Extreme DUI Lawyer in Media: Know Your Rights
Have you been charged with extreme DUI in Pennsylvania? Don’t face it alone. Reach out to an experienced extreme DUI lawyer in Media, PA at the Law Office of Steve F. O’Meara at 610-565-9200 today.
Understanding Extreme DUI in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, the term ‘Extreme DUI’ is used to denote situations where the driver’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) exceeds the standard legal limit of 0.08 percent. Specifically, a BAC over 0.10 percent is considered extreme DUI in PA, and any driver charged with this offense can expect to face severe consequences.
There are three levels of DUI in Pennsylvania. A ‘high rate’ of blood alcohol refers to a BAC that is higher than 0.10 percent but lower than 0.16 percent. When a driver’s BAC is .16 percent or higher, it falls under the ‘highest rate’ of blood alcohol category. The penalties for extreme DUI include extended jail time and increased fines.
See also: Felony DUI Charges
Extreme DUI Sentencing Enhancements
DUI is generally treated as a misdemeanor in Pennsylvania, and the maximum sentence typically does not exceed two years imprisonment. However, sentencing enhancements can apply based on two critical factors:
- Prior offenses, including convictions, adjudication of delinquency, juvenile consent decree, acceptance of Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD), or preliminary disposition in the last 10 years in Pennsylvania or another state.
- Refusal of chemical testing, which may result in added penalties such as possible jail time and fines.
These enhancements mean that previous DUI convictions or refusing a breathalyzer or blood test can result in stricter punishments.
Challenging Extreme DUI Charges
Fighting extreme DUI charges in Pennsylvania requires a thorough understanding of DUI laws and a strong defense strategy. A competent DUI lawyer can help challenge the evidence against you, including the results of the breath or blood tests. Errors in test administration or inaccuracies in results are possible, and an experienced attorney can help investigate these possibilities.
DUI Penalties
Extreme DUI convictions carry heightened penalties in Pennsylvania. For first-time offenders, the repercussions can include a mandatory prison sentence of 48 hours, fines up to $5,000, mandatory attendance at driver alcohol highway safety school, and other penalties as deemed fit by the judge, such as community service. If convicted with the highest rate of blood alcohol, these penalties increase substantially. Furthermore, penalties are elevated for second- or third-time offenders and for commercial or school bus drivers.
Related: Why hire a suspended license restoration lawyer
Your Next Steps Following an Extreme DUI Charge
If you are charged with extreme DUI, it is vital to seek immediate help from an experienced PA extreme DUI lawyer. A skilled attorney will first examine the charges against you, aiming to reduce or dismiss these charges. Then, they will review the details of your traffic stop, arrest, and BAC test results to build a robust defense strategy that upholds your legal rights.
Facing an extreme DUI charge in Pennsylvania? Don’t navigate these challenges alone. Contact the Law Office of Steve F. O’Meara, your trusted PA extreme DUI lawyer, at 610-565-9200 today. We are here to defend your rights and guide you through this complex process.
Did You Know?
Private investigators can play a significant role in DUI cases. They can assist your PA extreme DUI lawyer by gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and investigating the circumstances of your arrest. Their role is to unearth information that may strengthen your defense or challenge the prosecution’s case.
In some instances, a private investigator may be able to uncover procedural errors or inconsistencies that can be crucial to your case. For example, they might identify flaws in how field sobriety tests were administered or discrepancies in police reports. These findings can be invaluable when building a strong defense strategy.
So, if you’re facing an extreme DUI charge, remember that your legal team can extend beyond your attorney. In fact, a private investigator could be a crucial asset in your quest for justice. Always consult with your PA extreme DUI lawyer to discuss the benefits of involving a private investigator in your specific case.
