Driving under the influence is, by far, the most common charge filed against citizens in Western Pennsylvania. For first-time offenders, the best option in many cases may be to seek entry into the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition program (ARD), which can allow you to keep your record clean. More information on the ARD Program is available in the Common Questions section of this site.
If ARD is not an option, and you want to fight the case, the most effective strategy will often involve the filing of a persuasive pre-trial motion attacking the constitutionality of the traffic stop leading to the arrest or some other aspect of the DUI investigation. As far as defense issues at trial itself, a common issue is whether the accused was actually driving or operating a motor vehicle.
As far as my specific experience in DUI cases, as an Assistant Public Defender, I was assigned to Allegheny County’s Phoenix Docket. There, I personally handled hundreds of DUIs. In most cases, I served by client’s best interest by working hard to ensure that my client got the best negotiated settlement possible. But in those cases where we had a winnable issue, we fought hard, and usually won. Indeed, I’ve successfully litigated many pre-trial motions in DUI matters. I’ve also taken several DUI cases to trial and secured not guilty verdicts.
If, in your situation, the best option is to reach a mutually agreeable settlement, I can use my extensive DUI experience to negotiate the best outcome possible. Moreover, if the best option is to fight the case, and perhaps litigate a pre-trial motion arguing that your constitutional rights were violated, or even take the case to trial, I will work tirelessly to get you the best result possible.