There are two aspects of being charged with a DUI. The first is the legal cost of this type of criminal charge, which is considered very serious in all states. In Philadelphia, PA, drivers charged with a DUI can be sentenced to jail as well as have very significant fines, particularly if there was any type of injury or property damage that occurred.
The second issue to consider is the social and emotional issues of being charged with a DUI. This could include loss of employment, loss of friendships, the anger of family members and even more significant emotional issues if the drunk driving resulted in injuries or death.
If you, or a loved one, has been charged with a DUI, it is important to seek the legal representation of an experienced DUI lawyer. Be sure to choose a lawyer in the Philadelphia, PA, area who has extensive experience in representing those charged with these types of serious crimes.
Reduced Sentences
In many cases, working with a DUI Lawyer in Philadelphia PA can help to reduce the sentence through a plea bargain. Your lawyer will work with the prosecution to attempt to resolve the situation and prevent your case from going through the court system. This is particularly effective in first charges and can result in fines, probation, and requirements for rehab participation.
For those with more than one charge, a DUI lawyer can also help to reduce the possible sentence. In many cases, and if the prosecution has a weak case, your attorney may be able to get the charges reduced to a lesser charge such as reckless driving, particularly if there were no injuries or property damage.
It is important to at least consult with an attorney experienced in representing clients charged with DUIs. This becomes more important if you have a previous charge, or if damage, injury or death occurred and are part of the case against you.