Bedford County DUI Defense

Driving Under the Influence (DUI) is one of the most common charges that our firm faces. Bononi and Company has been defending DUI clients for over 35 years. Our DUI Defense team handles cases throughout Western and Central Pennsylvania. We often see DUI’s on heavily traveled roads such as Route 30. Whether you were pulled over in Schellsburg or a received DUI in Breezewood, our team is here to fight for you.

A DUI Conviction Will Affect Your Life

Will you have to surrender your driver’s license? Can you keep your firearm? Will you be arrested? DUI is a serious offense in Pennsylvania with serious consequences.

Nobody gets in their car expecting to be pulled over for DUI. However, if you have been charged with a DUI, we can help you navigate the legal system and fight for your best interests. Our team at Bononi & Company, P.C. understands that sometimes good people find themselves in difficult situations.

In Bedford County Court of Common Pleas, You Are Innocent Until Proven Guilty

There is only one way you can be found guilty of a DUI: The prosecution must prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, all of the elements of a DUI. The elements of a DUI are:

You were in actual physical control of a moving vehicle.
The vehicle was positioned 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.

The Constitution Protects You

Your rights should be protected regardless of the circumstances. The evidence used against you must be obtained legally. Did the police officers have a good reason to stop you? Were the police justified in arresting you? Have the officers read you your Miranda rights? Did the police have your written permission to draw your blood? If evidence was obtained illegally, the prosecution may not be able to use it against you. The United States Constitution and the Pennsylvania Constitution both protect you. The Bononi and Company Defense Team takes pride in defending the constitution by fighting for their clients.

Bononi & Company, DUI Defense Attorneys

Our firm fights hard for our clients. You will work directly with our DUI defense team if you hire our firm. Your DUI lawyer will meet with you in person to go over all possible defenses. They will give you a thorough explanation of the criminal process and your options. If you have any questions, you can meet with your DUI attorney in person at our Greensburg, Latrobe, or Johnstown offices. We can also meet remotely by video conference if you prefer.

Charged with a DUI, What Options do I Have?

Our firm believes that empowering our clients to make the best decisions for themselves is essential. It is ultimately up to you whether you want to plead guilty or go to trial. A DUI offender may be eligible for Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD). If that is an option, we will explain what the ARD process entails and whether it is a good fit for you. We assist our clients in evaluating plea offers and determining whether the terms of the plea agreement are fair. If the terms are unjust, anyone charged with a crime has the right to a trial.

What will the DUI Cost?

A DUI conviction can result in a fine ranging from $300 to $10,000. In addition to the fine, defendants are responsible for a variety of fees, including court costs, adult probation supervision, and state mandated fees. The costs you may be responsible for vary depending on whether the DUI occurred in Bedford County, Westmoreland County, Allegheny County, Cambria County, or Fayette County.

License Suspensions from a DUI

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 specializes 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

DUIs in Pennsylvania are graded on a scale based on the amount of alcohol in the blood, or BAC. In a DUI case, proof of your BAC is important because of this. In court, people often question how the police got proof of your BAC and how accurate the test that showed your BAC was. Our DUI defense team is trained to look over your case and decide if the evidence of your BAC should be thrown out or not (excluded from trial). There may have been problems with how a breathalyzer was used or how blood was drawn, or the police may not have had a good reason to do the test. These things might help win your case.

Do I need an Attorney for a DUI?

Some accused of a DUI is best prepared to defend themselves if they have legal representation on their side. A DUI can have a significant influence on one’s life. If you are charged with DUI, you will go up against the police officer who pulled you over as well as the District Attorney’s Office. An assistant district attorney will be prosecuting the case against you. There are county-specific court rules, Pennsylvania rules of evidence, and even distinct courtroom practices. These various rules can be difficult, and failure to comply with them might negatively affect your DUI case. A DUI defense attorney might be the deciding factor 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. You can also schedule a free video conference consultation.

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