluating every possible defense strategy available in your case. Not every DWI/DUI charge has to result in a conviction and our award-winning team of lawyers can help guide you through the diversionary program that may allow you to escape conviction in King of Prussia and elsewhere in Pennsylvania if this is the first time you have been charged with driving while under the influence. If this is your second or subsequent offense, our King of Prussia DUI lawyers will examine every piece of evidence in your case to uncover any weakness in the prosecution’s case.
Alternative Forms of Punishment May Be Available in Your DWI/DUI Case
Pennsylvania DWI/DUI laws do not always require a criminal conviction for clients who are found guilty of driving under the influence of alcohol. Pennsylvania has developed an accelerated rehabilitation disposition (ARD) program, which is a diversionary program designed to allow first offenders to avoid a formal DWI/DUI conviction in some cases. The ARD program will require a period of supervision, much like probation, and typically imposes:
- Mandatory drug and alcohol counseling,
- Community service,
- Restitution,
- Completion of a highway safety program,
- Refraining from committing any other criminal acts,
- Suspension of driving privileges, but for a shortened period of time—sometimes for as little as one month,
- Potential for expungement 30 days after completing the ARD program.
Get Advice From An Experienced King of Prussia DUI Defense Attorney. All You Have To Do Is Call 215-822-7575 To Receive Your Free Case Evaluation.
Although the ARD program will allow first offenders to avoid formal conviction, records of the ARD will remain available to the prosecution and will count as a first offense DWI/DUI if you are ever arrested for another crime or a subsequent DWI/DUI within Pennsylvania’s 10-year “lookback period” (meaning that the harsher second-offense penalties will apply).
Not everyone will be eligible for the ARD program, however. You will be ineligible if one or more of several conditions apply, including:
- Prior conviction for certain crimes where a minor under the age of 18 years old was in the vehicle within the prior 10-year period, including situations where you completed the ARD program with respect to that crime,
- Your current DWI/DUI involved an accident where another person was killed or seriously injured,
- A passenger under the age of 14 was in the car when you were arrested on the current DWI/DUI charges,
- The courts determine that other circumstances exist so that you should not be entitled to participate in the ARD program (courts often consider prior criminal history in determining whether admission is appropriate).
Arrested on DWI/DUI Charges in King of Prussia? Conviction is Not the Only Option
Participation in the ARD program can provide a second chance for many first offenders, but you need the advice of an experienced King of Prussia DWI/DUI lawyer to guide you through the application process and help evaluate whether the program is right for you. To help you gain access to the program, our dedicated team of DWI/DUI lawyers will evaluate all of the evidence in your case, and develop a strategy for emphasizing the strengths of your case while attempting to minimize the importance of the prosecution’s evidence.
Schedule a Free Initial Consultation With Our Dedicated DWI/DUI Attorneys in King of Prussia Today
If you have questions about the ARD program and possible defense strategies in your DWI/DUI case, call our skilled team of King of Prussia DWI/DUI lawyers to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case via phone call. You can also send us a confidential email here. For your convenience, we have two offices that are located at 2605 N. Broad Street, Colmar, PA 18915 and 12 Penns Trail, Suite 145, Newtown, PA 18940. We offer free and convenient parking for all of our clients.
Frequently Asked Questions About DWI/DUI
One of the primary benefits to many clients is the ability to answer “no” if an employer or potential landlord asks whether you have ever been convicted of a crime. After successful completion of the ARD program, your record can be expunged and the only evidence of your DWI/DUI will be unavailable to anyone but the prosecution and the district attorney. Additionally, you will be eligible for a reduction in the time period during which your driver’s license is suspended, although the time period will still depend on your BAC level at the time of arrest and other factors relevant to your case.
Your period of supervision under the ARD program will depend upon all relevant factors in your case and can last as long as two years. Most DWI/DUI offenders are able to complete the program within a one-year period and, in some cases, participation may even be limited to six months.
