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dui defense

Driving Under the Influence (DUI) of Alcohol or a Controlled Substance in Reading and Berks County

Proven and experienced Pennsylvania DUI defense for all motorists

The penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol and or drugs in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania are severe if you are convicted. For more than 40 years, David R. Eshelman, A Professional Corporation has kept students, parents and others from being convicted and has ensured they can get back to fuller, better lives in Reading and throughout Berks County. Our experience means we know how to defend you — and how to see through the prosecution.

Strict penalties need superior counsel

Since 2004, penalties in Pennsylvania for DUIs have been harsher than ever before. Having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or more means you are intoxicated and should not be driving. Having 0.10 percent or more is considered a high rate of alcohol. And minors driving with at least 0.02 percent BAC will face drunk driving charges, among other penalties for underage drinking. David R. Eshelman tirelessly works to ensure that his clients get the best results achievable under the law.

What could happen if I am charged with DUI?

In many cases, first-time offenders who are convicted by guilty plea or trial serve at least a few days in jail and lose their driving privileges for some period of time. The penalties become more severe for second and subsequent offenders and higher blood alcohol concentration levels. Berks County averages more than 1,200 DUI prosecutions each year. Fortunately, alternatives exist to incarceration in Berks County, and our firm is familiar with all of them.

For most first-time offenders, the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program is available. ARD is a pretrial diversionary program where a defendant agrees to participate (not plead guilty) in exchange for probation and a shorter license suspension. Upon completion of the program, all charges are dismissed and the records are expunged, although ARD does count as a prior DUI offense in the event of a second or subsequent DUI arrest within 10 years.

Berks County is one of the few counties in the state to offer treatment programs to second and subsequent DUI offenders who face mandatory minimum periods of jail time. Subsequent offenders are offered treatment court as a way to shorten the period of time that must be spent in jail by participating in treatment and intensive counseling and supervision.

Get DUI defense based on success

Based in Reading, Pennsylvania, David R. Eshelman, A Professional Corporation defends the people of Reading and all of Berks County against DUI charges. For more than 40 years, friends and neighbors have relied upon our vigorous representation and knowledge of the law, the Constitution and the courts to move them forward, protect them and guide them toward a better future. We make sure you know your options, from alternative solutions to aggressive trial defense. Our firm can also file license suspension appeals for those defendants who face driver’s license suspensions for refusal of chemical testing, such as the Breathalyzer or a blood test. Contact us online today or call 877.442.9704 for your initial consultation.

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