Possible Outcomes of a DUI Case in Pennsylvania

If you are facing a DUI charge in Pennsylvania, it is critical to make sure you are aware of your available options. It is equally important to ensure you are aware of all of the potential outcomes of your case. While “Guilty” and “Not guilty” verdicts are two possible consequences, these are not the only ways your case could end. Pennsylvania DUI lawyer Brian C. Jordan explains:

5 Potential Outcomes of a DUI Case in Pennsylvania

Generally speaking, a DUI case can go one of five different ways. However, to secure any outcome other than a “Guilty” verdict, you must be proactive about your defense. If you do nothing, you will almost certainly get convicted—and not only that, but the judge will have little choice but to impose the prosecution’s recommended sentence.

Before we go over the five potential outcomes of a DUI case in Pennsylvania, it is essential to emphasize that these are not all possibilities in all cases. For example, as discussed below, not all DUI defendants qualify for pretrial diversion. To find out what options you have in your case, you will need to consult with an experienced Pennsylvania DUI defense lawyer.

Keeping this in mind, the potential outcomes of a DUI case in Pennsylvania are:

1. DUI Conviction

Of course, one potential outcome is that you can get convicted of DUI at trial. Regardless of the facts of your case, this is a genuine possibility. Even if you weren’t under the influence behind the wheel, you would still need to defend yourself successfully to avoid the life-altering consequences of a conviction.

If you get convicted of DUI at trial, the judge will sentence you following Pennsylvania law. As we have previously discussed, the potential penalties in Pennsylvania DUI cases depend on the specific charge (or charges) involved. This includes not only your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) but also whether you caused an accident, whether you had a minor in your vehicle, and various other factors.

2. “Not Guilty” Verdict at Trial

Just as you can face a “Guilty” verdict even if you are innocent, you may also be able to secure a “Not guilty” verdict even if you were driving drunk. While there are no guarantees, there are a variety of DUI defenses you may be able to assert even if you were under the influence at the time of your arrest.

To secure a conviction, prosecutors must meet their burden of proof. This means you can avoid a conviction by showing that prosecutors can’t prove your guilt with the available evidence. If the prosecution’s evidence is insufficient, unreliable, or inadmissible in court, then fighting for a “Not guilty” verdict at trial could be your best option.

3. Dismissal Before Trial

Another possibility is to have your DUI charge dismissed before trial. Dismissal is warranted in a variety of circumstances, including when it is clear that prosecutors don’t have the evidence they need to secure a conviction. When you hire an experienced Pennsylvania DUI lawyer to represent you, your lawyer will carefully evaluate your case’s facts and circumstances. Then, he or she will explain whether dismissal before trial is a realistic possibility.

4. Plea Bargain

A fourth option is to resolve your DUI case through a plea bargain. When you accept a plea bargain, you typically end up with a DUI on your record. But, this approach can be preferable to taking your chances in court for a couple of key reasons:

• If a conviction at trial is likely, negotiating a plea bargain will reduce the costs of your defense and
• When you negotiate a plea bargain, the negotiation aspect means you won’t face the maximum potential penalties for your DUI.

In some cases, negotiating a favorable plea bargain can substantially reduce the consequences of a DUI arrest. Here, too, your lawyer can help you make an informed decision, and if you decide to seek a plea bargain, your lawyer can negotiate with the prosecutor’s office on your behalf.

5. Pretrial Diversion

The final option for resolving a DUI case is what is known as “pretrial diversion.” If you qualify, you can enter into Pennsylvania’s Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program, and if you complete the program successfully, your DUI charge will be dismissed.

As mentioned above, not all DUI defendants are eligible, so you will want to discuss your eligibility with your lawyer. Additionally, while this can be the best option in some cases, you should not ignore the possibility of getting your DUI dismissed without incurring the costs and time commitment of the ARD program.

Minimizing the Consequences of a DUI Arrest in Pennsylvania

With these potential outcomes in mind, what can you do to minimize the consequences of your DUI arrest in Pennsylvania? To give yourself the best chance of securing a favorable outcome, you should take steps including (but not limited to):

• Take detailed notes about your arrest. The more information you can provide your lawyer, the easier it will be for your lawyer to evaluate your options.
• Exercise your right to remain silent. When you have a DUI charge pending in Pennsylvania, you should not talk to the police unless your lawyer advises otherwise.
• Stay out of trouble. If you get arrested again while a DUI charge is pending, the risks you face will substantially increase.
• Make sure you know your court date. If you miss the first court date in your DUI case, you could also be exposed to additional penalties.
• Talk to a Pennsylvania DUI lawyer promptly. To ensure that you are making intelligent decisions with your long-term best interests in mind, you will need an experienced lawyer.

Discuss Your Case with Pennsylvania DUI Lawyer Brian C. Jordan for Free

If you face a DUI charge in Pennsylvania, we encourage you to contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation. To confidently discuss your case with Pennsylvania DUI lawyer Brian C. Jordan, call 570-764-4114 or request an appointment online now.