Frank C. Walker II, Attorney at Law
428 Forbes Avenue
Suite 1800
Pittsburgh, PA 15219-1615
Phone: 412-532-6805
Fax: 412-202-9193
Website:
www.pittsburgh-dui-attorney.com
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Pittsburgh Pennsylvania DUI Attorney Frank C. Walker II | Drunk Driving Defense Lawyer
DRUNK DRIVING CHARGES IN PITTSBURGH
When arrested for DUI people often don't understand the importance of acting quickly to retain a Pittsburgh DUI Attorney. A DUI conviction can plague you for life. It can bar you from certain jobs and restrict you from educational institutions. You can find yourself in jail, charged with significant fines and you can lose your license.
If this is your first offense for DUI, the penalties, depending upon the alcohol concentration found can include probation up to 6 months in jail, a fine of $300 up to $5,000, possible license suspension for 12 months, alcohol highway safety education and the possibility of ordered treatment. After a first conviction, the penalties will dramatically increase and include a 1-year ignition lock on all vehicles you drive. Penalties can go as high as $10,000 and 5 years in prison. If you already have a DUI conviction and you are now being charged with a subsequent DUI, you must get the help of an aggressive and compelling defense lawyer.
DUI ATTORNEY SERVING PITTSBURGH
A skilled and proven criminal attorney, Frank Walker has successfully represented clients with DUI charges. Our team of legal professionals will act aggressively the moment we begin work on your case to uncover any violations of your rights in the arrest process and expose them to your benefit. First time charges of DUI are normally eligible for the ARD program. If you successfully complete the program you can keep the DUI from your record. In rare cases, your attorney can aggressively seek the ARD program on a 2nd DUI offense.
Don't let a DUI conviction ruin future opportunities for you. Take action now and get the legal help you need from our firm.
Contact a Pittsburgh DUI attorney at our office and tell us your story. We will let you know how we can help.
ARD PROGRAM FOR PITTSBURGH DUI CASES
PITTSBURGH DUI LAWYER AND THE ACCELERATED REHABILITATIVE DISPOSITION PROGRAM
Entering the criminal justice system can be a frightening and traumatic experience for anyone. The Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program was designed to keep first-time offenders out of the system and actually serve to rehabilitate. A first-time DUI offense will normally qualify for the program but you will need to apply. First-time charges of theft and simple assault can also qualify for ARD. A Pittsburgh criminal defense attorney can greatly enhance your chances of acceptance in the program. A successful completion of the program will normally result in expungement of the crime, and if not your attorney can work to resolve any issues that are preventing it.
DUI ATTORNEY IN PITTSBURGH EXPLAINS ARD BASICS
The first thing you need to know is that the ARD is a recommended alternative for most cases, but not all. Your attorney can evaluate these factors and help you to determine if ARD is right for you:
- Strength of the case against you
- Weaknesses of your own case
- Your prior criminal record and/or DUI record
- The effects of jail time on your life
- Any other relevant circumstances in your life
Your decision should be an informed one and your attorney will provide you with the full scope of information needed to make that decision. If you decide to apply for and are accepted into the program, the charges against you will be suspended until the successful completion of the court-ordered conditions. These can include counseling, community service and restitution for injury or damages caused.
The original crime will be dismissed after the program is completed. 30 days following completion you can formally request expungement of the arrest and the ARD participation. The ARD record will, however, remain with the District Attorney's office and a future conviction will be counted as the second, not the first. There are many factors to consider before you make your decision. You will benefit from the trusted counsel of your criminal defense attorney in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania.