First-Time DUI in Pennsylvania: What to Expect and Do

Driving under the influence is a serious offense. You not only endanger yourself but also stand to harm others. However, more often than not, people can be wrongfully accused of DUI, especially around festive seasons. 

In this blog, we will discuss how the arrest process works, what you should do, and how a Pittsburgh DUI attorney can help you. 

The Process

If a police officer suspects you of driving intoxicated, they have to adhere to the standard procedure for DUI stops:

• Police require reasonable doubt to stop your vehicle. General indicators include extremely slow driving, swerving, or speeding. Without a plausible reason, your Pittsburgh DUI attorney might challenge the stop’s legality.
• Officers look for visible impairment signs when stopped, which include alcohol smell, bloodshot eyes, or slurred speech. You might be asked to do field sobriety tests, such as following an item with your eyes or walking in a straight line. Your attorney, trained in such tests, can determine procedural errors that might undermine the prosecution’s defense. 
• Police often need a chemical test (urine or blood) to confirm blood alcohol content. If you refuse this test, it results in automatic suspension of your license. However, this test must occur within 2 hours. Mistakes in the process can impact the results’ admissibility. 

The Dos & Don’ts of a DUI

In case you’re ever charged with a DUI, here are some dos and don’ts:

• Remain silent to protect yourself; speaking can lead to unintended self-incrimination.
• Remain silent about alcohol consumption.
• Contact an attorney– don’t let the police question you without one.
• Accept chemical testing.

First-Time DUI Defense

A knowledgeable Pittsburgh DUI attorney can build a robust defense for first-time DUI offenders by exploring the following options:

• Challenging the traffic stop: Police must have a reasonable doubt to stop you. If they don’t, your attorney will file a motion to suppress the collected evidence.
• Questioning the validity of the DUI test: Field sobriety tests can’t be relied on due to several factors, such as poor road conditions or medical conditions. 
• Examining the accuracy of the chemical test: Breathalyzers and related testing methods can make errors. Timing, incorrect handling, and calibration can cause false outcomes. 
• Highlighting inconsistencies: Police reports usually entail information that can be challenged, especially if they dispute other evidence. 

First-Time DUI Options

Depending on your case’s circumstances, the following defenses might be applied by your Pittsburgh DUI attorney:

• You were fatigued or had allergies, which could explain your behavior or bloodshot eyes.
• If the officer had no reasonable doubt to stop you, then it’s illegal.
• Checkpoints have to be marked, and the police must strictly follow the stopping and testing guidelines. So, if the DUI checkpoints don’t meet the standards, you have a defense. 
• Officers must be trained to properly test individuals suspected of DUI. If they make a mistake, it would discredit the result. 
• Chemical testing is not always accurate. Inaccurate BAC results provide your attorney with a good defense. 
• If the police report has inconsistencies, the attorney can challenge each aspect of it to highlight contradictions or errors. 

At Logue Law Group, our Pittsburgh DUI attorneys can guide you through defending a DUI charge and improve your chances of a better ruling. Call us at 844.PITT.DUI or send us an email at sean@seanloguelaw.com.