DUID Lawyers Erie, PA

Aggressive Pennsylvania DUI Attorney Defends You Against DUID Drugs Charges in Erie County & Crawford County, PA

Pennsylvania police, prosecutors, and judges do not shy away from coming down hard on motorists who make the mistake of driving while intoxicated. This goes doubly so for motorists who use drugs or illegal narcotics and then operate a motor vehicle: a DUID conviction will result in enhanced penalties for DUI offenses. Additionally, keep in mind that DUIs are considered criminal offenses in Pennsylvania. This means that your DUI drugs charge could result in you having a permanent criminal record. The best way to minimize the consequences of a PA DUID charge is to have a skilled attorney on your side throughout the legal process. Depending on the circumstances of your case, it may even be possible to get the DUID charges dismissed prior to trial.

If you have been charged with a DUI or a DUID drugs offense, you deserve to be represented by an attorney who is willing to fight for you. The experienced legal team of Purchase, George & Murphey, P.C. has successfully represented clients facing DUI charges throughout PA, including Erie, Millcreek, and Meadville, Pennsylvania. We will go over the facts of your case and help you determine the best possible defense strategy. Contact us anytime to arrange a free consultation.

Testing PA Drivers for Drugs: Blood Tests and Drug Recognition Experts

PA law enforcement will typically use blood testing to prove that a motorist has drugs in their bloodstream. These blood tests can show the presence of marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and prescription medications. An experienced Erie DUI attorney may be able to challenge the results of a blood test, but this won’t be possible if the driver refused to take a blood test when requested by police. In fact, failing to take a blood test can lead to DUID charges and DUI charges.

The findings of the blood test in your Pennsylvania DUID case may be supported by a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE). A DRE is a police officer with special training that allows them to spot signs of drug use. After a motorist is placed under arrest and taken to police headquarters, the DRE will typically observe the motorist and look for signs of drug use. The DRE will later testify in court if the case goes to trial.

DUID Penalties in Pennsylvania

If you are convicted of operating a motor vehicle with either legal or illegal drugs in your system, you face severe penalties. Even too much over-the-counter cough syrup could lead to you being arrested, charged, and convicted. The penalties for a DUID in PA vary, depending on whether the offender has prior DUID or DUI offenses. A first-time offender faces up to six (6) months in jail, suspension of their driver’s license for 18 months, a $5,000 fine, a requirement to attend Alcohol Highway Safety School, and 150 hours of community service. For a second DUID offense within a 10-year period, the same offender would be subject to five (5) years in prison, a $10,000 fine, and a requirement to install an ignition interlock device on their motor vehicle. The penalties remain just as severe for a third DUID offense, as well as for subsequent offenses.

Free Consultation with Experienced Erie DUID Attorneys Who Can Challenge Blood Test Evidence

Charged with a DUI or a DUID in Erie County or Crawford County, PA? Then you need to speak with a qualified criminal and DUI defense attorney as soon as possible and start building a strong defense against the charges. The drunk driving lawyers at Purchase, George & Murphey, P.C. will take a close look at the evidence in your case and aggressively represent you at the negotiating table with prosecutors and in the courtroom, if it comes to that. Fill out our online form to schedule a free initial consultation at any of our conveniently located offices in Erie, Meadville, or North East, Pennsylvania.