Pennsylvania Traffic Lawyer

Many states are getting tougher on driving infractions, and Pennsylvania is no exception. Traffic-related charges can result in stiff fines, suspension of your driver’s license, and even jail time.

Anyone who is facing charges such as driving under the influence (DUI), reckless driving, or driving without a license should talk to a Pennsylvania traffic lawyer who knows best how to defend individuals in these kinds of cases. Traffic law violations and offenses are recorded on your driving record and can lead to license suspensions and points on your record.

If you accumulate too many driving record points, your Pennsylvania driver’s license may be suspended, and you may also need to take an additional written exam to get your driving privileges restored. Contact a skilled criminal lawyer as soon as possible to fight your charges.

Minimum Penalties

Pennsylvania traffic lawyers have seen penalties often based on the blood alcohol level of the individual. Motorists who refuse a chemical test or are under the influence of an illegal drug get hit with the highest BAC penalties. The courts also have the choice of requiring up to 150 hours of community service.

There are many possible penalties, which may also include:

  • License suspension or revocation
  • Points on a driving record
  • Payment of restitution for any damage done
  • Ignition interlock device
  • Restricted driver’s license
  • Jail time

The minimum fine for a first offender is $300. For a second offense, that figure jumps to $2,500, and for a third offense, it can go as high as $5,000.

Traffic Case Process

All Americans have certain rights in the criminal courts, and those rights apply in traffic cases. A serious traffic law case usually begins with a preliminary hearing, followed by a formal arraignment, a pre-trial conference, and, if necessary, a trial. Pennsylvania traffic lawyers can help guide someone through the often-confusing requirements.

Impact of Challenging Law Enforcement

Experienced advocates can assess the evidence against the person charged, and determine whether it was gathered in compliance with rules that will make it admissible in court. The breathalyzers administered by the police have also been successfully challenged.

The devices used by the police sometimes have problems related to accuracy, calibration and operator error. The accused has the right to demand that all tests were carried out perfectly. Pennsylvania traffic lawyers will listen to the person’s story without judgment. They know that anyone can make a mistake. They will get the protections they are entitled to under the rules of evidence.

Consult an Attorney

The overburdened court system will often try to steer the accused into making a plea deal. That may be the best option in some cases, but not in others. This is the time when a driver should be able to rely on counsel – not just any attorney who does routine legal work, but ones who have handled many traffic-related cases in the past. They will be able to assess the situation, based on the gravity of the charges and the evidence that the police have.

Then they can offer you advice about the best way to put this unfortunate incident behind you. But time is of the essence. If you are facing traffic-related charges, contact a Pennsylvania traffic lawyer as soon as possible.

Pennsylvania Criminal Lawyers