Bucks County DUI Defense Attorneys | Top Bucks County DUI Lawyers
The shock of a DUI arrest in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, can turn your life upside down overnight. One moment you’re driving home, and the next you’re in handcuffs facing criminal charges. DUI charges are urgent – they carry the threat of immediate license suspension, hefty fines, and even jail time. If you’ve been accused of drunk driving, the clock is already ticking to protect your rights and your future. You need a skilled advocate on your side right away to challenge the case against you and help you navigate the legal minefield ahead.
At The Town Law LLC, we understand what’s at stake when you’re facing a DUI in Bucks County. Our experienced Bucks County DUI defense attorneys have one goal: to protect you from the severe consequences of a DUI charge. We have successfully represented clients across the county – from Doylestown and Bensalem to Levittown, Newtown, and Bristol – providing aggressive, results-driven defense. We know the local courts, we know the prosecutors, and we know how to fight for the best possible outcome for you. When your driver’s license, your record, and your freedom are on the line, The Town Law is ready to help 24/7.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Every DUI case moves quickly, and early intervention can make all the difference. Call our Bucks County DUI lawyers today at (215) 307-5504 for a free consultation. We will review your situation, explain your options – including potential entry into the ARD program for first-time offenders – and start crafting a defense strategy tailored to your case.
Types of DUI Cases We Handle
At The Town Law LLC, we provide comprehensive DUI defense for all types of DUI charges in Bucks County. No matter the circumstances of your arrest or your prior record, our attorneys have the knowledge and experience to handle your case. We regularly defend clients facing:
First-Time DUI Offenses
Being arrested for the first time can be frightening, especially if you have never dealt with the criminal justice system before. Pennsylvania treats even first-offense DUIs seriously, but as a first-time offender you may have options to avoid a conviction. Our lawyers will guide you through first-time DUI procedures, including potential entry into the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program. ARD is a special program for qualifying first offenders that can result in no criminal conviction and an expungement of the DUI charge from your record. We will handle the ARD application process on your behalf, ensuring all requirements are met and deadlines are observed. For first offenses that cannot go through ARD (or if you choose not to), we will fight to minimize penalties – aiming for reduced charges or alternative resolutions that protect your future.
Repeat DUI Offenses
If you have a prior DUI on your record, the stakes are even higher. Pennsylvania imposes increasingly harsh penalties for second, third, or subsequent DUI convictions, including mandatory jail time, longer license suspensions, and even felony charges for certain repeat offenses. Our attorneys are well-versed in defending repeat DUI cases and understand the complexities involved. We will examine your prior case history and the new charges closely, looking for weaknesses in the evidence or procedure that can be used to your advantage. Often in repeat cases, negotiation with prosecutors can be key – for example, seeking to reduce a second-offense DUI to a lesser charge to avoid mandatory jail. We will leverage our experience and relationships within the Bucks County legal system to fight for the best possible outcome, whether that is a reduced charge, an alternative sentencing program like treatment court, or a strong defense at trial.
DUI Charges for Commercial Drivers (CDL Holders)
A DUI arrest is especially devastating for commercial drivers. As a CDL holder, your livelihood depends on your ability to drive, and a DUI can put your commercial license in jeopardy even if you were off-duty in your personal vehicle. In Pennsylvania, commercial drivers are held to a stricter standard – a blood alcohol content of just 0.04% (half the normal legal limit) can result in a DUI charge when operating a commercial vehicle. Additionally, a DUI conviction (even in a personal car) typically leads to a one-year disqualification of your commercial driver’s license, and a second offense can mean a lifetime CDL ban. We understand the urgency of protecting your career. Our Bucks County DUI defense team will aggressively challenge the charges to help you avoid a conviction or the full impact on your CDL. From questioning the traffic stop to scrutinizing breathalyzer maintenance records, we will use every legal tool to defend your driving privileges and keep you on the road.
Underage DUI Charges
Pennsylvania enforces a zero-tolerance policy for underage drinking and driving. If you are under 21 and caught driving with a BAC of 0.02% or higher, you can be charged with DUI as a minor. Underage DUI carries unique consequences, including an automatic license suspension (typically 90 days for a first offense) and potential challenges with college or job opportunities. At The Town Law LLC, we have experience helping young drivers and their families navigate underage DUI charges in Bucks County. Our attorneys approach these cases with an emphasis on protecting the youth’s future – seeking outcomes that minimize the long-term impact, such as entry into programs for young offenders, community service in lieu of jail, or expungement opportunities down the line. We treat underage DUI cases with the sensitivity and seriousness they deserve, working hard to prevent one mistake from derailing a young person’s life.
DUI Refusal (Chemical Test Refusal)
Were you charged with DUI after refusing a breathalyzer or blood test? Pennsylvania’s implied consent law means that refusing a chemical test triggers an automatic license suspension (separate from the criminal DUI case), and your refusal can be used against you in court. DUI refusal cases are treated as if they were in the highest DUI tier in terms of penalties, meaning you face the same consequences as someone with a very high BAC. However, refusal cases also present unique defense opportunities. Our attorneys know how to handle DUI cases involving a refusal: we can challenge whether the traffic stop was lawful, whether the police had proper grounds to request the test, and whether you were properly warned about the consequences of refusing. We will also represent you in the civil license suspension hearing with PennDOT, fighting to get your driving privileges reinstated. If you did refuse testing, it’s crucial to have a knowledgeable DUI lawyer who can navigate both the criminal and license aspects of your case.
Driver’s License Suspension Defense
One of the most critical aspects of any DUI case is protecting your ability to drive. Driver’s license suspension can disrupt your work, education, and family life. Our legal team takes proactive steps to defend your license from day one. In many DUI cases, your Pennsylvania driver’s license isn’t immediately suspended unless and until you are convicted or you enter a program like ARD – but there are exceptions. For instance, if you refused a chemical test or if you are convicted of certain offenses, PennDOT will move to suspend your license. We will guide you on how to possibly secure a limited license (occupational license) or an ignition interlock license so you can continue to drive legally while your case is pending or during a suspension. If you already face a suspension, we can assist in applying for relief or contesting the suspension when grounds exist (for example, appealing an administrative suspension for a refusal within the required timeframe). Our goal is to help you keep your driving privileges intact or get you back on the road as soon as possible.
Pennsylvania DUI Laws and Penalties
Pennsylvania’s DUI laws impose penalties based on both your blood alcohol content (BAC) at the time of arrest and the number of prior DUI offenses on your record. Understanding how these factors work is important for anyone facing charges:
Three Tier BAC System: Pennsylvania uses a tiered approach for DUI charges. The tiers are:
General Impairment: BAC from 0.08% to 0.099% (the lowest DUI level).
High BAC: BAC from 0.10% to 0.159%.
Highest BAC: 0.16% and above, or any DUI involving drugs or a test refusal.
Penalties for First-Offense DUI: If you have no prior DUIs, penalties can range widely depending on your BAC tier. For example, a first offense in the General Impairment tier can result in probation instead of jail, a fine around $300, and no license suspension. However, a first offense in the Highest BAC tier (or a DUI involving drug impairment or refusal) carries at least 72 hours in jail, substantial fines (around $1,000 or more), and a 12-month license suspension. First-time offenders at any tier may be eligible for the ARD program, which can significantly reduce these penalties and avoid a conviction.
Penalties for Multiple DUI Offenses: For repeat offenders, Pennsylvania law imposes increasingly severe consequences. A second DUI offense, even at the lowest BAC tier, will lead to mandatory jail time (at least 5 days for a second offense in the General Impairment tier), higher fines, and a 12-month license suspension. A second offense in the Highest BAC tier requires at least 90 days in jail and an 18-month license suspension. By the time you reach a third DUI offense, certain cases become felony charges in Pennsylvania. For instance, a third offense at the Highest BAC tier is a felony that can result in up to 7 years in prison, extremely high fines, and an 18-month (or longer) suspension. In addition, Pennsylvania mandates an ignition interlock device be installed for one year for drivers returning from a suspension after a second or subsequent DUI conviction.
Additional Factors: Other circumstances can elevate DUI penalties. If there was an accident with injury, if a minor (child) was in the car, or if you were a minor or a commercial driver yourself, there may be added penalties or separate charges. Our attorneys will explain the specific penalties you are facing and develop a plan to either eliminate or reduce those penalties through strategic defense tactics.
Facing these penalties can be frightening, but remember: an arrest is not a conviction. With a knowledgeable DUI defense lawyer, many people are able to get charges reduced or avoid the harshest outcomes. At The Town Law LLC, we examine every aspect of the law and the evidence to give you the strongest defense under Pennsylvania’s DUI statutes.
Consequences of a DUI Conviction in PA
A DUI conviction doesn’t just mean fines or jail time – it can ripple through every part of your life. Here are some of the major real-world consequences of a DUI in Bucks County:
Driver’s License Suspension: Losing your license makes daily life challenging. For a period of several months or more, you may be unable to drive to work, school, or even to run basic errands. Pennsylvania DUI convictions (or refusals) carry mandatory license suspensions, and multiple offenses lead to even longer loss of driving privileges. Even after serving a suspension, you might be required to install an ignition interlock device on your car before you can fully regain your license.
Employment Impact: A DUI on your record can jeopardize your job and future career opportunities. Some employers may terminate or discipline employees over a DUI, especially if your job involves driving or you hold a professional license. Future employers who run background checks will see the conviction. You may also face challenges if you hold a commercial driver’s license, as mentioned, since a DUI can disqualify you from commercial driving for a long period or permanently.
Insurance Rate Increases: After a DUI conviction, you will likely be labeled a high-risk driver by insurance companies. As a result, your auto insurance premiums can skyrocket – sometimes doubling or tripling. In some cases, insurers may even cancel your policy. Over the years, the additional insurance costs alone can amount to thousands of dollars. You might be required to obtain special high-risk insurance filings to reinstate your license, which further adds to the expense.
Criminal Record: Perhaps most damaging in the long term, a DUI conviction means you now have a permanent criminal record. This record is public and can affect many aspects of life beyond driving. A criminal record can impede you from getting certain jobs, obtaining professional licenses, or even renting an apartment. Pennsylvania does not allow DUI convictions to be expunged or sealed under the Clean Slate law in most cases (unless you receive ARD and complete it successfully). That’s why avoiding a conviction is so important – our lawyers strive to keep your record clean, either through ARD or by fighting the charges outright.
These consequences illustrate why it is crucial to take a DUI charge seriously and get qualified legal help. The cost of a DUI goes far beyond the courtroom – it can affect your entire future. Our role as your defense attorneys is not only to help you avoid fines or jail, but also to protect your livelihood, your reputation, and your peace of mind.
How The Town Law LLC Can Help You
When you hire The Town Law LLC for your Bucks County DUI case, you are getting a dedicated legal team that will fight for you every step of the way. We offer comprehensive services aimed at securing the best possible result for your situation. Our DUI defense services include:
ARD Program Guidance: For eligible first-time offenders, we handle the entire process of applying to the Bucks County ARD program. From preparing your application to coordinating with the District Attorney’s Office, we make sure you have the best chance of being accepted into this valuable diversion program that can keep your record clean.
Protecting Your License: We know how essential your ability to drive is. Our attorneys will take immediate action to protect your driver’s license. This includes representing you at any license suspension hearings, filing appeals if appropriate, and petitioning for occupational limited licenses or ignition interlock licenses to keep you on the road legally.
Aggressive Court Representation: We will stand by your side in all court proceedings – from your initial preliminary hearing at the local Magisterial District Court to pre-trial motions and, if necessary, a trial in the Bucks County Court of Common Pleas in Doylestown. Our team will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your arrest (Was the traffic stop legal? Was the breathalyzer properly calibrated? Did the police follow correct procedure?) and will file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss the case whenever possible. In negotiations or in the courtroom, we are tenacious advocates for your rights.
Negotiating with the Bucks County DA: Our lawyers have extensive experience dealing with the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office in DUI cases. We will engage with the prosecutors to seek a favorable outcome – whether that’s a reduction of the charge (for example, from DUI to reckless driving or a lesser offense), entry into the ARD program, or an agreement on minimized penalties. Having an attorney who knows the local Bucks County legal landscape can significantly improve your chances of a positive result.
Personalized Defense Strategies: No two DUI cases are exactly alike. We craft a defense strategy tailored to the specific facts of your case. This might involve challenging the reliability of field sobriety tests, presenting medical explanations for unusual BAC readings, finding witnesses who can support your version of events, or highlighting errors made by law enforcement. Our goal is always the same – to weaken the prosecution’s case and strengthen your position, so that we can either win an acquittal, get the case dismissed, or secure a greatly reduced charge or sentence.
Serving Bucks County Communities
We are proud to be local to the Greater Philadelphia area and to serve clients throughout Bucks County. Our firm is familiar with the Bucks County court system and the nuances of handling DUI cases in this region. Whether you were arrested in the bustling suburbs of Bensalem or Levittown, pulled over on the streets of Doylestown or Newtown, or cited in the neighborhoods of Bristol, The Town Law LLC is ready to help. We have built a strong reputation across Southeast Pennsylvania for defending people just like you. When you choose us, you get a team that understands the local communities, is accessible when you need us, and is deeply committed to protecting our neighbors and fellow residents.
Contact Our Bucks County DUI Defense Attorneys Today
Time is critical when you’re facing a DUI charge. The sooner you have a dedicated attorney working on your behalf, the better your chances of a successful defense. If you or a loved one has been charged with DUI in Bucks County, call The Town Law LLC today at (215) 307-5504 for a free, confidential consultation. We will listen to your story, answer your questions, and give you honest advice about your next steps. Don’t let a DUI charge define your future – with the right legal help, you can fight back and protect your rights. Call (215) 307-5504 now and put one of Bucks County’s top DUI defense teams to work for you. We are ready to stand by your side and guide you through this challenge toward a better tomorrow.