Dodging Speed Tickets and DUS Charges in Pennsylvania as an Out-of-State Driver
It’s a fine July afternoon, and you are out on a road trip. You’re sweeping through the beautiful state of Pennsylvania, and perhaps pressed the accelerator a little too hard. Suddenly, you see flashing lights appear in your rearview mirror!
Yes, that is exactly how you get a speeding ticket in this state!
Now, you start to panic because you also have a DUS charge hanging by your name! On top of that, you’re an out-of-state driver. Hence, this situation can escalate in no time.
And it’s not just about the fine amount. Rather, it’s about the points that accumulate on your record, the insurance hikes, and issues with your driver’s license.
However, hope is a great thing! And if you wish to steer clear of such charges, it requires a strategic approach and the guidance of a skilled Pittsburgh criminal lawyer.
Let’s take a closer look.
The Interstate Driver’s License Compact
Pennsylvania is part of the Interstate Driver’s License Compact. This agreement states that traffic violations committed in one of the member states (like Pennsylvania) are directly reported to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) of your home state.
This can lead to point accumulation on your home state license. It might even result in your license suspension. This is why you need to address these charges with an expert Pittsburgh criminal lawyer by your side.
Understanding the Charges
As an out-of-state driver, the first thing you need to do is understand the charges for which you’ve been convicted. This will help you plan your next move.
Speed tickets
This is a pretty normal charge. You went faster than the required limit. But there are certain aspects to this. Was the radar calibration on point? Were the road signs stating speed limits clearly visible? These details matter the most, especially for out-of-state drivers.
Driving Under Suspension (DUS)
This charge implies that your driving privileges were suspended, and you were still caught, that’s right, driving! The penalties for DUS in Pennsylvania can escalate quickly. So, for out-of-state drivers, this can result in complications with their license in their respective state. That’s the reason you need the assistance of a Pittsburgh criminal lawyer to come up with the perfect defense strategy and reduce or dismiss the charges effectively.
The Best Option: Hiring a Local Legal Expert
A Pittsburgh criminal lawyer can be your strongest representative voice in such a situation. Here’s how they can help you out-
They can appear in court for you
A skilled attorney can represent you in court on your behalf. This helps save you the time and hassle of traveling back to Pennsylvania.
They can negotiate with prosecutors
An experienced Pittsburgh criminal lawyer can negotiate terms with the prosecution. This can help reduce the charges or even dismiss the case. This translates to fewer points and reduced fines!
They can challenge the evidence
For speed ticket charges, these professionals can scrutinize the radar gun’s calibration, reevaluate the officer’s training, etc. For DUS charges, they can even investigate the basis of the suspension itself.Sean Logue from Logue Law Group can be the best legal ally in the Pittsburgh region! He and his expert legal team are well-adept at handling such cases and can help you dodge the charges seamlessly with their outstanding defense strategies. Drop a mail at sean@seanloguelaw.com to get in touch today!