DUI And DWI
Helping You Get Past A DUI Charge
Driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) is a criminal offense in Pennsylvania and can lead to severe penalties. If you or a loved one has been accused of a DUI, it is crucial that you get help from a good DUI lawyer.
The experienced criminal defense attorneys at O'Donnell, Weiss & Mattei, P.C., will quickly and correctly identify all potential defenses available to combat your DUI charge. Our attorneys are very familiar with the local court systems and will navigate you through the unfamiliar process from beginning to end.
In addition, we are able to advise individuals on first-time offender programs, such as Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (commonly referred to as ARD) and second-time offenders’ programs, such as the Intermediate Punishment Program (often referred to as IPP) in Chester County and the Second Time Offender Program in Berks County (widely referred to as STOP).
Frequently Asked Questions About DUI Charges
What is a DUI?
A person commits the criminal offense of driving under the influence (commonly referred to as DUI) when he or she drives or is in actual physical control of a motor vehicle and is under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance. The driver has consumed alcohol or another substance to the extent that his or her faculties are impaired, or when his or her blood alcohol content (commonly referred to as BAC) is above the legal limit of .08%.
What is the blood alcohol content (BAC) limit in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, DUI penalties are divided into three main categories that are based on your recorded BAC at the time of the arrest. The three levels of BAC are:
- 0.08 – 0.099 (lowest penalty)
- 10 – 0.159 (higher penalty)
- 16 and above (highest penalty)
What are the penalties in Pennsylvania for a DUI?
Pennsylvania has taken the position that your BAC and the number of times you have committed a DUI will dictate the penalty. A DUI can carry the following penalties upon a conviction:
- A criminal record
- Mandatory jail time
- Suspension of driver’s license
- Fines and costs
- Drug and alcohol assessment
- Alcohol highway safety school
Contact Us Today To Start Your Defense
To speak with a DUI attorney at OWM Law, call 610-323-2800. We have offices located in Pottstown and Phoenixville, and we can also be reached through our online contact form.