As Bucks County attorneys who have witnessed the consequences of being tangled up in the Pennsylvania legal system, we can say with absolute sincerity that we hope you never find yourself being arrested. Without a doubt, it’s one of the scariest and most stressful things you can experience.
The best thing you can do is to avoid getting a DUI altogether. It is never advisable to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If you’ve already been arrested for a DUI, then it is essential that you understand how this can affect your life, and how an attorney can assist you through the process.
The Long-Term Impact of a DUI in Bucks County
Being arrested for a DUI in Bucks County, however, or a DUID (Driving Under the Influence of Drugs) is perhaps even scarier still. After all, having a DUI on your permanent record can negatively impact your life in any number of ways. It can make the process of finding a job, applying to college, renting an apartment, or even getting a loan much more difficult than it otherwise might be.
What’s more, Pennsylvania tends to be especially harsh when convicting people of DUID, which is sometimes referred to as Driving Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance. In fact, a first-time conviction can include penalties ranging from a year-long driver’s license suspension to six months in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.
Why You Need an Attorney with DUI Experience
The good news is that DUI in Bucks County cases can be defended, and they can be won. An attorney who is very familiar with the county-specific laws that apply to DUI in Bucks County cases, for instance, may be able to prove that your constitutional rights were in some way violated during the police search.
Also, in order to prove the validity of a DUID case, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is required to prove not only that you were impaired while driving, but that your impairment was the result of your having consumed the drug, or drugs, that were found on your person or in your vehicle.
How Will the Commonwealth Attempt to Convict You?
If this is your first time being arrested for a DUI in Bucks County, you may be wondering how, exactly, the Commonwealth will go about the process of attempting to prove your impairment. Here in Pennsylvania, expert pharmacological testimony may be introduced. Alternately, a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) may provide an evaluation of your alleged impairment. This evaluation is based on a very specific 12-step process that was designed by the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It also happens to be a method that many pharmacologists find to be excessively flawed.
That’s one reason why, with the right attorney—a lawyer who knows DUID laws inside and out, and who is intimately familiar with DRE protocol—there’s a genuine possibility that your charges could be lessened or even dismissed altogether.
Choosing an Aggressive DUI Lawyer in Bucks County
At Penglase & Benson, Inc., our attorneys understand the stress and anxiety you may be facing after a DUI arrest. You likely have many questions regarding your situation. By retaining one of our experienced DUI lawyers in Bucks County, you are arming yourself with the knowledge you need to move forward.
Remember: Police officers must follow a specific set of procedures when arresting and charging you with a DUI in Bucks County. Our attorneys are dedicated to investigating the circumstances surrounding your arrest to protect your rights and obtain the best results possible.
Contact Penglase & Benson for a Free Consultation
To speak with our attorneys about a DUI in Bucks County, call our firm at 215-348-4416. We are conveniently located next to the Bucks County Courthouse. You can find parking in a nearby garage or on the street. We are easily accessible by train, bus and via Route 611 and Route 313. You can also reach us by completing an online contact form.
