In Pittsburgh, driving under the influence of alcohol can result in a DUI. One way to end up with a DUI charge is by registering a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 percent or higher. This results in an automatic DUI charge without further proof.
The second way to face a DUI charge is if you appear impaired despite the fact that your BAC isn’t over the limit. For instance, your BAC might be .05 percent, but if you cannot stand or speak clearly, the officer may believe you are too intoxicated to drive.
For commercial drivers, the law is much stricter. You cannot have a BAC over .04 percent and be behind the wheel. If you are caught with a BAC over .04 percent, then you could lose your commercial driver’s license and your job.
What can you do if you’re charged with a DUI?
If you are charged with a DUI, it’s prudent to take steps to fight the charges, even if you might be guilty. The authorities have to follow certain procedures to obtain a conviction, so your Pittsburgh criminal defense attorney will make sure that your rights have not been violated in any way. If they have, the evidence collected against you may be unable to be used by the prosecution. Your case could potentially get tossed out of court.
Whether this is your first DUI or you’ve had many in the past, it’s a good idea to have a firm defense against the allegations. Your freedoms are on the line. Our site has more on what to do next.
