Pittsburgh Drunk Driving Defense

One of the most common penalties for driving under the influence (DUI) is license suspension. Needless to say, losing your driving privileges can have a severe impact on daily life. A Pittsburgh DUI lawyer can minimize the penalties of a DUI conviction, including the length of your license suspension.

BAC test refusal

During a Pittsburgh DUI stop, the officer will ask you to take a field sobriety test. You have the right to refuse. However, the officer will probably arrest you and take you to a detainment center where you are required under Pennsylvania’s implied law of consent to take a Blood Alcohol Content test.

If you refuse to take the blood, urine, or breath test, your license will be automatically suspended for one year—even if you are found innocent of DUI.

DUI license suspension

If you are convicted of a Pennsylvania DUI offense, it is possible that your license will be suspended.
Suspension depends upon your BAC at the time of arrest as well as how many prior offenses you have. DUI offenses may carry the following penalties:

BAC .10 percent or below

• First offense: No suspension
• Subsequent offenses: 12-month license suspension

BAC between .10 and .16 percent

• First and second offenses: 12-month suspension
• Subsequent offenses: 18-month suspension

BAC above .16 percent

• First offense: 12-month suspension
• Subsequent offenses: 18-month suspension

Occupational Limited License (OLL)

An OLL is a license sometimes given to those with DUI convictions who depend on driving to commute to and from work. In Pennsylvania, a person who has no more than one prior DUI conviction might be able to obtain an OLL following the serving of a partial suspension. However, even one prior DUI conviction can drastically lower the possibility for an OLL.

Drunk driving defense in Pittsburgh

It is always advisable to contact reputable Pittsburgh DUI lawyers immediately following arrest. A good attorney will assess the specific circumstances of your case and analyze the factors that help minimize the charges you are facing.

If you are looking for Pittsburgh DUI defense, look no further than criminal defense attorney Joseph A. Paletta. He has a strong track record for dismissals and penalty negation in DUI cases. Contact Joseph A. Paletta today at 888-673-3224 today for the legal services you need.