Comprehensive DUI Defense in Ardmore, PA

When facing the serious consequences of a DUI charge in Pennsylvania, having the right defense team can make all the difference. With Lee Ciccarelli and his team at the Ciccarelli Law Offices, Ardmore residents know they’re in capable hands. Renowned for their dedication, decades of experience, and a track record of success, Lee Ciccarelli and his attorneys provide aggressive, personalized legal strategies to help clients combat DUI charges and protect their future.

Here, we’ll explore everything you need to know about DUI laws in Pennsylvania, including criminal penalties, license suspensions, the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program, and why hiring a skilled attorney like Lee Ciccarelli is necessary when facing a drunk driving charge.

Understanding Pennsylvania’s DUI Laws

Pennsylvania’s DUI Statute

Under 75 Pa.C.S. § 3802, Pennsylvania law prohibits operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. A person is considered legally intoxicated if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) meets or exceeds 0.08%. However, the penalties and charges escalate depending on factors like the offender’s prior record, their BAC level, and whether controlled substances contributed to the impairment.

Types of DUI Charges in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania outlines three tiers of DUI offenses, based on BAC levels or impairment:

• • General Impairment (BAC of 0.08% to 0.099%)
  • High BAC (BAC of 0.10% to 0.159%)
  • Highest BAC (BAC of 0.16% or higher, or under the influence of drugs)

Additional factors can also lead to more severe charges, such as DUIs involving minors, school zones, or repeat violations.

Pennsylvania’s Implied Consent Law

Pennsylvania operates under an implied consent law, meaning that by holding a driver’s license, you automatically consent to chemical testing (breath, blood, or urine) if a police officer suspects you of DUI. Refusing a chemical test triggers an automatic license suspension:

• • First refusal: 12-month license suspension
  • Subsequent refusals: Increased suspension lengths and potentially enhanced penalties

Refusal to submit to testing can also be used against you in court. Understanding the full implications of implied consent is critical when building a DUI defense.

DUI Penalties in Pennsylvania

A DUI conviction in Pennsylvania comes with severe penalties, which vary depending on the offender’s BAC, prior record, and the circumstances of the arrest.

Criminal Penalties for DUI

General Impairment (First Offense)

• Up to 6 months of probation
• $300 fine
• Mandatory attendance at Alcohol Highway Safety School (AHSS)
• Possible substance abuse treatment

High BAC (First Offense)

• 48 hours to 6 months in jail
• $500-$5,000 fine
• 12-month license suspension
• AHSS and mandatory treatment

Highest BAC or Controlled Substance DUI (First Offense)

• 72 hours to 6 months in jail
• $1,000-$5,000 fine
• 12-month license suspension
• AHSS and mandatory treatment

Repeat offenses carry exponentially harsher penalties, such as mandatory minimum jail time, higher fines, longer license suspensions, and potential ignition interlock device (IID) requirements.

Driver’s License Suspension & DUI

A DUI conviction’s impact on your driver’s license depends on factors like your BAC and prior offenses:

• • First High BAC DUI: 12-month suspension
  • Second DUI: 12–18-month suspension
  • Failure to submit to a chemical test: An additional suspension on top of other penalties

Losing the ability to drive can affect every aspect of your life—from employment to daily living. That’s why it’s imperative to fight for your driving privileges.

Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) for First-Time Offenders

The ARD program offers eligible first-time offenders a chance to avoid a criminal conviction and its associated penalties. Under Pennsylvania Rule of Criminal Procedure 312, offenders who complete the program may have their charges dismissed and petition for an expungement.

ARD Eligibility Guidelines

ARD eligibility is not automatic and is determined at the discretion of the local District Attorney’s Office. General eligibility criteria include:

• • No prior DUI convictions within the past 10 years
  • No accident caused involving injury or death
  • No minor under the age of 14 as a passenger

Specific Montgomery County District Attorney guidelines may differ slightly, and consulting an experienced local attorney increases your chance of acceptance into the program.

Benefits of ARD

Successful completion of ARD reduces or avoids penalties, such as:

• • Limited license suspension (often as short as 30–60 days)
  • No jail time
  • Opportunity to expunge DUI charges from your record

However, any failure to comply with ARD program requirements can result in removal and reinstatement of standard DUI penalties.

What Police Need to Make an Arrest

For an officer to arrest someone for DUI, they must have probable cause, often supported by the following observations:

• Erratic driving, speeding, or failure to follow traffic laws
• Slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, or the odor of alcohol
• Failed standard field sobriety tests (SFSTs)

Probable cause is crucial because if a DUI arrest lacks sufficient evidence, an attorney can challenge the case on those grounds, potentially leading to dismissed charges.

Why You Need an Experienced DUI Attorney

Facing DUI charges without competent legal representation is a risky choice. Here are the key reasons why hiring an experienced DUI attorney is vital:

1. Protecting Your Rights: An attorney ensures police complied with all legal procedures, particularly regarding arrests and testing.
2. Navigating Complex Laws: DUI laws are intricate, with significant consequences. A skilled defense attorney understands how to challenge the evidence against you.
3. Reducing or Avoiding Penalties: Lawyers can negotiate with prosecutors to reduce charges or secure ARD opportunities.
4. Fighting License Suspensions: A DUI attorney can potentially help you retain or reinstate your driver’s license.

Why Choose Lee Ciccarelli & His Team?

At Ciccarelli Law Offices, Lee Ciccarelli has carved out a reputation as one of Pennsylvania’s most trusted and skilled criminal defense attorneys. Here’s why he and his team are your best choice for DUI defense in Ardmore, PA.

Extensive Experience

With decades of experience handling DUI cases, Lee Ciccarelli and his team have an intimate understanding of the Pennsylvania legal system and local prosecutors in Montgomery County.

Local Knowledge

Particularly in DUI cases, a deep understanding of the Montgomery County District Attorney’s ARD eligibility guidelines gives clients an advantage when seeking admission into the program or negotiating plea deals.

Dedication to Clients

While some firms provide cookie-cutter solutions, Ciccarelli Law Offices prioritize personalized, client-centered defense strategies. Every case receives the time, attention, and resources it deserves.

Strong Track Record

Lee Ciccarelli has helped countless individuals resolve DUI charges favorably. Whether it’s winning dismissals, reducing penalties, or maintaining driving privileges, his results speak for themselves.

Commitment to Justice

Lee Ciccarelli’s passion for justice drives every case his firm takes. He understands the stakes for clients facing DUI charges and fights tirelessly to protect their futures.

Take Control of Your DUI Case with Ciccarelli Law Offices

When you’re facing DUI charges in Ardmore, PA, you don’t have to face them alone. With the stakes so high—from costly fines to jail time and long-term consequences like suspended licenses and criminal records—having the right advocate on your side is essential.

Trust Ciccarelli Law Offices to provide unmatched legal expertise, fight aggressively for your rights, and guide you to the best possible outcome.

Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step towards protecting your rights, license, and future.