DUI Attorney Serving Chesterbrook, Pennsylvania

Facing charges for driving under the influence (DUI) can be overwhelming and carry serious consequences. However, under Pennsylvania law, there are avenues you can take to challenge these charges with the help of a skilled criminal defense attorney.

At Hinderliter LLC, we committed to providing aggressive representation for those facing criminal DUI charges. Our attorney, Christopher Hinderliter, will use his years of experience to help you defend your rights and guide you through the defense process to help you pursue the outcome you want for your case.

Located in Chesterbrook, Pennsylvania, we serve clients throughout Chester County, Montgomery County, Lancaster County, and Berks County. Contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation.

Pennsylvania DUI/DWI Laws

In Pennsylvania, it is illegal to operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher or if a substance you have taken impairs your ability to operate a vehicle safely. Additionally, Pennsylvania imposes a lower BAC limit of 0.02% for drivers under 21 and enhanced penalties for commercial drivers with a BAC of 0.04% or higher. These laws apply to all types of motor vehicles, including cars, trucks, and motorcycles.

The penalties for a DUI are divided into tiers based on your BAC and any prior DUI offenses. These penalties can range from fines, driver's license suspension, and mandatory alcohol education programs to extended imprisonment for repeat offenders. At Hinderliter LLC, we can help you understand these laws and how they impact the charges against you.

First-Time Offenders and the ARD Program in Pennsylvania

If this is your first DUI offense, you may be eligible for Pennsylvania’s Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program: a pre-trial intervention program designed for first-time offenders that, when successfully completed, can result in the dismissal of charges and expungement of your record.

Our firm can help evaluate your eligibility for the ARD program and guide you through the application process. In many cases, choosing ARD may help you avoid the long-term implications of a DUI conviction. However, this option may not suit everyone, so it's important to explore your options with an experienced criminal defense attorney.

Repeat Offenders and Aggravated DUI Charges

If you have prior DUI convictions or aggravating circumstances such as a particularly high BAC level or an accident that resulted in injury, Pennsylvania imposes harsher penalties. These cases typically require a robust and aggressive defense. Repeat or aggravated DUI charges can feel daunting, but our firm can help you fight for fair treatment to potentially reduce the impact of the charge.

Potential Defenses for Combating DUI Charges

If you have been charged with a DUI in Pennsylvania, there are several common defenses you and your attorney can use to fight the charges and advocate for a better outcome. While not all defenses will apply depending on the circumstances of your case, the most common defenses you might be able to use include the following:

• Lack of probable cause for the initial traffic stop: An officer must have a valid reason to pull you over on suspicion of DUI, such as witnessing erratic driving or damage to the vehicle. If the officer did not have probable cause for the stop, any evidence gathered after may be deemed inadmissible.

• Improper administration of field sobriety tests: Field sobriety tests, such as walking in a straight line or standing on one leg, are often used by officers to determine if a driver is under the influence. However, these tests are not always accurate and can be affected by factors such as weather conditions or physical disabilities. If the officer did not administer the tests properly, the evidence could possibly be dismissed.

• Inaccurate breathalyzer results: Breathalyzer tests are commonly used to measure blood alcohol concentration (BAC), but they can also produce false readings if they are not calibrated correctly or if the test is not administered properly. Recently consuming substances like mouthwash or cough syrup, or medical conditions, such as acid reflux, can also affect the accuracy of breathalyzer results. If the test was faulty or improperly administered, you may be able to challenge the results.

If you have been charged with a DUI in Pennsylvania, seek legal representation as soon as possible to explore your options. Breathalyzer tests, field sobriety tests, and probable cause are not always reliable and can have a margin of error. Therefore, it is possible for you to be charged with a DUI based on faulty or inaccurate results.

Our Services for Defending Against DUI Charges

A DUI conviction can have severe consequences that extend beyond fines or jail time. You may face increased insurance premiums, difficulty maintaining or obtaining employment, and a tarnished reputation. A conviction could also potentially affect your professional licensing or security clearance, which could disrupt your career and personal life.

At Hinderliter LLC, our attorney has years of experience defending drivers against DUI charges. We offer a range of services to help you build a strong defense and potentially minimize the consequences of a DUI conviction.

• Legal consultation: We provide legal consultation for Pennsylvania drivers facing DUI charges. Our attorney will review your case and provide advice on how to proceed. We can help you understand your rights, potential defenses, and the potential outcomes of your case.

• Courtroom representation: If your case goes to trial, our attorney has extensive experience representing clients in court for DUI cases. We will vigorously defend your case and use all available evidence and defense strategies to fight for the outcome you want, whether that means reducing charges, negotiating a plea deal, or winning a full acquittal.

• Negotiating alternative sentencing options: Our attorney is a skilled negotiator and can often negotiate with prosecutors to help reduce or dismiss DUI charges. In some cases, we may be able to negotiate alternative sentencing options. This could include attending alcohol education programs, community service, or participating in diversion programs in lieu of jail time.

How Our Firm Can Help

At Hinderliter LLC, we believe every client deserves a comprehensive and personalized defense strategy. Whether you're facing a first-offense or aggravated DUI charge, our goal is to help you pursue the outcome you want and protect your rights at every step.

Based in Chesterbrook, Pennsylvania, we have in-depth knowledge of local DUI laws and procedures. This enables us to help you build a strong defense tailored to your specific case. We will thoroughly challenge the probable cause for the stop, how the sobriety and chemical testing were administered and recorded, and whether any of your constitutional rights were violated during the traffic stop or arrest.

Contact an Experienced Pennsylvania DUI Attorney Today

Facing DUI or DWI charges doesn’t mean your future is at an end. With the help of skilled legal representation, you can fight to protect your rights, freedom, and future. At Hinderliter LLC, we are here to stand by your side every step of the way. We will review the details of your case and develop a strategy tailored specifically to your circumstances.

Located in Chesterbrook, Pennsylvania, we serve clients throughout Chester, Montgomery, Lancaster, and Berks Counties. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.