Driving under the influence (DUI) is considered a serious offense in the state of Pennsylvania. If you are caught driving under the influence, you could face serious penalties including fines, license suspension, and even jail time. However, when it comes to the timeline of receiving DUI charges in PA, many people are uncertain about how long it takes and what steps they need to take. In this blog, we will answer all your questions and provide you with a clear understanding of the process.
- Arrest and Testing:
The first step in the process is the arrest and testing. When a police officer suspects that you are driving under the influence, they will pull you over and conduct a field sobriety test. If you fail the test, you will be taken to the police station for further testing. It can take several hours for the police to process this test, and there may be a wait time for the results as well.
- Preliminary Hearing:
Once you have been arrested and charged with DUI, you will receive a preliminary hearing. This hearing is typically held within 3-5 weeks of your arrest and is your first opportunity to plead your case. You may want to hire an attorney to represent you at this hearing.
- Arraignment:
If you are charged with DUI, you will receive an arraignment date. The arraignment is typically held within 2-3 weeks of your preliminary hearing, and is when you will be informed of the charges and the penalties associated with them. You will also be given the opportunity to plead guilty or not guilty.
- Pretrial Conference:
After the arraignment, you will receive a pretrial conference date. This conference is typically held within 2-6 weeks of your arraignment and is a chance for you and your attorney to meet with the prosecutor to discuss any plea offers or negotiate a deal.
- Trial:
If you are unable to reach a plea agreement, you will go to trial. The trial date will depend on the court’s calendar and may take several months to schedule. The trial process can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the complexity of the case.
It is important to note that the timeline for receiving DUI charges in PA can vary depending on several factors, such as the severity of the offense and the backlog of cases in the court. However, by understanding the process and hiring an experienced attorney, you can ensure that your case is handled in the most efficient and effective manner possible. Remember, driving under the influence is a serious offense and can have long-term consequences. If you are facing DUI charges, it is important to take the situation seriously and take the steps necessary to protect your legal rights and future.
You need more than just one good DUI lawyer. You need the best. You need a team of experienced DUI lawyers fighting for you. Contact Lee Ciccarelli, and his team of West Chester, Pennsylvania DUI lawyers.
Watch out. There’s a lot of former prosecutors boasting about their experience: experience putting people just like you behind bars. Instead, look to Lee Ciccarelli and his team with nearly 100 years of experience fighting for clients facing the penalties of a DUI.
Contact Chester County DUI Defense Attorney
It may be possible to fight your Pennsylvania DUI charge and win, but you’ll never know if you plead guilty without first exploring your options. Ciccarelli Law Offices can review your case to determine whether the local Pennsylvania district attorney’s case has weaknesses that are open to challenge. We will prepare each case as though it is going to trial to insure preparation and thorough understanding and will take the case to trial if you are not satisfied with the resolution that is offered. We strive to be zealous advocates and always try to obtain the best results for our clients.
We are based in West Chester PA (Chester County) in Suburban Philadelphia and represent individuals charged with Drunk Driving, DUI, Driving After Imbibing cases Throughout Pennsylvania including but not limited to Philadelphia, Lancaster, Allentown, Oxford Exton Phoenixville Parkesburg Malvern Coatesville Lionville Chesterbrook Devon Newtown Square Glen Mills Pottstown Downingtown Kennett Square King of Prussia Paoli and beyond.
You deserve a West Chester Pennsylvania DUI lawyer that is available when you need him, treats you with respect, and protects your rights vigorously. For more information or to schedule an appointment with an experienced Pennsylvania DUI Attorney at Ciccarelli Law Offices, by contacting us at (610) 692-8700 or toll free at (877) 529-2422.