DUI Defense Attorneys Serving
York & Cumberland County, Pennsylvania

Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or other controlled substances can lead to fatal consequences, which is why Pennsylvania takes these cases very seriously. From large fines to license suspension or imprisonment, penalties for a DUI conviction can be life-changing.

If you have been charged or arrested for DUI, remember: you have the right to protect your future and explore your defense options.  

You may feel overwhelmed and isolated, but know that you don’t have to go through this alone. Our trusted DUI attorneys are ready to listen to your story and build your best defense. We understand that mistakes happen, but we also believe that they should not define us. 

All DUI cases are different, yet they all involve an instance of misjudgment—maybe it was the motorist who should have waited before getting behind the wheel, and/or it was the law enforcement officer who issued the arrest. As experienced criminal defense lawyers, we know the mistakes officers can make when pulling over motorists and initiating sobriety tests.  

Reach out to our law firm in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, today to set up a free consultation so we can discuss your case and your options for moving forward.  

From our office in Camp Hill, we’re proud to serve residents throughout the communities of York and South Central Pennsylvania. For a list of DUI service providers, educators, and counselors throughout York County, click here.

DUI Laws in Pennsylvania 

“DUI” generally refers to someone operating a vehicle while their driving ability is impaired by alcohol consumption.  

Your level of impairment is determined by a blood-alcohol content (BAC) reading. To get this measurement, police officers will conduct a field sobriety test or chemical test at the time of your traffic stop or arrest.  

In Pennsylvania, you only have to be considered ‘generally impaired’ to receive a DUI charge. The following are the impairment level ranges: 

• General impairment = 0.08%-0.10% 

• High rate of alcohol = 0.10%-0.16% 

• The highest rate of alcohol = 0.16%+ 

The higher your BAC, the more severe penalties you may face if convicted.

Pennsylvania’s DUI laws also make it illegal for a person to drive while under the influence of drugs to an extent that impacts their ability to operate a vehicle safely. And, if the driver is a minor, it’s illegal for their BAC to be 0.02% or higher.  

To gain a deeper understanding of Pennsylvania's DUI laws and which ones apply to your case, contact our team today.

The Right to Refuse a Sobriety Test 

In Pennsylvania, submitting to a test is not mandatory. If you’re pulled over, you're completely in your rights to refuse a field sobriety test. But you should know that the police can still file DUI charges against you even if you do refuse the BAC testing. They can rely on other evidence—like erratic driving, slurred speech, and other signs of intoxication—to find that there is sufficient probable cause to arrest and file DUI charges. 

Possible Penalties  

There are varying penalties for DUI offenses. If you’re found guilty of your charges, your penalty will depend on your blood alcohol concentration, DUI/criminal history, and other factors. Possible penalties include: 

• Fines from at least $300 to at most $5,000 

• Imprisonment for up to six years 

• Probation 

• Driver’s license suspension 

• Enrollment in alcohol highway safety school 

• Installation of ignition interlock devices 

A DUI is a misdemeanor in Pennsylvania. However, DUI offenses that cause others serious bodily injury or death are felony offenses. In Pennsylvania, DUIs generally stay on your record and count as prior convictions for ten years.  

In other words, your DUI is considered a first offense if you have no prior DUI convictions within the past ten years. This is important to know, as punishments for first-time offenders are typically far less severe than for second or third-time offenders.  

No matter what, don’t face your charges alone. Our experienced DUI defense attorneys are ready to investigate the details of your case and fight for the fair outcome you deserve.  

If you’re in York, Cumberland County, or anywhere throughout South Central Pennsylvania, call us today to schedule a free consultation.