DUI Attorney in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
If you are arrested for drunk driving, you need a DUI attorney that understands Pennsylvania state laws. Each state has different guidelines when it comes to the difference between drunk driving and reckless driving along with the consequences of a conviction. Kim A. Bodnar is a true expert and can help you to navigate through the court system while making an argument for why the charges should be dropped or reduced. To learn more or to get immediate help, call.
What Should I Do if I Get Pulled Over for Drunk Driving?
First, try and stay calm. If you get worked up and nervous you will naturally appear guilty. The officer will ask for your driver’s license and insurance card so pull that out and be prepared to hand it to them. If the officer sees any open alcohol containers or smells alcohol on your breath, they will likely ask you to step out of the vehicle. At this time, you may be asked to walk in a straight line or take a breathalyzer test. You have the right to decide whether or not to comply. If you elect to not take a breathalyzer test, you will likely be taken to jail, or they may request a warrant to force you to comply. If you are taken to jail, call my office so that you can benefit from Kim A. Bodnar’s experience as a DUI attorney. You can reach Kim A. Bodnar, Attorney at Law by calling.
Should I Fight the Charges?
If you are charged with a DUI, I recommend that you hire a lawyer and fight the charges. If you have a clean record, the first DUI may not seem like a big deal but it actually is. If you are convicted, it will go on your record as a criminal conviction. This is not a simple speeding ticket but can impact your ability to get a job, rent an apartment, maintain custody of your kids and keep your auto insurance rates at an affordable level. By not fighting the charges, you are exposing yourself to a fine and potential jail time in addition to those other consequences. As an experienced DUI attorney, Kim A. Bodnar can make a case for why you shouldn’t be convicted of this crime.
What Are the Consequences of A DUI Conviction?
If you are pulled over in the 15219 area, your DUI charge will be governed by PA state law. A DUI conviction is a criminal conviction so if you are found guilty, you will likely spend some time in jail. The amount of jail time is up to the judge. In order to avoid this, you need to work with an experienced DUI attorney that can negotiate for the charges to be dropped or reduced to reckless driving. If you are found guilty, Kim A. Bodnar can make an argument for why you shouldn’t spend time in jail but need rehabilitation services instead. There are other alternatives to jail that include serving your time under house arrest. The judge has to approve these alternatives and working with an experienced DUI lawyer will improve your chances of them agreeing to it.
If you are convicted, you will likely pay a fine as well. The judge will determine what that exact amount will be and if you have had prior convictions, the amount will be higher. I understand that many of my clients cannot afford to pay a hefty fine and will work to negotiate the amount down as much as possible.
Other potential consequences include losing your driver’s license or being required to have an interlocking system installed on your vehicle. If this becomes a requirement, you will have to pay the fees associated with it and be required to blow into the device in order to turn the car on. It will measure your blood alcohol content to ensure you are safe to drive. This can be both inconvenient and embarrassing. In court, Kim A. Bodnar will make a case for why you are unlikely to re-offend and why these drastic measures are unnecessary.
Derail Your Life
Building a Case
Just because you were pulled over for drunk driving in the Pittsburgh area, doesn’t mean that you are guilty of drunk driving. Many people are pulled over and even taken to jail when they shouldn’t be. It is perfectly legal for an adult to have a drink, but it becomes illegal when your BAC level gets above 0.08. If you smell like alcohol and are taken to jail as a result, you may still have a BAC that is well within the legal limit. Additionally, if you take a breathalyzer test, the reading may not be accurate. As an experienced DUI attorney, Kim A. Bodnar will investigate your case in order to gather evidence that can prove your innocence. This may involve checking to see when the breathalyzer was last inspected or interviewing witnesses that can prove you had a drink before, and there was no way you could have been intoxicated.
When you meet with Kim A. Bodnar make sure to recount every detail leading up to you driving, along with what happened on the road and during your arrest. This will provide the information necessary to investigate the circumstances and to build your case. In the 15219 area, people are regularly pulled over for driving while intoxicated but the more details you can provide, the more information Kim A. Bodnar will have to prove your innocence.
Where Do I Hire a DUI Attorney if I Live out Of State?
If you live outside of Pennsylvania and were pulled over for drunk driving, you need to hire a DUI attorney that is located near where you were pulled over. First, the attorney has to be licensed to practice in the state, and secondly, this will save you money. Local attorneys typically cost less because you don’t have to pay for their travel time.
If you have been pulled over or arrested for drunk driving, call Kim A. Bodnar, Attorney at Law, and schedule a consultation. Kim A. Bodnar is a local expert and can help to get the charges against you dropped or reduced so that you can avoid paying a hefty fine or spending time in jail.