A new bill sponsored by Senator John C. Rafferty, Jr. (R-44) will increase the penalties for many DUI offenders if passed into law. The state senate has passed this legislation by a margin of (47-4). Summary of the Proposed Bill The bill proposes a number of changes, including: Creating a felony grading for people convicted…
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New Proposed Law introduces Stiffer Penalties for Repeat DUI offenders
A new bill has been proposed in the Pennsylvania State Senate that would drastically increase the penalties for some repeat DUI offenders. The bill was referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee on April 18, 2017. The bill proposes to amend Section 3803 and 3804 of the vehicle code in regards to grading and penalties for…
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DRIVING THROUGH THE DUI PROCESS Part 3 of 6: The Preliminary Hearing
One of the most confusing parts of fighting a DUI is wondering how the “whole thing” will go – especially if you’ve never seen the inside of a courtroom. In this six-part blog series, “Driving Through the DUI Process,” we aim to present a step-by-step explanation of the typical DUI court proceedings in Pennsylvania. Step…
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PA lawmaker calls for DUI registry
DUI laws are highly politically motivated. If they were motivated by lawmakers who cared about our families, you would see similar legislation for driving while texting and for falling asleep at the wheel. Both of those are just as dangerous as DUI but don’t have powerful lobbies backing new laws. I use that as a…
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You Can Get a DUI while driving a Bicycle, Scooter, Dirt Bike, Boat or a Plane
Did you know that DUI arrests are not limited to people driving automobiles? In this post, we will consider the legal definition of the word “vehicle” as it relates to DUIs. From the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code, Section 102, we find the following: “Vehicle.” Every device in, upon or by which any person or property is or…
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Pennsylvania Law Update: New Penalties for Ignoring Traffic Control Signs and Devices
Pennsylvania has introduced a new stiffer penalty for those who ignore “road closed” or other safety warning signs and devices. Under the new law, drivers found guilty of such infractions will have two points added to their license and will be fined up to $250. If the violation results in a need for emergency responders…
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Underage DUI Laws in PA (Part 2)
In our last post, we examined the legal penalties and additional consequences for an underage DUI in PA. Today we look at other related offenses and how to defend and underage DUI charge. Underage Drinking If you are charged with and underage DUI, it is likely you will also be charged with underage drinking. The…
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Underage DUI Laws in PA
With schools and colleges off for the summer, teenagers spend a lot of their free time on the road. As part of our series “Summertime – DUI Time.” We take a closer look at Underage (Under 21) DUI in PA. If you are between the ages of 18 and 21, and convicted of a DUI,…
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DUI Myth Busters: I’ll Get Off Easy
In my time defending DUI cases in Pennsylvania, one of the most common misconceptions I come across is when people believe just because they have a perfect criminal record they will get off easy on a first time DUI. They think that ARD is a viable option to them until it is explained to them….
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New Changes to Pennsylvania DUI Law
A new law has passed the in the Pennsylvania State Senate which has increase d the penalties for a DUI conviction. These new penalties apply to those DUI cases where a passenger is a minor (under the age of 18). These penalties are in addition to any existing penalties (see Pennsylvania DUI laws and penalties…
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