Allegheny County DUI Defense
Being accused of a DUI can be disastrous. Will your license be revoked? Will you be arrested? What legal rights do you have? Bononi and Company has defended people accused of a DUI for over 35 years. Every step of the way, we are here to stand up for you.
DUI Attorneys Serving Pittsburgh and the Surrounding Suburbs
After being accused with DUI, a person’s case is brought before a Magisterial District Court. There are numerous distinct courts throughout Allegheny County and the Pittsburgh metropolitan area. A preliminary hearing will be conducted by the district judge. The Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office and the arresting officer will present their case against you at this hearing. You have the right to counsel. A consultation with legal counsel early in your case can help protect your rights. After the preliminary hearing, if the case is not dismissed, it will be heard at the Allegheny County Courthouse in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
A DUIs Impact on Your Life
Someone charged with a DUI faces a number of potential penalties, including prison time, probation, license suspension, fines, and loss of the ability to purchase guns. Never undervalue the seriousness of a DUI accusation or the effects it may have on your life. For the best outcome in your case, our DUI Defense team will battle tenaciously.
THE PRESUMPTION OF INNOCENCE
You are innocent until proven guilty. The District Attorney’s Office does not get to decide who is innocent and who is guilty. You can only be found guilty in two scenarios: 1) You plead guilty; or, 2) a judge or jury finds you guilty after a trial. To be found guilty, the prosecution must prove every element of a DUI beyond reasonable doubt. Here are the elements of a DUI:
- Actual physical control of a moving vehicle.
- The vehicle was on a highway or trafficway.
- You had a blood alcohol level of .08 percent or higher, alcohol made you incapable of safe driving or you were under the influence of an illegal substance.
Facts matter. Our DUI Defense lawyers have years of experience fighting DUIs and using the facts to our client’s advantage.
YOUR CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS
The Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Amendments to the constitution are designed to hold the Commonwealth accountable. Police must act lawfully and cannot obtain evidence without following the law. Did the police have reasonable suspicion? Did the police have probable cause? Did the police read you your Miranda rights? Did the police have valid consent to draw your blood? The Supreme Court has made it clear that evidence obtained in violation of someone’s rights should not be used against them. The Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of Pennsylvania protect you. The Defense Team at Bononi and Company is here to make sure your rights are protected.
Bononi & Company, DUI Defense Attorneys
You will work directly with our Defense Team if you hire our firm. This includes a Defense Attorney who will work closely with you throughout the process. Our Defense Team will walk you through the criminal process and ensure you understand everything that is going on in your case. Our team will go over every detail of your case to ensure the best possible outcome. Whether your case is resolved at trial, through a plea hearing, or through dismissal, you will work with our Defense Team from beginning to end. If you have any questions, you can meet with your DUI attorney in person at our Greensburg, Latrobe, or Johnstown office
DUI and License Suspensions
If you are convicted of a DUI, your license will most likely be suspended. These suspensions usually last between 12 and 18 months. Before making any decisions about your case, you should consult with an attorney who focuses in DUI defense. You may be eligible for a Limited License, ARD, or you may be able to plead to a less serious offense. These options can either shorten the suspension’s length or allow you to drive on a limited basis. It is best to address these concerns as soon as possible in your case.
Challenging the BAC
Pennsylvania has a tiered DUI grading system based on BAC, or Blood Alcohol Content. As a result, evidence of your BAC is crucial in a DUI case. The method by which the police obtained evidence about your BAC, as well as the accuracy of the test performed for your BAC, are frequently challenged in court. Our DUI defense team is trained to review your case and determine whether or not the BAC evidence should be suppressed (excluded from trial). There could be problems with how the breathalyzer was administered, how the blood was drawn, or the police may not have had probable cause for the test. These issues may aid in the resolution of your case.
Do I need a DUI Defense Attorney?
Our firm believes that having an advocate in their corner is the best way for someone facing a DUI to defend themselves. A DUI can have a significant impact on your life. If you are charged with DUI, you will be up against the officer who pulled you over as well as the District Attorney’s Office in that county. The case against you will be prosecuted by an Assistant District Attorney. There are county rules of court, Pennsylvania evidence rules, and even different procedures in each courtroom. These various rules can be complicated, and breaking them can have a negative impact on your DUI case. Having an experienced DUI defense attorney on your side can mean the difference between justice and injustice.
The Bononi & Company Team
NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED – Our attorneys have been recognized by the National Trial Lawyers Association and by Super Lawyers
LOCALLY RESPECTED – Our Firm was chosen as one of Westmoreland County’s Best Law Firms by the Tribune Review
PROVEN RESULTS – For 35 years, our firm has established itself as a leader in advocating for our clients.
Do Not Wait To Contact Us, Free Consultations
A DUI or traffic ticket can have major consequences. Get an experienced attorney’s advice to help you determine your defense. Call the lawyers at Bononi & Company, P.C., today at 724-832-2499 or contact us online. We will be happy to sit down and speak with you at our Greensburg office, Latrobe office, Irwin office, or Johnstown office.
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