Central Pennsylvania Criminal Defense Legal Blog

One of the most important factors in any DUI traffic stop is that the police must have a reason to make that stop in the first place. A stop can never be random. They must have either reasonable suspicion that they found an intoxicated driver or they must at least have seen that driver break a traffic law. For instance, they could see the driver roll through a red light and then pull them over for that infraction, only making a DUI arrest after they smell alcohol on them when talking and give them a breath test.

What they cannot do is pull people over at a certain time of day or target certain types of drivers, making random stops and looking for those who are intoxicated.

DUIs are serious offenses. The consequences have the potential to follow a convicted person for the rest of his or her life. At the beginning of 2019, Pennsylvania legislators passed new laws that will make the consequences even more severe for DUI offenders. 

All of these new laws come courtesy of Senate Bill 961. Pennsylvania has thousands of DUI cases every year, and the hope of the new laws is to further deter more people from getting behind the wheel while intoxicated. The laws have become stricter in recent months, so anyone thinking of driving while drunk needs to think twice. 

With the holiday season fast upon us, there is no shortage of festivities and cheer. This also means there are more people out and about enjoying the season. Whether you plan to drive yourself and some friends or rely on someone else for transportation, keep in mind that the roads are far more congested and hazardous than usual. Law enforcement is also ramping up its DUI enforcement tactics to reduce the number of drunk drivers and casualties on the streets. 

Many people who end up facing DUI charges receive them without actually being over the legal BAC limit. Even false DUI charges carry serious consequences that may not go away when dropped. A DUI arrest and mug shot can follow and affect you for life. Here are some pointers to help you avoid DUI charges during the holiday season and any time of year. 

Reckless driving is a criminal offense in Pennsylvania, and conviction can have some serious consequences. While many people think of "just a ticket" as not really a big deal, the reality is that you can end up feeling the repercussions for a long time. If you face any type of criminal charges, your best option is to promptly speak with a qualified attorney.

Pennsylvania law generally defines reckless driving as driving a vehicle with deliberate disregard for safety. This sweeping definition can include various kinds of driving behaviors.