Whether or not you have been formally charged with a DUI, please read on, then contact an experienced Allegheny County DUI lawyer to learn what you should do if you are accused of a DUI in Pennsylvania.
Authorities have accused you of a DUI in Pennsylvania – what now?
If authorities have accused you of driving while intoxicated or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol in the Keystone State, you should take the following steps to protect yourself:
- Realize the seriousness of the accusations: By understanding the seriousness of the crime and its potential penalties, you help prepare yourself for the possibility that the police, prosecutor, judge or jury might not see the case your way. This will help you make decisions and take actions that will increase the likelihood of a favorable outcome.
- Understand the price of a good defense: To build a strong defense, you will need to account for attorney fees, investigation costs and other fees. This can be expensive but it is preferable to substantial fines, revocation of your license and even time behind bars.
- Intervene before charges: Retain the services of a skilled DUI defense lawyer, like George A. Heym, Esq., before being formally charged, so you can be proactive and possibly prevent being charged at all.
- Take no action: Sometimes, it is best to sit back and watch whether or not the prosecutor will develop the necessary evidence to charge you with the crime or to sustain a conviction. Witnesses may recant or change their stories and tests may come back with exculpatory results. This is infinitely preferable to destroying evidence that you think could hurt you, talking to or having any contact with victims or witnesses or talking to police, prosecutors or criminal investigators without your attorney, all of which could damage your defense.
- Investigation: In order to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the cases for and against you, your lawyer will conduct his or her own investigation, then plan accordingly. For the best results, you should supply him or her with all the available physical evidence as well as the contact information of any witnesses who may aid in your defense.
- Plea bargain: Post-investigation, your lawyer may deem it advisable for you to plead guilty to a lesser charge to avoid a conviction, a harsher sentence and/or a permanent criminal record.
When facing a DWI or DUI charge, the simplest mistakes could cost you dearly. By taking the above-listed actions, you minimize the chances of making irreparable errors. For more information on the DUI court process and how our firm can help you, please give us a call today.
Contact Our Pittsburgh DUI Lawyer
The Law Office of Natalie Snyder focuses exclusively on DUI defense. Natalie Snyder is a former Allegheny County DUI prosecutor with an understanding of both sides of a DUI case, notable litigation experience, and relationships with local courts. Contact our firm to fight for your rights.