Bala Cynwyd DUI Defense Lawyers
Many people believe that because driving under the influence is such a common crime, it must not come with very harsh consequences. Unfortunately for people facing these charges, that misconception could not be less accurate. DUI is a serious offense with serious penalties to match.
If the allegations against you lead to a conviction, you could be facing a long list of consequences. At “best,” you face the major inconvenience of substance abuse counseling, community service, and the installation of a IID breathalyzer in your car. At worst, you could lose your license, be forced to pay thousands of dollars in fines, and even be incarcerated. To complicate matters even more, having a criminal record could cause long-term problems when you attempt to seek out employment or other opportunities in the future.
If you are facing charges of driving while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol, you need to act fast to defend yourself against the charges. To schedule you free, completely confidential legal consultation with a Bala Cynwyd DUI lawyer, call the law offices of Young, Marr, Mallis & Associates at (609) 755-3115 in New Jersey or (215) 701-6519 in Pennsylvania today. The sooner we can start building your case, the better, so call us right away to start discussing your options.
Young, Marr, Mallis & Associates: Bala Cynwyd DUI Attorneys
The state of Pennsylvania takes a tough approach when it comes to prosecuting drunk and drugged driving. There were nearly 50,000 drunk driving arrests throughout the state in 2012 alone, and over 400 fatalities. As a result, drivers who are convicted face harsh penalties. It is critical that you enlist the professional support of a committed, aggressive DUI defense lawyer during this challenging time.
At the law offices of Young, Marr, Mallis & Associates, we are dedicated attorneys with more than 30 years of experience serving the people of Bala Cynwyd and Montgomery County. Our skilled legal team has handled thousands of cases, and we have a track record of success in the courtroom: over 98% of our first-offense intoxicated driving clients receive zero jail time and no criminal record. Our team includes two former prosecutors and a former senior deputy District Attorney, giving us a unique insight into building you the very strongest case possible.
DUI in Bala Cynwyd
If you are driving with a BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) of 0.08% or higher, in the eyes of the law you are driving under the influence. It does not matter if you “feel sober.”
The penalties for a conviction are numerous and harsh. If there are any aggravating factors, such as a high BAC (classified as 0.10% or higher), child endangerment, or a history of offenses, the consequences become more severe.
Potential punishments if you are convicted include:
- Hundreds or thousands of dollars in fines.
- Probation or jail time.
- License suspension or revocation.
- Driving exams.
- Community service.
- Substance abuse counseling.
- Installation of an IID (Ignition Interlock Device) in your car.
In addition to these legal repercussions, you may also find that your insurance rates increase dramatically.
If another person was hurt or killed, you could be facing felony charges.
Pennsylvania’s ARD Program
If you are first-time offender, you could qualify for Pennsylvania’s ARD Program. The ARD (Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition) Program is a unique opportunity which allows certain individuals to have their charges dismissed. For obvious reasons, this is an extremely desirable outcome — but not everyone can qualify for ARD participation.
In order to be considered as a candidate, you must have a clean criminal record. You may be disqualified if you have already entered ARD at any time within the past 10 years. Furthermore, your incident must not involve death or physical injury to other motorists. Acceptance or denial falls to the sole discretion of the District Attorney, meaning it’s extremely important that an experienced attorney helps to prepare and review your application.
DUI charges can impose devastating fines, strip you of your mobility, and even deprive you of your freedom. Don’t wait until it’s already too late: call the law offices of Young, Marr, Mallis & Associates right away at (609) 755-3115 in New Jersey or (215) 701-6519 in Pennsylvania, or contact us online. Your case evaluations will always be confidential, and the first comes free of charge.