Mittman & Liebman:
DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE
When you are stopped or arrested for DUI you need a lawyer. Driving Under the Influence is considered a serious offense in Pennsylvania. A DUI charge is severe because you face:
- Mandatory jail sentences
- Mandatory driver’s license suspension
- Payment of mandatory fines
- Payment of court costs
- Payment of laboratory testing fees
- Possible mandatory alcohol or drug treatment
- Mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device
It is vitally important that you hire a lawyer as soon as you are stopped or charged with DUI. The earlier you consult with and hire a lawyer the better your chances are to defend the case or to work out a suitable arrangement with the police or prosecutor.
YOU DO NEED A LAWYER.
Friends, family or the police may tell you that you can represent yourself. Do not follow their advice. You need an attorney. Representing yourself may save the payment of an attorney fee, but you may end up paying more in fines, costs, increased insurance rates and other expenses if the case is not handled properly. You also may end up serving more time in prison.
Beware of sale’s pitches and promises to “get you off”. When searching for a lawyer be careful of promises that seem to good to be true. Use caution if someone tries to hold on to your papers or tries to push you into immediately paying a fee. Think twice before paying a fee that seems outrageous. Finally, you should be suspicious of someone who is eager to tell you about or publicize his or her “credentials” or continuing education.