DUI Law in Scranton, PA

What Is a DUI?

DUI, which refers to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, is a criminal offense that can lead to weighty consequences. Also known as DWI, the process of going to court to face either conviction or exoneration can change the course of your life forever.

Learn more about your DUI law defense options below, and then talk to a local attorney in Scranton, Pennsylvania who will help you in this delicate situation. You don’t have to stare down the consequences alone. You can take wise steps today to protect your interests.

Possible Consequences of a Scranton, Pennsylvania

DUI Conviction

Where you live, the severity of the incident and your criminal record determine the sentencing for a DUI. The punishments can drastically increase if you have had previous DUIs, so be mindful of that. If this is your first DUI, do not go at it alone and risk costly mistakes. Get a Scranton law firm on your side to fight for you and your rights.

Paying Fines

If convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs in Scranton, Pennsylvania, you can count on fines being a part of your sentencing. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Motor Vehicles, PA employs a tiered DUI system. The penalties are dependent on your BAC (Blood Alcohol Content Level) and any prior offenses. Based on this system, your DUI fine in Scranton could be anywhere from $300 to $10,000.

However, other factors can drastically increase the amount you must pay, including:

  • Any damage to property while driving under the influence
  • If someone suffered injuries as a result of your intoxicated driving
  • Cases that include child endangerment
  • Any court costs associated with your case

Jail Time

Jail time is mandatory, even for first-time offenders in Scranton. If this is your first DUI offense, you may only have to face a day or two in prison. But if you have previous convictions for DUIs, you can be sentenced to several months or years, depending on the nature of the crime. Know that some circumstances can add even more time in a cell, including injury to other people while driving under the influence.

Probation

If you do not face jail time, you will likely be on probation, with the sentencing judge determining the duration. You will pay monthly fees, and you cannot commit any more criminal offenses, including traffic violations. If you violate the terms of your probation, count on facing time behind bars.

Probation of up to 6 months is a common sentence for first-time DUIs in Scranton. The terms of your probation can include alcohol evaluation, treatment, and highway safety school. You may also have to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle and perform community service. Violating your probation can result in harsh penalties, up to the maximum allowed sentence for your original offense. The Lackawanna County Probation and Parole Office oversees Scranton area probationers.

Drug and Alcohol Education Program

Following a Scranton DUI sentencing, the law states you must complete a drug and alcohol education program. This will teach you about the dangers of driving under the influence. These programs cost more fees besides the legal costs you already have to pay.

After a DUI conviction, you will be required to attend an alcohol highway safety school. In Scranton, this program is overseen by the Lackawanna County Highway Safety Program. There are three possible tracks, based on the details of your individual case. Track one is 12.5 hours of safe driving school and is only for those not experiencing ongoing problems with alcohol or drugs. However, tracks 2 and 3 are more treatment-based, for those with identifiable abuse issues. There are numerous providers in Scranton whose programs are approved by the courts.

The education programs also include a DUI evaluation. An evaluator asks you questions about how alcohol and drugs affect your life. If they believe that you are dependent, you may have to enter a substance abuse treatment program.

Suspension or Loss of License

No matter where you may face a DUI conviction, you have to undergo a license suspension period, at the very least. If it is your first DUI, you may have a license suspension for a few months while you go through probation and the drug and alcohol education program.

If this is not your first DUI, you may have your license suspended for much longer, or you could have it taken from you permanently.

What Should You Do When Charged With a DUI in Scranton, Pennsylvania?

If you’re facing a felony DUI charge, you must take the following steps to protect yourself:

Step 1: Contact an Attorney Familiar With   DUI Law

Immediately following your DUI arrest, you need to contact an experienced Scranton DUI attorney. Your attorney can help prepare for your arraignment and prepare a defense to vindicate yourself or reduce the sentencing.

Step 2: Learn About Your Local DUI Laws

Scranton, Pennsylvania has unique laws for DUI or DWI charges. Your lawyer will work with you to help you better understand your state’s laws on driving while intoxicated. It is critical to understand what charges you face and the potential outcomes of your case.

Step 3: Request a DMV Hearing

You or your attorney should request a hearing as soon as possible following your arrest. In Scranton, Pennsylvania you only have so much time to ask for a DMV hearing to keep your license until your court appearance. If you do not request a hearing, prepare for a license suspension.

If your driver’s license is suspended after a DUI arrest in Scranton, you can request an administrative hearing with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. You must request the hearing within 10 days of your arrest in order to avoid an automatic suspension. Unfortunately, there are no hearing offices in Scranton, and all suspension hearings take place in Harrisburg.

Step 4: Prepare for Court Appearance

You and your attorney will prepare for your appearance and arraignment in Scranton. If you plead “not guilty,” your DUI defense attorney represents you in court, and a judge and jury oversee the DUI law case.

Step 5: Receive Sentencing or Exoneration

You will either be “not guilty” of the charges brought against you and walk free, or you will receive sentencing for a guilty verdict.

Work With an Experienced Local DUI Lawyer in Scranton, Pennsylvania

Should you ever find yourself charged with a DUI, you need to work with an experienced Scranton lawyer who can stand up for you in court. You cannot clear your name of the charges or reduce the consequences without help. Your life and future depend on having great legal representation during your DUI case. Contact an attorney near you today. We can even help you connect with legal help across Pennsylvania state lines.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!

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