DUI / DWI

If you’ve been accused of Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) or Driving Under the Influence (DUI), you are probably aware that you are facing serious charges. Each violation is essentially the same thing – drunk driving – with the main difference being whether you’ve been charged in New Jersey (DWI) or Pennsylvania (DUI).

A DUI/DWI charge must be handled with the utmost care. Whether this is your first offense or your second, and whether the offense was combined with being involved in an accident, it is essential that you have the guidance of an experienced DUI/DWI attorney to ensure that you are getting the best representation possible. At Reinherz & Reinherz, we have the knowledge you need to get you the best possible outcome.

DUI/DWI Charges

The penalties that are imposed for Driving Under the Influence in Philadelphia are very stiff: drivers charged for the first time who are found with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of between .10 and .159 face a minimum of 48 hours in jail – and serve 72 hours if they refuse to take the test. Second-time offenders face 60 days in jail, minimum. In all cases defendants may face the possibility of costly fines, loss of driver’s license, taking driver’s education classes or having to serve community service time. Having a strong team representing you is essential to minimize the impact on your life.

Defending Against the Charges

There are a number of defenses available to those who have been charged with DUI/DWI, including challenging the legitimacy of the stop itself, challenging the breathalyzer test if it was used, and suppressing any evidence that might have been gathered illegally or inappropriately, including any statements that you may have made at the time that you were pulled over.  These tactics are often quite successful and result in charges being dismissed or reduced.

Relentless Pursuit of Justice

At Reinherz & Reinherz, we are well aware that police officers are under tremendous pressure to arrest DUI/DWI violators, and that both they and prosecutors are sometimes over-zealous in their pursuit.  We vigorously defend our clients and work hard to ensure that charges are dismissed or reduced so that they can go on with their lives. We have successfully defended many DUI/DWI clients while treating them with the utmost respect and dignity.