Summertime is often the season where more police departments set up DUI checkpoints, especially on weekends and holidays when people are more likely to be enjoying an evening out. However, if you see a DUI checkpoint up head, are you allowed to avoid it? And how are mandatory checkpoints legal in the first place?
What are your rights at a DUI checkpoint?
What are your rights at a DUI checkpoint?
Summertime is often the season where more police departments set up DUI checkpoints, especially on weekends and holidays when people are more likely to be enjoying an evening out. However, if you see a DUI checkpoint up ahead, are you allowed to avoid it? And how are mandatory checkpoints legal in the first place?
Ignition interlock may save your Pennsylvania driving rights
Being charged with driving under the influence in Pennsylvania can have very serious consequences.
Depending on the circumstances, DUIs may lock you out of certain jobs, increase your auto insurance rates, drain your pockets with large fines, and even land you in prison.
Do you know the penalties for DUI in Pennsylvania?
Did you enjoy time with family and friends during the holiday season? Did you partake in alcohol during these festive occasions? Did you take a chance and drive afterwards even though you felt you may be close to the legal limit? If so, consider yourself very lucky if you were not pulled over. Being charged with a DUI in Pennsylvania, even for first time offenders, is a very serious crime and often happens to people who think they are okay to drive.
The consequences of a DUI are in place to deter people from becoming repeat offenders. However, it may be useful to see the penalties for a first-time offender to keep you from ever being convicted at all.
Obtaining an Occupational Limited License after a DUI conviction
Punishments for a DUI conviction in Pennsylvania may include a suspension of your license. Not only does a suspended license affect your ability to drive to pick up your children and get groceries, it also hinders your ability to get to work. Without driving privileges, how will you sustain yourself and your family?
Depending on the circumstances of your charge, you may have the opportunity to apply for an Occupational Limited License (OLL). These license privileges allow drivers with suspended licenses to drive to and from specific destinations at identified times of the day. When dealing with any DUI conviction repercussions, you may wish to speak with an experienced attorney. Criminal defense attorneys provide the best knowledge and can help develop a sound case for your need for an OLL in Pennsylvania.
What to know after a DUI arrest
A drunk driving charge is a potentially life-threatening matter that can result in significant fines, a suspension of your driver’s license and even jail time. The most important question you should be asking yourself after an arrest is "what happens next?" This may be your first DUI arrest and you don’t know what you should do in the days following.
Like any charge, a DUI charge can be an unsettling series of events, especially if your ability to understand the true nature of what was happening was impaired at the time of arrest.
Am I eligible for an ARD program?
A first-time DUI arrest may be a surprise, especially if you never drink and drive. However, mistakes happen, and you need to act quickly to avoid severe consequences. Fortunately, the state of Pennsylvania recognizes that first-time offenders can easily correct their behavior.
The state offers the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program to settle cases with limited or no driver’s license suspension. However, the program involves strict eligibility requirements and a lengthy application process.
