A Seasoned Indiana County DUI Lawyer Who Will Fight For Your Rights
After a driving under the influence (DUI) arrest, it is natural to be worried. There are pressing concerns regarding the suspension of your driving privileges as well as the likelihood of jail time, fines and expenses. A DUI conviction can also threaten your professional license and your ability to find employment in the future. However, a DUI arrest does not automatically result in a conviction. With the right legal representation, you can fight the charge. At Robert S. Muir, Attorney at Law, I understand the gravity of a DUI conviction and will fight diligently to minimize your license suspension and protect your freedom.
Decades Of Criminal Defense Experience In The Pennsylvania Criminal Courts
My name is Robert Muir, and I have decades of experience practicing criminal defense. When you work with me, I will scrutinize all the facts surrounding your case and look for evidence of law enforcement misconduct or negligence. Together, we will review the specifics of your case and your options to determine the best course of action for you based on your needs, concerns and goals.
The outcome of your case depends on several factors, including:
- Your blood alcohol content (BAC) at the time of the arrest
- Any prior DUI convictions
- The results of your field sobriety tests
- Refusal of breath or blood testing
- Any resulting injuries or accidents
Whether you are a college student with no prior offenses and qualify for an Accelerated Rehabilitation Disposition (ARD) diversion program or a licensed professional facing a second DUI charge, if I am your DUI lawyer, I will diligently prepare your case and your defense.
Commonly Asked DUI Questions We See:
Is hiring a DUI lawyer worth it?
Hiring a quality defense attorney to help with a DUI charge is not free. But it can save you a lot of money in the long run. Without effective legal advice and representation in court, it can be very difficult to get your case dismissed or negotiate a reasonable plea bargain. Representing yourself without the required knowledge and experience to deal with the charge means you are much more likely to be found guilty, lose your driver’s license, be charged a considerable fine and potentially have to spend time in jail. Without a license, you could lose your job.
A DUI defense lawyer can reduce the potential penalties against you, fight for your rights and restore your license sooner. Hiring one can be an investment in your future.
Should I get a lawyer for my first DUI?
A first-time DUI conviction in Pennsylvania carries relatively low punishments. For example, there is no automatic driver’s license suspension or potential prison time and the maximum fine is $300. However, having a DUI on your record can have serious implications if you are ever charged again. State law imposes much harsher sentencing guidelines for a second offense. A defense lawyer might be able to get the charges against you reduced to avoid this possibility.
What is the 10-year rule in Pennsylvania?
The Commonwealth has a 10-year lookback period for prior DUI convictions. If you get convicted of DUI or plead guilty and have a previous drinking and driving conviction that happened within the past 10 years, the possible penalties the judge could sentence you to go up significantly. But a DUI that is older than a decade will not have this effect on a new conviction.
Driving Under The Influence Of Marijuana: Fighting A DUID Charge
The state of Pennsylvania has a zero-tolerance policy for driving under the influence of drugs (DUID), including marijuana, regardless of whether there is evidence that you were driving while impaired. Given the fact that evidence of marijuana can remain in your bloodstream for up to a month, this is especially challenging for those approved for medical marijuana use. If you are facing a DUID charge involving marijuana, then I can fight to protect your constitutional rights.
The Advantage Of Hiring A Criminal Defense Attorney To Fight A DUI
I understand that hiring legal representation can be expensive, and it is natural to consider whether it is worth it to hire a criminal defense lawyer. When evaluating your options, consider weighing the costs of a conviction against the cost of hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney. When you factor in the cost of jail time, fines, an ignition interlock device, increased insurance premiums and a permanent criminal record, can you afford not to hire a DUI lawyer? I will work hard on your behalf to be your voice in the criminal court system.
Schedule A Free Consultation With An Indiana County DUI Attorney
I strive to make my services affordable by offering no-obligation, free initial consultations. Please call my Indiana office at 724-471-6457 or contact me online to schedule your free case evaluation.
