Lehigh County First Offense DUI Attorney

There are consistently more than 10,000 fatalities and more than 290,000 injuries that are associated with impaired driving each year across the U.S. This problem continues despite massive advertising campaigns and educational initiatives that explain the dangers of operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol and drugs. Pennsylvania's legislators, agencies of law enforcement, and the judicial system have all taken steps to address the problem recently.

Lehigh County Accident Data

 

2016

2017

Total Crashes

4,971

5,141

Crashes Involving Impaired Driver

405

396

Crashes Involving Speeding

130

103

Crashes Involving Distracted Driving

602

517

Operating Under the Influence of Alcohol

Pennsylvania law prohibits driving, operating, or maintaining control of a vehicle by an individual who is unable to safely control the vehicle due to alcohol consumption. Drivers are required to submit to chemical testing when law enforcement has reasonable grounds to suspect they are intoxicated. Refusing to submit to testing will result in a suspension of driving privileges. The legal limit that defines impairment is a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08%.

Operating Under the Influence of Controlled Substances

Drivers are prohibited from operating a vehicle when a Schedule I controlled substance or its metabolites exist in their blood. This also applies to Schedule II and III controlled substances that have not been prescribed by a doctor, as well as other solvents or noxious agents that create impairment.

Lehigh County Central Court for DUI Offenses

In 2019, the County administration implemented a Central DUI Court that is presided over by a Magisterial District Judge that seeks to better ensure compliance with state law, enhance efficiency, and lower costs.

Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD)

Lehigh County operates an ARD program, which is an alternative or diversionary option available to offenders including many charged with DUI for the first time. Those who are admitted to the program and complete it are eligible to have their offense expunged. Pennsylvania law states that a prior DUI is any conviction that has occurred in the past 10 years.

Ignition Interlock Program

Offenders may be required to install a device that requires a driver to submit a breath sample to start their vehicle. This is part of the County's overall program for DUI offenders that also includes treatment for drugs and alcohol, counseling, education, electronic monitoring, and drug testing.

Levels of Impairment (BAC)

General

High

Highest

.08 to .10%

.10 to .16%

.16% or more

Penalties for First Offense

General

  • Minimum of six months of probation
  • A fine of $300
  • Attendance at approved DUI safety class
  • Undergo assessment and possible treatment for drugs and/or alcohol

High

  • Incarceration for at least 48 hours
  • A fine of between $500 and $5,000
  • Ignition interlock for 12 months
  • Attendance at approved DUI safety class
  • Undergo assessment and possible treatment for drugs and/or alcohol

Highest

  • Incarceration for at least 72 hours
  • A fine of between $1,000 and $5,000
  • Ignition interlock for 12 months
  • Attendance at approved DUI safety class
  • Undergo assessment and possible treatment for drugs and/or alcohol

Pennsylvania DUI Defense Lawyer

Our Criminal Law Team understands the potential short and long-term ramifications of a DUI conviction. We will closely review the facts and evidence to devise a strategy of defense. Those facing such allegations in Lehigh County are encouraged to contact our office for a consultation at (888) 535-3686.

Contact Us Today!

The LLF Law Firm Team has decades of experience successfully resolving clients' criminal charges in Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania counties. If you are having any uncertainties about what the future may hold for you or a loved one, contact the LLF Law Firm today! Our Criminal Defense Team will go above and beyond the needs of any client, and will fight until the final bell rings.

This website was created only for general information purposes. It is not intended to be construed as legal advice for any situation. Only a direct consultation with a licensed Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York attorney can provide you with formal legal counsel based on the unique details surrounding your situation. The pages on this website may contain links and contact information for third party organizations - the Lento Law Firm does not necessarily endorse these organizations nor the materials contained on their website. In Pennsylvania, Attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout Pennsylvania's 67 counties, including, but not limited to Philadelphia, Allegheny, Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Chester, Dauphin, Delaware, Lancaster, Lehigh, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton, Schuylkill, and York County. In New Jersey, attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout New Jersey's 21 counties: Atlantic, Bergen, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Essex, Gloucester, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Salem, Somerset, Sussex, Union, and Warren County, In New York, Attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout New York's 62 counties. Outside of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York, unless attorney Joseph D. Lento is admitted pro hac vice if needed, his assistance may not constitute legal advice or the practice of law. The decision to hire an attorney in Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania counties, New Jersey, New York, or nationwide should not be made solely on the strength of an advertisement. We invite you to contact the Lento Law Firm directly to inquire about our specific qualifications and experience. Communicating with the Lento Law Firm by email, phone, or fax does not create an attorney-client relationship. The Lento Law Firm will serve as your official legal counsel upon a formal agreement from both parties. Any information sent to the Lento Law Firm before an attorney-client relationship is made is done on a non-confidential basis.

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