Scranton DUI Attorney
Have you been charged with DUI in Scranton or throughout Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania? Shrive Law, LLC understands the strain you are under and how serious your accusations are. A DUI conviction can change someone’s life, causing them to have to deal with penalties that can include huge fines, driver’s license suspension, mandatory alcohol counseling, and even jail time! What’s worse is that many people believe they should just plead guilty when they fail a breath test or that there’s no way to fight back after you have been arrested.
Attorney Shrive takes pride in standing up for those who don’t have someone on their side. When facing the weight of the justice system, it’s easy to feel hopeless and overwhelmed. However, we also know that no case is as straightforward as it looks. We have helped numerous clients navigate their criminal accusations, including DUI cases, and know what it takes to effectively combat them. By analyzing the evidence of each case, he can find holes in the prosecution’s story, defend their actions, and work to clear the names of his clients.
Pick up the phone and call Shrive Law, LLC at (570) 791-9482 today to request a free initial criminal consultation.
Pennsylvania DUI Laws
To put it plain and simple: operating a vehicle or machine while inebriated by the effects of alcohol or drugs is against the law, and doing so is considered “driving under the influence.” The law is pretty clear when it comes to this: for those who are of legal drinking age, the legal blood alcohol limit is 0.08%. However, just because you were under this limit does not mean you can’t be arrested and charged. If a law enforcement officer feels you are operating a vehicle in a way that is dangerous to those around you or that your ability to do so is impaired, even if you fall below this limit, you can still be charged and convicted.
However, there are some exceptions to this rule:
- Those who are under the age of 21 have a “zero tolerance” BAC limit of 0.02%.
- Those with a commercial driver’s license have a BAC limit of 0.04%.
- Those who have a BAC of 0.10% to 0.16% may be charged with a “high rate of alcohol” DUI, which carries heavier penalties.
- Those who have a BAC in excess of 0.16% may be charged with a “highest rate of alcohol” DUI, which is the most serious classification of DUI in Pennsylvania law.
Furthermore, you do not even have to be intoxicated with alcohol to be charged or convicted. The law simply states that driving, operating, or being in control of a vehicle while “under the influence” of any substance, be it alcohol, drugs, or any other intoxicant, could result in a DUI charge. You also do not even need to be operating a car or truck to be charged with DUI—driving a boat, motorcycle, or even a mobility device like a power chair while intoxicated could result in DUI charges.
DUI Penalties in Pennsylvania
Driving under the influence is a misdemeanor offense in Pennsylvania, with charges ranging from a general misdemeanor all the way up to a first-degree misdemeanor offense. A normal DUI offense without any aggravating factors is considered a general misdemeanor for a first and second offense, while a third-time or subsequent offense is a second-degree misdemeanor. A third offense with a high rate of alcohol impairment or a second or third offense with the highest rate of alcohol impairment are all considered first-degree misdemeanors.
Why Choose Shrive Law, LLC?
At Shrive Law, we offer tenacious defense, personalized attention, and straightforward advice to ensure your rights are protected every step of the way.
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Empathy and RespectWe treat each client with the dignity and respect they deserve, regardless of their mistakes. No one is defined by a single moment, and we believe in defending not just your rights, but your humanity.
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Personalized Attention & ResultsEvery case is different, and so is every client. We take a thoughtful, detail-oriented approach to ensure that your defense is built around your specific needs and circumstances, offering personalized attention from start to finish.
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Free Criminal ConsultationsWe believe everyone deserves access to quality legal support, which is why we offer free initial criminal consultations to dicuss your case without obligation.
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Passionate RepresentationAttorney Shrive has always been driven to stand up to bullies, passionately defending those who are marginalized or facing tough situations. We're here to fight for you when it feels like the world is against you.