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DUI

Newport, PA, DUI Lawyer
Businessman

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Have you or a loved one been charged with driving under the influence while on Pennsylvania roads? If so, you may be wondering what you can do.

A DUI charge is a serious criminal offense with serious implications. But as is the case with someone accused of any other criminal charge, a person charged with DUI has the right to an aggressive defense. 

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If you are in need of a Perry County or Newport, Pennsylvania, DUI attorney, we want to help. Criminal defense attorney Tammy Dusharm has successfully represented countless DUI defendants in her nearly 15 years in practice.

 

Facing a DUI charge can be overwhelming and life-changing, but you don’t have to handle this process on your own. For a Newport, Perry County, Pennsylvania DUI law firm that is knowledgeable, experienced, compassionate, and has your best interests at heart, look no further than Dusharm Law LLC.  Attorney Dusharm is also available to handle cases in surrounding counties, such as Juniata County, Snyder County, Union County, and Mifflin County.

Overview of Pennsylvania DUI Laws

The State of Pennsylvania takes DUI offenses very seriously. Thus, it is important to have a general overview of the laws and regulations that are in place in Pennsylvania.

PA DUI Laws

Pennsylvania law prohibits driving under the influence. Specifically, it provides that the legal limit for blood alcohol content (BAC) in one’s system while operating a motor vehicle is .08%. Additionally, the State of Pennsylvania has implemented a tiered approach toward DUI enforcement for BAC levels above .08%. The levels of DUI under PA law are: 

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  1. General impairment (.08% to .099%); 

  2. High BAC (.10% to .159%); and 

  3. Highest BAC (.16% and above).

 

For all three tiers, the BAC is to be measured within two hours after the individual has operated the motor vehicle. Additionally, it is important to note that any BAC that renders an individual “incapable of safely driving, operating or being in actual physical control or the movement” of a motor vehicle is considered to be in violation of Pennsylvania law, even if it is below .08%.

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DUI Penalties Under Pennsylvania Law

PA law provides for a wide range of penalties for a DUI conviction. Potential DUI penalties include: 

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  • Probation, 

  • Treatment, 

  • Alcohol highway safety school,

  • License suspension,

  • Implementation of ignition lock on your vehicle, 

  • A fine of up to $15,000, and 

  • Up to 7 years in prison.

 

As you can see, penalties for DUI can be severe. Thus, it is absolutely imperative that you have a knowledgeable and experienced PA DUI lawyer in your corner to fight for your rights and raise the best defenses possible.

Common DUI Defenses

Just because you are charged with DUI in Pennsylvania does not mean you don’t have any defenses. In fact, there are many scenarios in which those charged with DUI have valid and strong defenses that can result in a reduction of the penalty imposed or even dismissal of the DUI charge altogether. 

Examples of such defenses that may exist in a Pennsylvania DUI case include scenarios in which:

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  • The driver was not actually driving while impaired;

  • The underlying stop of the vehicle by the officer was illegal;

  • There is no evidence that the accused was “operating” the vehicle; 

  • Nobody obtained the driver’s BAC;

  • Nobody tested the driver’s BAC; 

  • The driver’s BAC test results are inaccurate or unreliable; 

  • Any field sobriety tests that were conducted were administered incorrectly; or

  • The DUI checkpoint, if any, did not meet legal standards and guidelines.

 

Of course, this is not an exhaustive list. There are many other defenses that could apply in your particular circumstances. 

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An experienced PA DUI lawyer who represents criminal defendants day in and day out will know exactly what to look for in a DUI defense case. At Dusharm Law LLC, we have the tools, resources, and legal expertise necessary to help you identify and raise your best defenses for your case. 

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Contact a Newport DUI Lawyer Today

If you have been accused of driving while under the influence and are in need of legal defense, contact a Newport, Perry County DUI attorney today. Doing so can make all the difference in your case. 

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But don’t hire just any attorney for your DUI case. A DUI is a serious charge, and your defense deserves a serious attorney. 

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With nearly 15 years of experience representing a broad range of criminal defendants charged with all levels of offenses, we are confident that we have the experience necessary to handle your DUI defense.

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