A College Grad’s Expungement Story from Getting Charged with Alcohol and Drug DUI
Sometimes, even the silliest of mistakes can lead to a massive fiasco. And this happened to be true for one of our clients, a college grad named Alex. He was charged with a DUI that involved both alcohol and drugs!
A conviction like this would have easily derailed his future. But thankfully, Alex had the sense to call us and ask for help. And with our experienced Pittsburgh DUI attorneys, we were able to rightfully guide him through the legal process, and got him an expungement!
That’s the reason why our Logue Law Firm has a certain popularity in the Pittsburgh region! Let’s explore this blog till the end, and find out how our expert lawyers helped secure expungement for our client despite all these serious charges.
Penalties for Drug DUI Charges
A DUI charge, in itself, is quite serious. On top of that, if there are drugs involved, it just raises the bar of complications substantially!
Unlike alcohol DUIs, which are based on a tiered system and vary based on your blood alcohol content (BAC) levels, a drug DUI falls under the highest tier.
It doesn’t matter how much of the drug was in your system. The presence of any amount of a Schedule I controlled substance is enough to get you convicted. This includes marijuana, heroin, and ecstasy. Not just that, but even prescription drugs can lead to a DUI if they impair your ability to drive safely!
- The penalties for a first-time offense include a mandatory minimum of 72 hours in jail, a mandatory minimum fine of up to $1,000, and a 12-month license suspension. A conviction also carries other consequences.
- For a second-time offense, a drug DUI is considered a first-degree misdemeanor. It includes a maximum of 5 years ‘ imprisonment, an 18-month license suspension, and a mandatory minimum fine of $1,500.
- A third-time offense is considered a third-degree felony. You can expect anywhere from 1- 7 years of imprisonment, an 18-month license suspension, and a mandatory minimum fine of up to $2,500.
Added to that, this charge will appear on your criminal record, which can have devastating consequences, enough to ruin your whole life. For instance-
- A DUI conviction can lead to higher insurance rates.
- It can also make it difficult for you to find certain jobs.
That’s why fighting such kinds of charges is important, and only a skilled Pittsburgh DUI attorney can assure a positive outcome.
How Did We Get Our Client Expunged?
Thankfully, it was the first offense ever for our client Alex. So, we helped him get into the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program. And given his impeccable academic record, he had a promising future. Our Pittsburgh DUI attorneys worked with the prosecution to secure his admission into the ARD program.
How did this help? Well, it allowed him to avoid jail time and a permanent criminal record. The ARD program required him to complete a period of probation, community service, and attend alcohol highway safety school. Our firm provided consistent support and guidance throughout the process.
Once he completed the program, our expert Pittsburgh DUI attorneys immediately filed an expungement petition. We made sure everything was submitted correctly and on time. After the court granted the expungement, Alex’s record was wiped clean, and he was allowed to start afresh.
Alex’s story is a testament that showcases the value of working with a dedicated Pittsburgh DUI attorney. Not just that, but it also reflects how we at Logue Law Group help protect our clients’ future! So, when you are in dire need, just give us a call at 844.PITT.DUI to book a free consultation.