Chestnut Hill DUI Lawyers

Expert DUI Defense Attorneys in Chestnut Hill, Pennsylvania

Facing DUI charges in Chestnut Hill, PA, can feel overwhelming, but having the right legal team on your side could make all the difference. Ciccarelli Law Offices, led by Lee Ciccarelli, is committed to providing skilled and compassionate criminal defense services for individuals accused of drunk driving. With a proven track record, a deep understanding of Pennsylvania DUI laws, and a dedication to securing the best outcomes for clients, Ciccarelli Law Offices stands ready to fight for you.

This comprehensive guide explores Pennsylvania’s DUI laws, potential penalties, and the importance of hiring an experienced DUI attorney like Lee Ciccarelli.

Pennsylvania DUI Laws Explained

What Are Pennsylvania’s DUI Laws?

Under Pennsylvania law, it is illegal to operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. However, Pennsylvania’s DUI laws cover much more than standard BAC limits. Drivers can be charged based on their BAC, their level of impairment, or the presence of controlled substances in their system. The specific statute governing DUI charges is 75 Pa.C.S. § 3802.

Types of DUI Charges in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s DUI charges are broken down into three “tiers” based on the driver’s BAC at the time of testing, as well as the presence of aggravating factors:

General Impairment (BAC 0.08% – 0.099%)
High BAC (BAC 0.10% – 0.159%)
Highest BAC (BAC 0.16% and above)

Additionally, drivers under 21 can face more stringent underage DUI laws as the legal BAC limit for minors is 0.02%. Commercial drivers and school vehicle operators are held to stricter standards as well.

Pennsylvania’s Implied Consent Law

When you obtain a driver’s license in Pennsylvania, you consent to chemical testing as part of the Implied Consent Law. If a police officer has probable cause to believe you are impaired, refusing a chemical test (such as a breath, blood, or urine test) can result in an immediate license suspension and additional penalties under 75 Pa.C.S. § 1547.

Refusing to comply with a chemical test request carries serious consequences, including a 12-month license suspension on top of any penalties from a DUI conviction.

DUI Penalties and Minimum Sentences in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania enforces strict penalties for DUI offenses, and the consequences only escalate with the severity of the charge and any prior offenses.

DUI Penalties by Tier and First vs. Repeat Offenses

Below is a breakdown of potential penalties for DUI offenders in Pennsylvania:

General Impairment (First Offense)

- - Probation up to 6 months
  - $300 fine
  - Mandatory Alcohol Highway Safety School

High BAC (First Offense)

- - Jail time of 2 days to 6 months
  - $500-$5,000 fine
  - 12-month license suspension

Highest BAC (First Offense)

- - Jail time of 3 days to 6 months
  - $1,000-$5,000 fine
  - 12-month license suspension

Repeat offenses result in harsher penalties, including longer jail terms, extended license suspensions, higher fines, mandatory treatment programs, and potential ignition interlock requirements.

Mandatory Minimum Sentences

The mandatory minimum jail time for DUI offenders grows with each subsequent offense. For example:

Second Offense (High BAC) results in at least 30 days in jail
Third Offense (Highest BAC) can lead to 1 year in prison

Having an attorney experienced in DUI defense can help minimize these penalties.

First-Time DUI Offenders and the ARD Program

What Is ARD?

Pennsylvania offers a unique program called Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD), aimed at first-time offenders with no prior criminal history. Eligible participants who successfully complete this program can avoid a formal conviction, reduce penalties, and even have their record expunged.

Eligibility Requirments and Prosecutor Discretion

Eligibility for ARD is determined by the local District Attorney’s Office and varies by county. The Chestnut Hill DA’s Office typically excludes offenders with:

Prior DUI convictions
Significant aggravating circumstances (e.g., injuries or property damage)
Minors in the vehicle while driving under the influence

Applying for ARD can be a highly nuanced process, and having an attorney who understands local policies is crucial. The Ciccarelli team has successfully helped numerous clients gain acceptance into ARD.

Benefits of ARD Participation

No jail time and reduced court costs
Avoidance of a criminal conviction
Potential license suspension reduction or waiver (depending on the case)
Eligibility to expunge the DUI offense from your record

Driver’s License Suspensions for DUI Offenses

A DUI conviction in Pennsylvania almost always affects your driving privileges. Below are common license penalties:

First Offense (General Impairment): No license suspension
First Offense (High and Highest BAC): 12-month suspension
Refusal to Submit to Testing: 12 to 18-month suspension
Repeat Offenses: 18-month or longer suspension

An experienced DUI attorney can help negotiate alternative penalties, such as enrolling in an Ignition Interlock Program to regain limited driving privileges sooner.

When and How Can You Be Arrested for DUI in PA?

Police officers must have probable cause to stop a driver and make a DUI arrest. Common signs they look for include:

Erratic driving (swerving, speeding, etc.)
Slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, or the smell of alcohol
Failure to pass field sobriety tests

If a police officer lacks probable cause, evidence collected during the stop may be inadmissible in court. This is one of the critical areas where Lee Ciccarelli’s legal expertise can help challenge the prosecution’s case.

Why You Need an Experienced DUI Attorney

Navigating DUI charges without an attorney is risky. Here’s why hiring a legal team like Ciccarelli Law Offices is crucial:

Expert Knowledge: Pennsylvania DUI law is complex. Only experienced attorneys know how to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence.
Negotiation Skills: An exceptional DUI attorney can negotiate better plea agreements or advocate for ARD acceptance.
Minimizing Penalties: From reduced fines to license protection, skilled lawyers pursue every avenue to limit the impact of DUI charges.

Why Choose Lee Ciccarelli and His Team?

Lee Ciccarelli brings years of experience, unwavering dedication, and an impressive legal track record to every DUI case he handles. He understands what’s at stake for you and your loved ones.

Lee’s Background and Commitment to Clients

Lee Ciccarelli has built his practice on the principles of justice, integrity, and results. His passion for helping individuals and families stems from his own experiences growing up in Pennsylvania. A graduate of George Washington University Law School, Lee combines his extensive knowledge with an unrivaled commitment to advocate for his clients.

His team of attorneys has the resources, knowledge, and local connections necessary to handle every aspect of your case.

Take the First Step

If you or a loved one is facing DUI charges, don’t wait. The sooner you have an experienced attorney on your side, the better your chances of minimizing the impact on your future.

At Ciccarelli Law Offices, we fight hard because we care deeply. You don’t have to face this alone.