Part 2 of 5-part series, prepared by Peter L. Johnston, Esq., Philadelphia DUI Lawyer
Drinking and driving – or driving under the influence cases – are treated by a sliding scale of penalties. Higher concentrations of alcohol or successive violations lead to more stringent penalties. Driving under the influence convictions, aside from the first-time offenses in which a very small amount of alcohol is present in one’s system, all require at least a 48-hour prison sentence.
These convictions are followed by a suspension of one’s privilege to drive which, in turn, can potentially cripple effects on one’s ability to earn a living. Higher levels of intoxication and multiple offenses lead to longer suspensions. Illegal or unprescribed narcotics present in one’s system can lead to more significant penalties as well, even for first-time offenders. Because of these serious penalties, it is critical that you obtain representation by competent counsel. Since it is a criminal offense, you have the constitutional right to an attorney to represent you.