Reduce Jail Time After A DUI In Chester County

As approved by the Chester County Prison Board, the Chester County Intermediate Punishment Program is a sentencing alternative which begins when an eligible person files an IPP application with the Probation and Parole Dept. within thirty days of sentencing. Any person with a conviction in Chester County who has no past or present pattern of violent behavior and who, otherwise, would receive a jail sentence, is eligible for IPP.  The focus of the program is on those who are considered non-violent, and are Level three or four offenders. Any person who does have a past history of violence as well as those with a parole or probation violation are not eligible for the IPP program.

If serious injury to another person was involved in the current offense, or if a minor was present in the automobile at the time the offense was committed, no eligibility of IPP exists.    There is an exception to the prohibition to the IPP program for a person who committed their current offense during a time they were on supervised parole. The exception states if the person who violated his or her parole has a substantial history of substance abuse, requiring treatment under the County Prison’s Prison Recovery Program—and otherwise qualifies for IPP—then he or she may be eligible.

Even a person who qualifies for IPP is not automatically qualified to participate, as the Court can exercise its discretion in the matter. In 2014, Chester County changed portions of the IPP, with one of the most significant changes being those who were charged with a 3rd DUI within ten years with a BAC of .16 or higher, or those who refused testing, were no longer eligible for IPP.

If a person is granted IPP, he or she will be permitted to leave their residence only for work, court-ordered conditions and doctor’s appointments. Week reporting is required, and the cost of monitoring is $10 per day, which must be paid weekly. A working telephone line must be installed prior to sentencing. Community service should be arranged and approved by Adult Probation prior to sentencing.

If you feel you may be eligible for IPP, it is important to discuss this with your Pennsylvania DUI defense attorney. Your attorney has a thorough understanding of the program and can determine your eligibility as well as complete the necessary papers and ensure they are received in plenty of time.

Contact Our Chester County DUI Defense Lawyers

The DUI defense lawyers of Ciccarelli Law Offices have successfully represented individuals throughout the state of Pennsylvania that have been arrested and charged with DUI. Our Chester County based law firm is based at 304 North High Street, West Chester PA 19380 and serves clients in Kennett Square, Downingtown, West Chester, Coatesville, Exton, Chester Springs, Chadds Ford, Landenberg, Honey Brook, Oxford, Malvern, Parkesburg, Phoenixville and Paoli. Contact us now at (610) 692-8700 or call toll free (877) 529-2422.