After a DUI arrest in Pennsylvania, you need to be very careful to protect yourself. There are both steps you need to take and mistakes you need to avoid—and if you say or do the wrong thing, you could face unnecessary consequences.
Protecting yourself starts with understanding what to do (and what not to do) following your arrest. Here are some tips from Philadelphia DUI lawyer Brian Fishman:
DO: Prepare for Your Preliminary Hearing After A DUI Arrest in Pennsylvania
The first formal step in your DUI case is your preliminary hearing. The summons you received after your arrest should identify the date and time you must appear in court. This is a critical step, and in some cases, it is possible to get DUI charges dismissed during this step.
At the same time, making mistakes during your preliminary hearing can help set the stage for a conviction. As a result, you need to make sure you are prepared. This involves understanding what to expect, what to say, what not to say, and how to present yourself in the courtroom.
DO NOT: Miss Your Court Date
While you do not get a say when your preliminary hearing is scheduled, this is not an excuse for failing to appear. If you miss your court date, this can have legal consequences regardless of whether you are guilty of DUI. As a result, you do not want to miss your court date.
DO: Learn About the DUI Case Process in Pennsylvania
While the preliminary hearing is a crucial step in the DUI case process, it is just one step of many. To ensure that you are prepared to protect yourself every step of the way, you should learn about what you can expect as your case moves forward. While you might be able to find some information online, it is best to consult with a local DUI lawyer who can explain what to expect in the specific court where your DUI case is pending.
DO NOT: Ignore Critical Steps in Your Case
Just as you cannot afford to miss your preliminary hearing, you cannot ignore other critical steps in your case. A DUI conviction can indeed have life-altering consequences in Pennsylvania, so you need to devote yourself to doing everything you possibly can to avoid a conviction. Once you know what to expect during your case, you can focus your time and effort on building an effective defense strategy.
DO: Learn About Potential Defenses to DUI Charges
One of the keys to building an effective defense strategy in a Pennsylvania DUI case is to consider all the potential defenses available. There are several ways to fight Pennsylvania DUI charges, and evaluating all potential defenses will ensure you do not overlook any opportunities to protect yourself. Also, remember that not everything that seems like a defense is a defense—and you need to be careful to avoid asserting “defenses” that won’t protect you.
DO NOT: Make Assumptions About Your Defense
No matter what happened before or during your arrest, it would be best if you did not make any assumptions about your defense. You should not assume you will be able to get out of your DUI; at the same time, you should not assume there is nothing you can do. Remember, your future is on the line, so you need to ensure that you are making informed decisions.
DO: Learn About the Options You Have Available
While fighting your DUI charge in court is one option, it isn’t necessarily the only option you have available. For example, if you are a first-time offender, you may qualify to have your case “diverted” from trial. When you are eligible for diversion and meet all of the requirements, you can get your DUI charge dismissed regardless of whether you were drunk behind the wheel.
Another option is to negotiate a plea bargain. While this doesn’t allow you to avoid a conviction entirely, it does allow you to avoid the maximum penalties for a DUI. It also provides a specific outcome without going to trial. If you don’t have a strong defense and don’t qualify for diversion, negotiating a plea bargain could be your best option.
DO NOT: Make Assumptions About Which Option is Best
That said, it is essential not to make assumptions about which option is best in your case. Here, too, you need to focus on making informed decisions based on the specific facts surrounding your DUI arrest. Choosing the wrong option could also leave you facing consequences you could—and should—have avoided.
DO: Get Help from a Philadelphia DUI Lawyer
From helping you understand what to expect to identifying viable defenses and helping you choose the best way to handle your case to represent you in court, an experienced Philadelphia DUI lawyer can help you in numerous ways. It would be best to have a professional lawyer with all you have at stake in your DUI case.
DO NOT: Try to Handle Your DUI Case On Your Own
This also means that you should not try to handle your DUI case alone. With all that you have at stake, now is not the time to try your hand at representing yourself in court. Hiring an experienced DUI lawyer is well worth it, and this is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your future.
Contact Us for a Free Consultation with Philadelphia DUI Lawyer Brian Fishman
If you are facing a DUI charge in Pennsylvania, we strongly encourage you to contact us for more information. Philadelphia DUI lawyer Brian Fishman can explain everything you need to know and help you make informed decisions about your next steps. To arrange a free consultation as soon as possible, call 267-758-2228 or tell us how we can reach you online now.
