In Montgomery County, PA, a drugged driving DUI charge is more serious than a drunk driving DUI charge in many cases. Although the laws that govern both types of DUI are very similar, there are some important differences that can have a major impact on your case. One example of this is that drugged driving charges are placed in a higher sentencing "tier" than alcohol-related DUI charges. This means your drugged driving charge carries the potential for more serious penalties.
Experienced Montgomery County DUI attorney Joseph D. Lento is highly experienced in the area of criminal defense and is here to answer your questions, as well as represent you in your criminal case. You do not have to face this difficult time by yourself.
Bucks County DUI Defense Attorney
With more than a decade of experience working in various roles in the Pennsylvania justice system, Joseph Lento is a qualified Pennsylvania criminal defense attorney with a comprehensive knowledge of how a criminal case operates from start to finish, and beyond.
If you have been charged with a DUI in Montgomery County and need a comprehensive, customized defense, contact the attorneys at Lento Law Firm. Joseph Lento built his practice on the ideals of customer service and justice and he will fight for your rights and freedom. Call (215) 535-5353 today to schedule your free consultation and discover what Joseph Lento can do to clear your name.
Drugged Driving vs. Drunk Driving in Bucks County
The first major difference between a drunk driving DUI and a drugged driving DUI concerns the issue of drug metabolites. When a certain level of illegal narcotic metabolites is present in a person's blood at the time of the arrest, that person is considered "per se" intoxicated by those drugs. This is true even if the person was not intoxicated, and may have even ingested the drugs days before the arrest (especially in marijuana cases). With the right legal defense, you can protect your rights in these types of cases.
How the Penalties Are Different
The major difference between alcohol and drug DUI has to do with the severity of the penalties. In DUI sentencing, there are 3 "tiers." A typical first time drunk driving DUI with a relatively low-level BAC will be in the first tier, subject to the following penalties:
- Maximum of six months probation
- Up to $300 fine
- Alcohol highway safety school
- Alcohol or drug treatment (if ordered)
When the charges are for DUI drugs, however, you are automatically put into the third tier. This is true even if it is your first DUI offense. A first time DUI drug charge carries the following potential penalties:
• Jail sentence of 72 hours (3 days) or for up to 6 months
• Minimum of $1,000 fine; maximum of $5,000 fine
• Driver's license suspended for 1 year
• Attend and complete an alcohol highway safety school
• Drug & Alcohol assessment and compliance with all drug and alcohol treatment requirements
A Montgomery County, PA Defense Attorney At Your Side
When you face DUI charges in Montgomery County you deserve to have your rights protected. Joseph D. Lento is an experienced criminal defense attorney who will protect your rights. If you are facing criminal charges, contact us today at 888-535-3686.
