Chesterbrook PA DUI Lawyers

ciccarelli mobile tablet

Chesterbrook’s Best DUI Defense Attorney – Ciccarelli Law Offices

When you face DUI charges in Chesterbrook, Pennsylvania, the stakes are incredibly high. Your future, reputation, job security, and even your freedom are likely hanging in the balance. Finding the right attorney to defend your case isn’t just a choice; it’s a necessity. That’s where Ciccarelli Law Offices and our founder, Lee Ciccarelli, come in. Combining decades of criminal defense experience with a deep understanding of DUI law in Pennsylvania, we are here to fight for you.

Whether this is your first brush with the law or a subsequent offense, our team is committed to securing the best possible outcome for every client. Below, we offer an in-depth look at DUI laws and penalties in Pennsylvania, why having an experienced attorney matters, and why Ciccarelli Law Offices is the best choice for your defense.

Understanding Pennsylvania’s DUI Laws

Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious criminal charge in Pennsylvania, governed by strict statutes under Title 75, Section 3802 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes. This law prohibits an individual from operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher or while under the influence of drugs or alcohol to a degree that impairs their ability to drive safely.

Different Types of DUI Charges

The severity of DUI charges in Pennsylvania depends on multiple factors:

General Impairment DUI: BAC of 0.08% – 0.099%
High BAC DUI: BAC of 0.10% – 0.159%
Highest BAC DUI: BAC of 0.16% or higher
Drug DUI: Driving under the influence of controlled substances or prescription drugs
Commercial DUI: A violation while holding a commercial driver’s license (BAC threshold of 0.04%)
Underage DUI: Drivers under 21 with a BAC of 0.02% or higher
Multiple Offenses DUI: Charges for second or subsequent offenses

These categories dictate the penalties imposed, which can range from fines and probation to longer jail sentences and license suspensions.

Pennsylvania’s Implied Consent Law

Pennsylvania’s Implied Consent Law (75 Pa.C.S.A. Section 1547) requires drivers to submit to chemical testing (such as breath, blood, or urine tests) if an officer has probable cause to suspect DUI. Refusing the test triggers automatic penalties, including:

Automatic license suspension
- First refusal: 12 months suspension.
- Second refusal or higher with prior DUIs: 18 months suspension.
Increased penalties for the DUI offense itself.

It’s essential to note that even a refusal can be used as evidence against you in court. This makes it critical to have an experienced defense attorney to handle all aspects of your case.

Penalties for a DUI Conviction in Pennsylvania

The penalties for a DUI in Pennsylvania vary based on your BAC level and the number of prior offenses. Here’s an overview of the mandatory minimum sentences:

First Offense

General Impairment: No jail time, $300 fine, alcohol highway safety school.
High BAC: 2 days to 6 months jail, $500-$5,000 fines, 12-month driver’s license suspension.
Highest BAC: 3 days to 6 months jail, $1,000-$5,000 fines, 12-month license suspension.

Second Offense

Jail time ranging from 5 days to 5 years depending on BAC.
Fines up to $10,000 for highest BAC.
Mandatory ignition interlock device for at least 1 year.

Third or Subsequent Offenses

Felony charges for repeated DUIs.
1 year to 5 years imprisonment depending on BAC.
Significant financial penalties exceeding $10,000.
Potential permanent license revocation.

Additionally, for every level of DUI conviction, offenders face increased insurance premiums, mandatory alcohol treatment programs, and a permanent criminal record.

License Suspension & Restoration

Depending on the severity of the conviction, license suspensions can range from 12 months to several years. Drivers may be eligible for a limited work license (Occupational Limited License or OLL), depending on the circumstances.

First-Time Offenders and the ARD Program

If this is your first DUI offense, you may be eligible for Pennsylvania’s Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program. This pre-trial intervention program is designed to allow first-time offenders to avoid jail time, hefty fines, and even a permanent criminal record.

Eligibility for ARD

Eligibility for ARD is not guaranteed and is determined at the discretion of the local District Attorney’s Office. Common eligibility guidelines include:

The offense did not involve serious bodily injury or death.
The offender has no prior convictions or ARD participation.
The offender’s BAC was not excessively high (specific thresholds are determined county by county).

Chesterbrook Local ARD Guidelines

Chesterbrook falls under the jurisdiction of the Chester County District Attorney’s Office, which has strict ARD guidelines. To improve your chances of acceptance into ARD, it’s crucial to have a skilled attorney like Lee Ciccarelli who is familiar with local prosecutors and can effectively advocate on your behalf.

Successful completion of the ARD program typically results in:

No criminal conviction.
Expungement of arrest records.
Reduced license suspension to 30 days (or none).

Why Hiring a DUI Attorney Is Crucial

Facing a DUI charge on your own can feel overwhelming. The stakes are incredibly high, and any misstep in your defense strategy can result in long-lasting consequences, including jail time, license revocation, and high costs.

What Police Need to Arrest You

To arrest someone for DUI, officers must:

Observe driving behavior that suggests impairment (swerving, erratic speeds).
Establish probable cause through field sobriety tests or initial BAC readings.
Obtain evidence through chemical testing.

A skilled DUI attorney can challenge the validity of these steps, including:

Faulty sobriety test administration.
Improper calibration of breathalyzer equipment.
Violations of your rights during the arrest process.

Without professional legal representation, you risk not identifying these crucial issues.

Benefits of a Specialized DUI Lawyer

By hiring an experienced and local defense attorney:

They understand Pennsylvania DUI laws inside and out.
Familiarity with local courts and prosecutors can work to your advantage, especially for ARD negotiations.
Attorneys can challenge the legality of the traffic stop, arrest, or evidence collection process.

Lee Ciccarelli and the team at Ciccarelli Law Offices have fought tirelessly for clients in Chesterbrook and beyond, consistently achieving successful outcomes in even the most challenging cases.

Why Choose Ciccarelli Law Offices?

At Ciccarelli Law Offices, we pride ourselves on our client-first attitude and holistic, aggressive legal strategies. Founded by Lee Ciccarelli, our Chesterbrook attorneys have decades of experience defending DUI cases in Pennsylvania.

About Lee Ciccarelli

Lee Ciccarelli has built a reputation as one of Pennsylvania’s most respected DUI defense attorneys. Born and raised in Pennsylvania, Lee possesses not only a deep understanding of the state’s criminal justice system but also a genuine commitment to helping his clients when they need it most.

A Proven Track Record

Our team has handled thousands of DUI cases, securing:

Reductions in charges and penalties.
Successful ARD applications.
Case dismissals through evidence challenges.

Compassionate and Understanding

We know how stressful DUI charges can be. At Ciccarelli Law Offices, we provide personal attention to every case, keeping you informed every step of the way. It’s our mission to ensure you feel supported and confident as we fight to protect your rights and future.

Get the Defense You Deserve

A DUI charge doesn’t have to define your future—but acting quickly and decisively is essential. If you or a loved one in Chesterbrook has been charged with DUI, trust Ciccarelli Law Offices to deliver the experienced, relentless defense you deserve.

Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case, understand your options, and take the first step toward protecting your rights.

When the stakes are high, you need an attorney who will fight as if your future depends on it. Because it does. Choose Ciccarelli Law Offices, Chesterbrook’s trusted DUI defense.

What to Expect if You’re Stopped or Arrested for DUI in Chesterbrook PA and Why You Should Choose Lee Ciccarelli as Your Defense Attorney

When you’re stopped or arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Chesterbrook PA, it can be a frightening and overwhelming experience. From the moment you’re pulled over to your court appearances, the process can be confusing and intimidating. If you’re facing DUI charges in Chesterbrook PA, it’s important to know what to expect and why it’s important to hire an experienced defense attorney like Lee Ciccarelli and his team at Ciccarelli Law Offices.

What to Expect When Stopped or Arrested for DUI in Chesterbrook PA

If you’re stopped or arrested for DUI in Chesterbrook PA, there are several things to expect. First and foremost, you’ll be asked to perform field sobriety tests, which can include walking in a straight line or standing on one foot. You’ll also be asked to take a breathalyzer test to measure your blood alcohol concentration (BAC). If your BAC is over the legal limit of 0.08%, you will be arrested and charged with DUI. At this point, you’ll be taken to the police station for processing and fingerprinting. Finally, you’ll be released with a court date, where you’ll be formally charged with DUI.

Why You Should Choose Lee Ciccarelli as Your Defense Attorney

When you’re facing DUI charges in Chesterbrook PA, it’s important to choose the right defense attorney. Lee Ciccarelli and his team at Ciccarelli Law Offices have over 35 years of experience defending the accused, including over 20 years of experience defending residents of Chesterbrook PA specifically. Mr. Ciccarelli has a deep understanding of the legal system and can help you navigate the complexities of your DUI case. He is committed to his client’s success and will work tirelessly to get the best possible outcome for your situation.

Potential Consequences of DUI in Chesterbrook PA

The consequences of a DUI conviction in Chesterbrook PA can be severe. You could face fines, probation, and even jail time. In addition, your license may be suspended or revoked, making it difficult to get to work or run errands. A DUI conviction can also impact your personal and professional relationships, and can even affect future employment opportunities. It’s important to have an experienced defense attorney like Lee Ciccarelli on your side to help minimize the potential consequences of a DUI conviction.

Possible Defense Strategies for DUI in Chesterbrook PA

There are several defense strategies that can be employed in a DUI case in Chesterbrook PA. For example, the breathalyzer test may have been administered improperly, or the sobriety field tests may not have been conducted correctly. Lee Ciccarelli and his team at Ciccarelli Law Offices can evaluate your case and determine the best defense strategy based on the specific circumstances of your situation. They will work tirelessly to investigate your case and gather evidence to challenge the prosecution’s case against you.

The Importance of Taking Action Quickly

If you’ve been charged with DUI in Chesterbrook PA, it’s important to take action quickly. You have a limited amount of time to challenge the charges against you, and waiting too long can negatively impact your case. Lee Ciccarelli and his team at Ciccarelli Law Offices can help you understand your options and develop a plan of action to help you get the best possible outcome for your situation.

If you’re facing DUI charges in Chesterbrook PA, it’s important to know what to expect and why it’s important to hire an experienced defense attorney like Lee Ciccarelli and his team at Ciccarelli Law Offices. With over 35 years of experience defending the accused, including over 20 years of experience in Chesterbrook PA specifically, Lee Ciccarelli understands the legal system and can help you navigate your DUI case. He is committed to his client’s success and will work tirelessly to get the best possible outcome for your situation. Contact Ciccarelli Law Offices today to schedule a consultation and learn how they can help you with your DUI case.