Justia Lawyer Rating
Published on:

by

In Pennsylvania, traffic stops often serve as the basis for DUI investigations, and courts frequently examine whether an officer had probable cause to initiate a stop. This was demonstrated in a recent decision from a Pennsylvania court, which discussed the evidentiary standards for traffic stops based on window tint violations and how they can lead to DUI charges. If you are accused of committing a DUI offense, it is smart to consult an experienced Pennsylvania DUI defense attorney regarding what steps you can take to protect your rights.

History of the Case

It is reported that the defendant was stopped by law enforcement in April 2022 after an officer observed that the vehicle’s window tint appeared to be excessively dark, allegedly preventing the officer from seeing inside. The stop occurred between 1:00 and 2:00 a.m. in a dimly lit area, where the officer determined that the tint level might not comply with Pennsylvania law. After running a background check on the vehicle, the officer learned that the registered owner had only a photo identification card, prompting further investigation.

It is alleged that after stopping the vehicle, the officer detected signs of impairment upon approaching the defendant. The defendant reportedly exhibited bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, and an odor of alcohol. The officer conducted field sobriety tests, during which the defendant displayed multiple indicators of impairment. The defendant was then placed under arrest and transported for chemical testing. The results reportedly indicated the presence of alcohol and controlled substances in the defendant’s system, leading to multiple DUI charges. Continue reading

Published on:

by

In Pennsylvania, DUI charges often hinge on the totality of circumstances observed during a traffic stop, as well as the defendant’s compliance with requests for chemical testing. A recent Pennsylvania decision issued in a DUI case highlights the evidentiary considerations in such cases, particularly when a defendant refuses chemical testing. If you are charged with a DUI crime, it is essential to understand your rights, and you should speak to a Pennsylvania DUI defense attorney as soon as possible.

History of the Case

It is reported that the defendant was stopped by for traffic violations, including driving without headlights and failing to signal lane changes. Allegedly, upon approaching the defendant’s vehicle, the arresting officer observed a strong odor of burnt marijuana and noted that the defendant admitted to smoking a marijuana blunt shortly before the stop. The defendant also admitted to consuming alcohol approximately an hour and a half prior to the stop.

Reportedly, the officer conducted field sobriety tests, during which the defendant exhibited multiple signs of impairment, including difficulty maintaining balance and following instructions. Based on these observations, the officer arrested the defendant on suspicion of DUI and requested that he submit to a blood test. While the defendant initially agreed to the test, he later refused, thereby depriving the prosecution of potentially corroborative chemical evidence. Continue reading

Published on:

by

In DUI cases, a single incident can give rise to multiple charges, including serious offenses like involuntary manslaughter and aggravated assault by vehicle, depending on the circumstances. Pennsylvania courts must determine whether these charges warrant separate sentences or should merge for sentencing purposes, as discussed in a recent decision issued by a Pennsylvania court. If you face DUI or related charges arising from one incident, it is crucial to consult a Pennsylvania DUI defense attorney to determine what measures you can take to protect your rights and pursue a just outcome.

History of the Case

It is alleged that the defendant was convicted of multiple offenses, including involuntary manslaughter, aggravated assault by vehicle, and driving under the influence (DUI) of a controlled substance. The convictions stemmed from a 2015 incident in which the defendant while driving under the influence of marijuana, lost control of his vehicle and struck a utility pole. His fiancée, a passenger in the vehicle, suffered fatal injuries.

Reportedly, following a jury trial, the trial court sentenced the appellant to consecutive terms of incarceration for involuntary manslaughter and aggravated assault by vehicle, along with additional penalties for DUI and summary offenses. The defendant appealed, arguing that the trial court erred in failing to merge the sentences for involuntary manslaughter and aggravated assault by vehicle, as they allegedly arose from the same criminal act and shared overlapping elements. Continue reading

Published on:

by

In DUI cases, courts often rely on evidence from medical records, including blood alcohol content (BAC) results, to support convictions. Recently, a Pennsylvania court affirmed a trial court’s decision to admit BAC evidence from a defendant’s medical records despite the defendant’s challenge based on hearsay and confrontation rights. If you are accused of a DUI crime, it is prudent to meet with a Pennsylvania DUI defense attorney to understand your rights and defenses.

Factual Setting and Procedural History

It is reported that the defendant was involved in a serious vehicle collision after drinking at a local bar and subsequently making an unsafe left turn, resulting in a collision with another vehicle. Allegedly, this accident led to substantial injuries for a passenger in the other car, who required multiple surgeries and extensive rehabilitation. The defendant was transported to a local hospital for treatment, where blood samples were collected and analyzed, revealing a BAC of 0.21.

Allegedly, following her recovery, the defendant was charged with aggravated assault by vehicle while DUI and two DUI offenses. She moved to suppress the BAC evidence, arguing that her blood was drawn for legal, not medical, purposes and that its use in court violated her rights. The trial court admitted the BAC evidence under the medical records exception to the hearsay rule, leading to the defendant’s conviction. She subsequently appealed, raising several arguments concerning the admissibility of her medical records. Continue reading

Published on:

by

While some DUI charges result from stops initiated due to suspicion that a motorist is intoxicated, others arise from stops that the police conduct for other reasons. If it is subsequently revealed that the police lacked adequate grounds to effectuate a stop, there may be a basis for arguing that any evidence obtained during the should be dismissed. Recently, a Pennsylvania court discussed the grounds for granting a motion to suppress evidence in a DUI case in which it ultimately rejected the defendant’s arguments. If you are charged with a DUI crime, it is in your best interest to meet with a Pennsylvania DUI defense lawyer to examine what defenses you may be able to assert.

History of the Case

It is alleged that, following a traffic stop and subsequent investigation in January 2021, the defendant was charged with one count of driving under the influence of a controlled substance (DUI) and three summary offenses, including obstructed lights. The defendant filed a pretrial motion to suppress evidence, arguing the evidence and statements obtained during the traffic stop were unlawfully obtained. A suppression hearing was held, after which the court denied the motion. In a stipulated non-jury trial, the defendant was found guilty of DUI and not guilty of the summary offenses.

Continue reading
Published on:

by

In Pennsylvania, the implied consent law dictates that people suspected of driving while intoxicated must submit to a breath test or face penalties. The police must obtain a DUI suspect’s informed consent prior to administering a blood test, however. If they fail to obtain knowing consent, the results of such tests may be deemed inadmissible. Recently, a Pennsylvania court discussed the factors evaluated in determining if consent was given freely and knowingly in a case in which it ultimately affirmed the denial of the defendant’s suppression motion. If you are accused of a DUI offense, it is smart to confer with a Pennsylvania DUI defense lawyer to determine your options for pursuing a favorable outcome.

Factual Setting and Procedural History

It is reported that in May 2020, a state trooper observed a collision involving the defendant’s vehicle and another, resulting in the death of the other driver. The trooper noticed that the defendant seemed disoriented and displayed signs of possible drug use but did not conduct field sobriety tests. Despite being told he was not under arrest, the defendant consented to a blood draw at the hospital. The blood test revealed the presence of methamphetamine and Xanax.

Allegedly, the defendant filed a suppression motion on September 29, 2022, arguing that the blood draw was conducted without a warrant or valid consent. The trial court held a suppression hearing on March 7, 2023, and subsequently denied the motion. After a stipulated waiver trial, the court convicted the defendant and sentenced him on November 17, 2023. The defendant filed an appeal, arguing that the trial court erred in denying his motion to suppress. Continue reading

Published on:

by

Pursuant to recent changes in the law, police officers investigating DUI crimes can no longer compel suspects to submit to blood tests. Pennsylvania’s implied consent law presumes that people consent to submit to breath tests, though, and if they refuse to do so, it may result in a license suspension. In a recent Pennsylvania case, the court discussed what constitutes reasonable grounds to suspect a person of driving under the influence and request that they submit to a breath test. If you are charged with refusing to submit to a breath test or any other DUI-related offense, it is advisable to consult a Pennsylvania DUI defense lawyer as soon as possible.

History of the Case

It is alleged that Montgomery Township Police arrested the defendant for suspicion of DUI in February 2020. Following the arrest, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (DOT) informed the defendant in March 2020 that his refusal to submit to chemical testing would result in a 12-month suspension of his driving privileges under the Implied Consent Law.

Reportedly, the defendant appealed the suspension, and the trial court conducted a hearing, subsequently dismissing the appeal. The defendant then appealed to the Commonwealth Court, contending that the trial court erred in finding that the police had reasonable grounds to believe he was driving under the influence. Continue reading

Published on:

by

In Pennsylvania DUI cases, the prosecution carries the burden of proving guilt. Generally, to do so the Commonwealth must introduce testimony from a live witness regarding the results of any chemical testing. They can rely on a written report in lieu of such testimony, unless the defendant objects. If the defendant delays in filing an objection, though, they may waive the right to do so, as explained in a recent Pennsylvania case. If you are accused of operating a vehicle under the influence of intoxicating substances, it is smart to talk to a Pennsylvania DUI defense attorney regarding your rights.

Factual and Procedural Background

It is reported that the defendant was stopped by a police officer for driving with a suspended vehicle registration. Upon contact, the officer detected the odor of alcohol on the defendant and observed signs of impairment, such as slowed speech. Consequently, the officer conducted standard field sobriety tests, which indicated impairment. Based on these observations, the defendant was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI) and transported to a hospital for a blood draw.

It is alleged that the subsequent laboratory results confirmed the presence of THC and Delta-9 carboxy THC in his system. Initially charged with DUI-related offenses, the charges were later refined during legal proceedings. After several procedural motions and a bench trial, the defendant was found guilty of DUI charges. The defendant ultimately appealed, arguing that the trial court erred in admitting the laboratory report. Continue reading

Published on:

by

Pennsylvania, like most states, increases the penalty imposed on people found guilty of DUI with each subsequent conviction. Until recently, DUI charges that were resolved via ARD did not count as prior offenses for the purposes of DUI crimes. As discussed in a recent Pennsylvania opinion, though, the law has since changed. If you are charged with driving while intoxicated, it is sensible to meet with a Pennsylvania DUI defense lawyer about what steps you can take to protect your interests.

History of the Case

It is alleged that the defendant was involved in a collision and subsequently arrested after failing field sobriety tests. Chemical testing revealed a blood alcohol content of 0.188%. The Commonwealth charged him with multiple offenses, including DUI-Highest Rate and Recklessly Endangering Another Person (REAP). He pled guilty to DUI-Highest Rate and REAP in exchange for the dismissal of other charges, with a recommendation for sentencing according to Pennsylvania guidelines.

It is reported that at the time of the plea, legal precedent prohibited the courts from considering a DUI resolved through ARD as a prior offense. However, by the time of sentencing, that precedent had been overruled. Consequently, on January 9, 2023, the court sentenced the defendant to the mandatory minimum of 90 days’ incarceration for DUI-Highest Rate, treating it as a second offense, and imposed a term for the REAP conviction. The defendant filed a post-sentence motion, claiming the court erred in its classification and sentencing. The trial court denied this motion, and the defendant appealed. Continue reading

Published on:

by

In Pennsylvania, penalties for driving under the influence increase for second and subsequent convictions. While in many cases it is clear whether an offense constitutes a person’s first or second DUI offense, in some, such as in cases involving Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition, it is less clear. The confusion over calculating whether a DUI charge is a second or subsequent offense was recently compounded by an intervening change in the law which was followed by a subsequent reversal shortly thereafter, as discussed in a recent ruling issued in a Pennsylvania DUI case. If you are accused of operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or another intoxicating substance in violation of Pennsylvania law, it is in your best interest to talk to a Pennsylvania DUI defense lawyer about what steps you can take to protect your rights.

Factual and Procedural Background

Allegedly, the Commonwealth charged the defendant with a DUI, which it characterized as his second offense, despite a prior Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition in 2017 for a previous DUI offense. The defendant filed a motion to reduce the grading of his DUI charges to a first offense, citing a previous court decision, Commonwealth v. Chichkin, which declared that Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition acceptance could not be considered a “prior conviction” for DUI sentencing enhancements.

It is reported, however, the trial court stayed the case pending the resolution of subsequent decisions overruling Chichkin. Following the en banc decision in Commonwealth v. Richards, which reversed Chichkin, the defendant’s case proceeded to trial. The jury found the defendant guilty of driving under the influence of controlled substances and related offenses, and the court imposed a judgment of sentence. The defendant appealed. Continue reading