It’s widely understood that to be charged with driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol, a driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC) must reach 0.08%. While all U.S. states observe this limit, Pennsylvania takes things further by making three tiers of DUI charges to...
The consequences of an underage DUI in Pennsylvania
On Behalf of Bellwoar Kelly, LLP | Jan 17, 2023 | DUI
Kids – especially teenagers and young adults – do a lot of foolish things, right? Most of them are just impulsive acts of mischief that don’t lead to any real consequences. This isn’t the case, however, when you’re talking about Driving Under the Influence (DUI) while...
What factors have to be present for a DUI conviction in Pennsylvania?
On Behalf of Bellwoar Kelly, LLP | Jun 15, 2022 | Drunk Driving, DUI
A conviction for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can upend your life in lasting ways. A momentary lapse of judgment can result in limitations on your prospects for work, education, and more – in addition to the fines and possible jail time that come...
Do drivers in Pennsylvania face implied content laws?
On Behalf of Bellwoar Kelly, LLP | Apr 4, 2022 | DUI
Many drivers worry about the severe penalties associated with a criminal conviction for DUI in Pennsylvania. From jail time and fines to the installation of an ignition interlock device and the loss of driving privileges, criminal consequences can lead to a lifetime...
Will I lose my commercial license if I get a DUI?
On Behalf of Bellwoar Kelly, LLP | Mar 22, 2022 | DUI
Your livelihood as a commercial truck driver is in jeopardy after DUI arrest because you know that under Pennsylvania law that a conviction will lead you to losing your license. The state refers to the loss of a commercial driver’s license as a “disqualification.”...
Pennsylvania court excludes BAC evidence in fatal DUI case
On Behalf of Bellwoar Kelly, LLP | Feb 12, 2021 | Criminal Defense, DUI
A Pennsylvania appeals court has ruled that prosecutors cannot introduce the results of a breath test in the case against a 49-year-old truck driver accused of striking and killing a firefighter while under the influence of alcohol. The appeals judges upheld a county...
Zero tolerance DUI laws for young drivers
On Behalf of Bellwoar Kelly, LLP | Feb 1, 2021 | Drunk Driving, DUI
Most drivers in Pennsylvania and around the country are only charged with DUI when toxicology tests reveal that they have blood alcohol concentrations of .08 or higher, but motorists under the age of 21 face drink driving charges for getting behind the wheel with even...
Drug-impaired drivers are a risk, but testing is problematic
On Behalf of Bellwoar Kelly, LLP | Dec 23, 2020 | Drunk Driving, DUI
Today, everyone knows the risks of driving while drunk. Organizations like Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) have been educating the public about DUI for over 30 years. But few Americans know that the level of drug-impaired drivers on the roads is higher than drunk...
Superior Court panel orders new trial in DUI case
On Behalf of Bellwoar Kelly, LLP | Aug 18, 2020 | DUI, Search Warrant
A panel of Pennsylvania Superior Court judges has ruled that a man serving a prison sentence for offenses including vehicular homicide, aggravated assault and DUI should have a new trial. The judges determined that the York County judge who presided over the case made...
The penalties for violating Pennsylvania’s implied consent law
On Behalf of Bellwoar Kelly, LLP | Jul 23, 2020 | DUI
Police officers in Pennsylvania and around the country usually ask motorists to provide a breath sample for toxicology testing when they suspect that they are driving under the influence of alcohol. Drivers are required to submit to such tests under the provisions of...
DUI law may change for medical marijuana users
On Behalf of Bellwoar Kelly, LLP | Jul 22, 2020 | DUI
Medical marijuana is legal in Pennsylvania, but it is not legal to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of marijuana. Unlike with alcohol, there is no reliable breath test that can show whether a driver is presently under the influence of marijuana, which...
What illegal drugs are people caught driving on?
On Behalf of Bellwoar Kelly, LLP | Jul 13, 2020 | DUI
Driving while under the influence of drugs is surprisingly common, even though it is illegal in every state. Surprisingly, some drivers say they don’t know that driving on certain drugs is dangerous, but it can be. Just as important, you can be charged with DUI for...
Repeat DUI convictions have severe consequences
On Behalf of Bellwoar Kelly, LLP | Jun 10, 2020 | DUI
When you are driving home after a night out, being stopped by the police can mean serious criminal charges. If you have a previous drunk driving conviction on your record, the consequences of this stop could put your finances and freedom at risk. Pennsylvania law...
Penalties for a second DUI in Pennsylvania
On Behalf of Bellwoar Kelly, LLP | Apr 30, 2020 | DUI
Driving under the influence is a serious offense because it endangers both the driver and everyone else on the road. A first offense carries steep penalties in the state of Pennsylvania, but second DUIs include even higher consequences. DUI laws are nuanced in...
Pennsylvania drunk driving laws
On Behalf of Bellwoar Kelly, LLP | Apr 3, 2020 | DUI, Uncategorized
Since 2003, the legal blood alcohol limit in the state of Pennsylvania has been .08%. However, the penalties that you could face if charged with drunk driving depend on your level of impairment and other factors in the case. State law recognizes three levels of...