Let Our Williamsport DUI Lawyers Protect Your Rights
Pennsylvania’s drunk driving laws dole out harsh punishments to drivers who are convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol. If you are facing drunk driving charges, it’s important to understand what options you have available.
At The Law Offices of Campana, Hoffa & Morrone, P.C., we represent people in Williamsport and throughout Lycoming County. If you or a loved one was charged with DUI, do not try to handle it yourself or talk your way out of the charges. You need an experienced, tough defense attorney to fight for your driver’s license and your record. Serving this area for more than 70 years, our firm provides knowledgeable, aggressive criminal defense representation in DUI cases.
As attorneys, we have 80 combined years of legal experience and work together to provide clients with our collective knowledge about DUI and Lycoming County law enforcement, as well as the local courts. This allows us to understand what the police are supposed to do in DUI cases and to anticipate what the prosecutor may do and what they are open to in terms of favorable pleas. We are committed to each client and are always accessible. In fact, we return calls within 24 hours because we know that criminal cases can’t wait. Getting started early can lead to reduced or dismissed charges in some cases.
A Conviction Can Lead To Harsh Consequences
In Pennsylvania, there are three DUI levels that correspond to a driver’s blood alcohol level. The penalties associated with each level vary considerably and are also impacted by whether a driver is a first-time or subsequent offender.
The following are among the penalties that an individual who is convicted of a DUI may face:
- A misdemeanor conviction and formal criminal record
- Payment of fines in amounts up to $10,000
- Suspension or revocation of a driver’s license
- Mandatory use of an ignition interlock device
- Attendance in mandatory alcohol education classes
As is true with any criminal matter, in DUI cases, details are important. What was your blood alcohol content level? Is this your first DUI? Were you taking any prescription or over-the-counter medications at the time of your arrest? Did a police officer have a good reason to stop and pull you over? Our attorneys are skilled defenders and litigators who ask probing questions and conduct thorough investigations to formulate defense strategies that protect clients’ interests.
Keep Your Commercial Driver’s License
If you drive a bus, delivery truck or commercial truck for a living and are facing DUI charges, it’s crucial to obtain legal help. If you are convicted of a DUI, you will lose your commercial driver’s license and your job.
We represent commercial driver’s license holders who have been arrested and are facing drunk driving charges. We understand the significant personal and financial losses and hardships that you and your family will likely experience if you lose your commercial driver’s license. We vigorously defend your rights and do everything in our power to help you maintain your driving privileges.
FAQ About DUI Cases
Can I refuse a breathalyzer test in Pennsylvania, and what are the consequences?
You can refuse the breath test, but there will be consequences. By driving on Pennsylvania roads, you are giving your implied consent to a breath test. If you decide not to take it, you will face a mandatory license suspension of one year if it is your first offense and 18 months for a repeat offense. To get your license back, you will have to pay $500 for a first offense and up to $2,000 for subsequent offenses.
Is it possible to have a DUI charge reduced or dismissed?
Yes. When you work with an experienced DUI defense lawyer, they will know the ways to reduce or dismiss charges. We will examine the evidence, whether there was probable cause to pull you over and whether the police followed the proper procedures. If we find problems with any of these issues, we can argue for the evidence to be suppressed, which may lead to the case being dismissed.
What are some common defense strategies following a DUI arrest?
There are many aspects of the case that we may be able to use in your defense. To do this, we may:
- Challenge the validity of the traffic stop
- Determine the accuracy of breathalyzer tests, calibration of the machine and experience of the person using it
- Challenge the field sobriety tests
- Find errors in police procedure
- Question the arresting officer at the administrative license hearing
We understand the importance of tailoring defense strategies to the specifics of each case. No two DUIs are exactly the same, so we don’t handle each case the same way.
Contact An Experienced Attorney Today
To speak with a lawyer about your DUI case, call our Williamsport law firm at 570-279-4163. You can also get in touch with us by submitting an online contact form.