A DUI in Philadelphia carries extreme penalties including incarceration, thousands of dollars in fines, alcohol highway safety school and more.
Driving under the influence is a misdemeanor offense in Pennsylvania. Still, DUI charges must be taken seriously with the help of a Philadelphia DUI Defense Lawyer. Sentencing is based on a myriad of factors including .BAC level, prior convictions, and whether the influencing agent was a substance (i.e., drugs) or alcohol. The penalties range substantially. For example, a first-time DUI offender with a .BAC below .08 may face a mandatory minimum sentence of probation. On the other hand, a third-time offender with a high .BAC (.16+) may face a mandatory minimum sentence of one year incarceration at a state prison.
Even a first-time offender faces penalties including license suspension, costs and fines, and alcohol driving safety school. This can be financially devastating and impair your ability to travel to and from work.
We offer superior representation at competitive rates for you and your family:
No prior DUI offenses: • Ungraded misdemeanor • Up to 6 months probation • $300 fine • Alcohol highway safety school • Treatment when ordered
1 prior DUI offense: • Ungraded misdemeanor • 12 month license suspension • 5 days to 6 months jail time • $300 to $2,500 fine • Alcohol highway safety school • Treatment when ordered • 1 year ignition interlock
2 or more prior DUI offenses: • 2nd degree misdemeanor • 12 month license suspension • 10 days to 2 years prison • $500 to $5,000 fine • Treatment when ordered • 1 year ignition interlock
The new law creates a higher set of penalties for those having higher BAC levels. It allows for treatment at all levels, and requires alcohol highway safety school for all first and second time offenders.
No prior DUI offenses: • Ungraded misdemeanor • 12 month license suspension • 48 hours to 6 months prison • $500 to $5,000 fine • Alcohol highway safety school • Treatment when ordered
1 prior DUI offense: • Ungraded misdemeanor • 12 month suspension • 30 days to 6 months prison • $750 to $5,000 fine • Alcohol highway safety school • Treatment when ordered • 1 year ignition interlock
2 or more prior DUI offenses: • 1st degree misdemeanor • 18 month license suspension • 90 days to 5 years prison • $1,500 to $10,000 fine • Treatment when ordered • 1 year ignition interlock
3 or more prior DUI offenses: • 1st degree misdemeanor • 18 month license suspension • 1 to 5 years prison • $1,500 to $10,000 fine • Treatment when ordered • 1 year ignition interlock
No prior DUI offenses: • Ungraded misdemeanor • 12 month license suspension • 72 hours to 6 months prison • $1,000 to $5,000 fine • Alcohol highway safety school • Treatment when ordered
1 prior DUI offense: • 1st degree misdemeanor • 18 month license suspension • 90 days to 5 years prison • $1,500 to $10,00 fine • Alcohol highway safety school • Treatment when ordered • 1 year ignition interlock
2 or more prior DUI offenses: • 1st degree misdemeanor • 18 month license suspension • 1 to 5 years prison • $2,500 to $10,000 • Treatment when ordered • 1 year ignition interlock
There are multiple ways to beat a DUI case. A Philadelphia DUI lawyer will make significant discovery requests on the Commonwealth. After examining the evidence the attorney may litigate a motion to suppress evidence. The motion is usually based on Article 1 Section 8 of the Pennsylvania Constitution. The most common grounds in DUI cases including challenging the stop of the vehicle, the arrest of the individual, and the requirement that defendant submit to DUI testing. If you can win any of these motions then evidence of intoxication is excluded from the case in chief. The Commonwealth then has an uphill battle of proving you guilty without chemical evidence (i.e., breathalyzers or blood results) or indicia of intoxication (i.e., bloodshot eyes, slurred speech etc.) Recent case law such as Birchfield v. North Dakota, 579 U.S. (2016) has made challenging blood results easier than ever before. Call now to discuss motion practice as it pertains to the facts of your particular case.
If you face DUI charges, the Law Office of Mark D. Copoulos can help. Our lawyers are experienced in criminal defense cases pertaining to DUI offenses in the City of Philadelphia and will work with you to have your charges reduced or even dismissed.
The Law Office of Mark D. Copoulos was founded on our commitment to the client. We pride ourselves on unparalleled service. Our firm answers all incoming calls from clients, at all hours, and strives to promptly resolve your legal issue.
