|
It’s not difficult to notice the increase in articles in local newspapers concerning the number of DUI incidents picked up by local and Pennsylvania State Police. Arrests will continue to increase as law enforcement cracks down on those driving under the influence. There is an ongoing effort by police to monitor closely the driving habits of all Pennsylvanians. It has become increasingly clear that car owners need access to superior legal representation, whether you are accused of DUI, or have been the victim of a drunken driver. The laws covering this offense are complex and have changed over the years.
Chester County residents are fortunate to be close to some of the best professional resources in the United States today. Steven E. Kellis, a graduate of Villanova Law School and Bucknell University is a prominent PA DUI Attorney. He has handled over 100 DUI trials and over 1,000 evidentiary hearings. As a former DUI prosecutor, he knows the tactics police and prosecutors use. If you are arrested for DUI in Pennsylvania, penalties are rigorous: if you are over 21 (legal drinking age), and you blood alcohol level is .08 or higher, you are considered to be DUI. You may also be convicted at a lower BAC rate if you are driving erratically. If you are under 21 BAC is .02 or greater.
Just by being licensed in Pennsylvania you have agreed to chemical testing. If you refuse to have one or more tests for breath, blood or urine, your license will be suspended for one year. This is in additional to penalties for the DUI offense. Even if you are found not guilty of DUI and have refused the test, your license will be suspended for one year. A two and a half year suspension may result if you refuse to take the test and you are determined to be DUI, depending on your BAC level at the time of arrest. If you refuse testing and have a prior DUI conviction you will receive an eighteen month suspension for refusal plus eighteen more months for DUI. A first offense results in 6 months probation, a $300 fine, and no suspension. A second offense results in 5 days to 6 months in prison, a $300 to $2500 fine, and a 12 month suspension. A third offense brings 10 days to 2 years in prison, a $500 to $5000 fine, and a 12 month suspension.
Penalties increase the higher your blood alcohol, the more serious injuries
and damages resulting from driving while impaired, and the more times you are convicted. Second and third offenders must have an ignition interlock system installed for one year. You may have to attend alcohol abuse screening and treatment. A judge may also order 150 hours of community service.
There are more severe penalties for those with a higher BAC. In order to know your rights as a victim of an accident or as an individual charged with DUI, you need to consult the best attorney for Chester County, and that attorney is Steven E. Kellis
Chester County.
Chester County is bordered by Berks County to the north, Montgomery County to the northeast, Delaware County to the east, New Castle County, Delaware; and Cecil County Maryland to the south. It was created by William Penn in 1682.The original county seat was Chester, PA, but when that portion of the county was taken to form Delaware County, West Chester became the county seat. The road west went through Chester County; it later became the Lincoln Highway (Route 30). The Pennsylvania Railroad followed a similar route and led to the development of industry along the way. The Battle of the Brandywine was fought in the southeastern edge of the county, and Washington’s Valley Forge winter encampment was to the northeast. The county has three good sized creeks, the Chester Creek, the Brandywine Creek and the Octoraro Creek.
Chester County is noted for its very fertile farmland, and even though there has been a surge of residential development, there are still many large farms. Horse farms are actually increasing in the county. Chester County is for the most part a very affluent county. Chester County is home to several colleges: Cheyney, Immaculata, Lincoln, Valley Forge Christian College, Penn State Great Valley and West Chester University. It has excellent public and private schools as well.
Centers of population in Chester County are:
The lovely Brandywine Valley is a treasure trove of attractions for visitors. The largesse of the DuPont family has given the county Longwood Gardens, Hagley Museum, Winterthur Museum, and Nemours Mansion and Gardens. The Brandywine River Museum is home to the work of three generations of the Wyeth family, as well as a collection of illustrative art. Valley Forge is probably one of the most popular tourism destinations in the area. Chester County has many fine restaurants like the Concordvile Inn and the Dilworthtown Inn.
|
|
