Tips And Tactics For Your Pennsylvania DUI Charge




5 things the District Attorney does not want you to know :

  1. He does not have all the witnesses available to prove his case.
  2. He has exculpatory evidence which would prove your innocence.
  3. You have a right to a jury trial within six months of pleading not guilty.
  4. He has evidentiary problems in proving your blood alcohol level.
  5. He's bluffing.

7 of the facts that must be proved before you can be found guilty:

  1. Your identity
  2. As a driver
  3. Of a motor vehicle
  4. In the state of Pennsylvania, while
  5. Your blood alchohol level was over one of the prescribed limit or
  6. You were substantially incapable of driving driving under the influence) or
  7. You were affected to to slightest degree in your driving ability (driving while ability impaired).

10 questions your attorney must ask you.

  1. What your itinerary was prior to arrest.
  2. Your consumption of alcoholic beverages.
  3. Your observations of the officer.
  4. The officer's stated reasons for stopping you. There are bad stops.
  5. Whether the officer asked or ordered you to take roadside tests.
  6. Your performance on roadside tests.
  7. Statements you made to the officer.
  8. What the results were of any breath or blood tests.
  9. Whether there were witnesses to your arrest.
It is important to hire an experienced attorney.

Free Penn DUI Evaluation

What are the 4 items crucial to your defense?

  1. A good investigation of the facts.
  2. Vigorous cross-examination.
  3. A sound understanding of constitutional principles.
  4. An experienced attorney.

What is the one thing your attorney must do to raise objections based on the Summons and Complaint?

  • Appear in person for your arraignment.

Why a jury trial is advisable, when available:

  • Twelve people have to agree on your guilt instead of one.
  • You have constitutional protections at trial.

What is necessary to get a trial?

  • You automatically have a to a trial and under certain circumstances, you have a right to a trial by jury.

How the arresting officer's testimoney can be impeached:

  1. Inconsistant statements.
  2. Failure to recollect.
  3. Sloppy recording of facts.

5 requirements which must be followed for chemical and roadside tests to be valid:

  1. The officer must have had a reasonable suspicion that you were violating the law.
  2. The officer must have either had probable cause to arrest you or obtain your consent for roadside tests.
  3. The officer must tell you that you have a right to refuse a portable breathalizer test.
  4. The officer must have probable cause before he arrests you and before he requires you to take a chemical test.
  5. The officer must give you your Miranda rights after you are arrested, if he is going to question you.

What are the 2 key pieces of information which must be learned in deciding to go to trial?

  1. An estimation of the weaknesses and strengths of the State's case against you.
  2. The effect of a conviction.

How to determine if you can plea bargain, and at what step you should do it.

  • It's a cost benefit analysis. How much do you have to defend your case?

What effect will this arrest have on my license and when will I be able to drive?

  • If your blood alcohol was over the legal limit or you refused a test, you may not be able to drive at all for six to eighteen months. If you are convicted in Court, you may be faced with a suspension, but under certain circumstances, you may apply for an Occupational Limited License. In addition, if you are licensed in another state, Pennsylvania may not take your license away ­ it may only prohibit you from driving in Penmsylvania.

What 4 preliminary motions may be filed, and the danger to you if they aren't.

  1. Motion to suppress evidence on the ground that you were unconstitutionally stopped.
  2. Motion to suppress evidence on the grounds that there was an unconstitutional search and seizure.
  3. Motion to suppress statements on failure to give Miranda rights.
  4. Motion for Discovery of all evidence.

If these motions are not filed, your case may not be dismissed when it should have been. You may not be told about evidence which would prove your innocence.

7 defense tactics in pre-trial motions:

  1. Contest the constitutionality of the stop.
  2. Contest the constitutionality of the administration of roadside tests.
  3. Contest the constitutionality of the probable cause to arrest.
  4. Contest the constitutionality of the Miranda rights.
  5. Contest the manner in which roadside tests were given
  6. Contest the use of a Portable Breath Testor.
  7. Contest the constitutionality of any search and seizure.


© 2000 BLS
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