The current population of Chester County is estimated to be 519,000. DUI enforcement efforts in the county are aggressive. These efforts in Chester County are led by Troop J of the Pennsylvania State Police and the Chester County Impaired Driving Program.
Facts: Impaired Driving
- Recently across the U.S., we have averaged roughly 10,800 alcohol-related fatalities each year
- Alcohol-related injuries in the U.S. annually are nearing 300,000
- Roughly 30% of all traffic fatalities in Pennsylvania are related to alcohol consumption
- Pennsylvania authorities are also targeting “drugged driving” using Drug Recognition Experts (DRE)
Having Effective DUI Defense Counsel is Critical
Those who are arrested for driving while impaired now faces more financial consequences, sentences, and penalties than ever before. A DUI conviction can create significant transportation and financial problems. You may experience a loss of current employment, limited future employment opportunities, jail time, and more. Attorney Joseph D. Lento has years of experience in successfully defending these cases.
Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol § 3802: Individuals are prohibited from driving, operating, or otherwise controlling the motion of a vehicle after consuming alcohol in a quantity that impairs safe operation.
|
Blood Alcohol Content BAC Levels[1] |
|
|
General Impairment |
.08% - .10% |
|
High Level |
.10% - .16% |
|
Highest Level |
Greater than .16% |
|
For Minors |
.02% |
Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance
Individuals are prohibited from driving, operating, or otherwise controlling the motion of a vehicle when their blood contains:
- A Schedule I controlled substance
- A Schedule II or III controlled substance that is not prescribed by a physician
- Metabolites of scheduled controlled substances
- Multiple drugs that impair safe vehicle operation
- A combination of alcohol and a drug that impairs safe vehicle operation
- Under the influence of “solvent or noxious” substances (examples include benzene, methyl alcohol, nitrous oxide)
Implied Consent to Submit to Testing
Vehicle operators in Pennsylvania are assumed to have given consent to “one or more chemical tests of breath or blood” in order to determine their blood alcohol level or the existence of a controlled substance. Any test results obtained are admissible as evidence against you in court. Law enforcement has a duty to disclose to the driver that refusal to submit to testing will result in the suspension of their driving privileges.
New Enhanced DUI Penalties in Pennsylvania
Act 153 has been implemented that will allow for felony charges for third-time DUI offenders and all those with a fourth offense. First-time DUI offenders with a BAC of .10% are required to have an ignition interlock device installed in their vehicle for at least one year. Those found to be driving while under a DUI-related license suspension now face a jail sentence of between 60 to 90 days.
Alcohol Highway Safety School (AHSS)
The Chester County DUI Program now requires that offenders complete a 12.5-hour safety class. Offenders must pay $225 prior to attending. Those who miss a class are fined $50.
Top Lawyer for DUI Defense in Chester County
If you were arrested for DUI in Chester County, it should be a priority to consult with a criminal defense attorney. The Lento Law Firm has effectively defended clients in these cases for many years. Contact the office today at (888) 535-3686 today.
[1] https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/75/00.038..HTM
