Challenges to DUI convictions increasingly test the boundaries of what constitutes a vehicle, impairment, and sufficient proof of unsafe operation. Courts are often asked to decide whether observations of erratic behavior and intoxication, without chemical testing or standardized sobriety evaluations, can support a conviction beyond a reasonable doubt. In a…
Challenges to DUI convictions frequently involve disputes over the legality of traffic stops, the reliability of police testimony, and whether later discovered information undermines a conviction. In a recent Pennsylvania decision, the court addressed whether evidence of an arresting trooper’s alleged misconduct in unrelated cases justified a new trial based…
Challenges to DUI convictions often turn on disputes about when a defendant consumed alcohol and whether the Commonwealth presented sufficient evidence to prove impairment at the time of driving. A recent decision demonstrates how Pennsylvania courts evaluate these arguments and how review focuses on the adequacy of proof rather than…
In Pennsylvania, the law governing sentencing for driving under the influence (DUI) has undergone significant scrutiny in recent years, particularly concerning whether prior participation in the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program can be treated as a “prior offense” for enhanced sentencing. A recent decision by a Pennsylvania court reaffirms that,…
In Pennsylvania, the definition of “vehicle” under the DUI statute is broadly construed, encompassing more than just traditional automobiles. A recent decision by a Pennsylvania court reaffirmed that bicycles, including motorized variants, fall within the statutory framework for driving under the influence. If you are facing DUI charges, even in…
In Pennsylvania, a conviction for driving under the influence (DUI) of a controlled substance does not require proof of the identity of the drug, chemical testing, or the presence of paraphernalia. A recent decision by a Pennsylvania court demonstrates this principle, affirming a DUI conviction based solely on officers’ observations,…
In Pennsylvania, a DUI conviction does not necessarily require blood alcohol testing or field sobriety results. Rather, courts are permitted to consider circumstantial evidence, including a defendant’s behavior, appearance, and manner of driving, to determine whether the individual was incapable of safe operation due to alcohol consumption. A recent decision…
In Pennsylvania, driving with a license suspended due to a DUI conviction carries serious consequences, including mandatory sentencing provisions and enhanced penalties for repeat offenses. When a defendant enters a guilty plea to such a charge, the law provides a structured framework for evaluating whether the plea was made knowingly…
In Pennsylvania, DUI charges can escalate quickly when accompanied by other alleged criminal conduct or a history of prior offenses. When a defendant attempts to flee from law enforcement or has multiple DUI convictions, prosecutors often pursue enhanced penalties and mandatory sentencing provisions. A recent Pennsylvania DUI decision demonstrates how…
In Pennsylvania DUI cases, constitutional protections against unlawful search and seizure play a critical role when chemical testing is involved. However, when blood is drawn by medical personnel for treatment rather than at the direction of law enforcement, Fourth Amendment protections may not apply. A recent Pennsylvania decision illustrates this…