The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 1990 that sobriety checkpoints are constitutional and are not illegal searches and seizures in violation of the 4th Amendment.   The reasoning was that the public’s interest outweighs the minor and temporary intrusion.  However, the Supreme Court declared that the primary purpose of the sobriety checkpoint cannot be to detect evidence of crimes or to arrest drunk drivers, but only intended to safeguard the public by preventing drunk driving. Because of this, sobriety checkpoints are classified as serving a regulatory purpose rather than a criminal purpose.

Changes were made to the law on ignition interlocks in 2017.  One of the big changes is that now most convicted, first-time DUI offenders are required to install an ignition interlock system in their vehicles. Another big change is that now many DUI offenders can regain their driving privileges without serving their full license suspension through the issuance of an ignition interlock limited license.

Being charged with a DUI/DWI in Pennsylvania can be devastating.  Many people don’t envision themselves as criminals, and then, one day, they use bad judgement and wind up in criminal court with a DUI.  If you are, you’ll be prosecuted under the Vehicle Code (Title 35) in Pa, in whichever county the incident occurred in.  

If you are charged with a DUI and you think it’s a “done deal,” think again.  There is almost always room for negotiation any many options available if you choose the right DUI attorney on your side very early in the case.

Over the course of many years in the criminal courts, I’ve occasionally come across people who’ve gotten in trouble with the police and courts and have a military service background. 

Read the full podcast to know more.

9 Things You Need To Know About DUI in PA

A DUI or driving under the influence of alcohol can come with some serious outcomes. You can lose your license and can be slapped with those expensive fines. Even worse, you can be put behind the bars.

In this article, we walk through the key things to know about DUI in Pennsylvania.

1. Understand the Basics of the DUI Process

2. Jail Sentences

3. An Attorney is Important

4. Court Appearance

5. The Suspension of License

6. The Provision of a Limited License

7. Penalties

8. The setting of Case Before Trial

9. Increased Insurance Rates

7 Reasons To Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney in Allentown, PA

Why should you hire a local criminal defense attorney?

1. They are familiar with the Ins and Outs of the Judicial System

2. They Know the Prosecuting Attorneys Well

3. They are Experienced in Handling Cases Similar to Yours Before

4. They Protect Your Constitutional Right

5. They Provide You Emotional Support

6. They Protect Your Future

7. They Help You Save Money

The Conclusion:

If you have a criminal case in Lehigh County, you should only be hiring a criminal defense attorney located in Lehigh County.  If you retain someone from elsewhere, you will be hurting yourself beyond what you even recognize or understand.  If you have a criminal case in Northampton County, you should only be hiring a criminal defense attorney in Northampton County.

Driving under the influence (DUI) is a criminal charge in Pennsylvania.  It can—sometimes, but not always—lead to incarceration.  If you’ve ever seen the billboards that say “DUI—you can’t afford it” –this is true.  DUI cases are expensive—not only in lawyer fees but in all the other fees from the court, probation and fines.  And if you had an accident, there are costs associated with restitution, higher insurance, and many other costs.