DUI?

A. A DUI is a very serious matter! The fines could be between $300.00 to more than $5,000. There could be lengthy jail time, and your license could be suspended for more than a year. Even if you qualify for a program which can reduce your sentence, you don't know everything there is to know. Each program differs from county to county. Some counties require you to have an attorney. While you might be able to get through a program without an attorney, you might not be able to take advantage of every aspect of the program. A DUI can carry serious penalties. An attorney can guide you through the process and make things a lot easier for you. If there were a way to get your case thrown out, would you know what to look for? Would you know what to do?

Q. What is A.R.D.?

A. A.R.D stands for Accelerated Rehabilative Disposition. This is a program generally for first-time offenders, with NO prior DUI or other arrests! This may vary in your county. If you qualify and successfully complete the program, the DUI charges will be withdrawn and you could get the arrest expunged from your record. The District Attorney in each county has the discretion as to who qualifies.

Q. How much will ARD cost me?

A. It depends. Ask an attorney who knows the program in the county where you were arrested.

Q. What will happen to my license?

A. If you are convicted of a DUI offense, your license could be suspended up to 18 months. If you qualify for the ARD program, you may not have a license suspension. Most people have a 1 or 2 month license suspension

Q. What happens if I drive while my license is suspended?

A. You go to jail! If you get caught driving while your license is suspended from a DUI or related offense, the penalty is 60 to 90 days in jail, $500.00 fine, and another year's suspension.

Q. What's the worst thing that can happen to me for a DUI arrest?

A. The results of a DUI conviction vary. See the worksheet below.

Q. What happens if I refuse to give blood or submit to the breath test?

A. If you refuse the chemical test, Penn DOT will suspend your license for one year. That is in addition to any penalty you receive from a DUI conviction or ARD program. This suspension will probably start long before your DUI suspension. If you want to fight the refusal suspension, you must do it within 30 days after the mail date of the Suspension Notice.

Q. Can I get a license to go to work or pick up my kids from school?

A. Maybe! You might be able to get an Occupational Limited License; this depends on your Blood Alcohol Content and which number offense you are charged with.