Pennsylvania DUI Checkpoints in place for Halloween weekend

Federally funded DUI checkpoints to be in place in Adams, Lancaster and York counties this weekend | PennLive.com:

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Commonwealth v. M.N. (DUI)

Commonwealth v. M.N. (D.U.I. Charges)

Pittsburgh Police Officers were dispatched to the Rivers Casino for a male driving a wrecked vehicle in the Casino Parking Garage. Upon their arrival, Officers were greeted by Rivers Security Supervisor who explained that Valet Parking employees contacted the Security Department to inform them that a male drove a vehicle with heavy damage and no front drivers side tire into the parking garage. After speaking with Security, Officers enter the garage to speak with the male driver. Officers noticed a strong odor of alcohol and asked Client to submit to Field Sobriety Tests. Client refused to do anything until speaking with an attorney. Officers arrested Client for suspected D.U.I. Client was then transported to the Police Station and refused to submit a breath sample. Client was then transported to Allegheny County Jail

Client was charged with:

75§3802§§A1 - Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol

75§3736§§A - Reckless Driving

Following the Preliminary Hearing at Pittsburgh Municipal Court, Attorney Paletta requested that the District Attorney's Office consider Client for admission into the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (A.R.D.) Program.

At the Formal Arraignment, Client was offered admission into the A.R.D. Program.  Client accepted the terms and conditions of A.R.D., which were as follows:  12 months non-reporting probation, Drug & Alcohol evaluation, Safe Driving Classes, and a 60 day license suspension. Client, an individual who resides outside the state of Pennsylvania, was permitted to complete the requirements within his home state. With successful completion of all terms and conditions of the program, all charges Client was charged with are to be expunged. There is no conviction or Guilty Plea to any charges, including the D.U.I.  

Commonwealth v. J.W. (DUI)

Commonwealth v. J.W. (D.U.I. Charges)

Client was pulled over by Coraopolis Police after traveling the wrong direction on Fourth Avenue. According to the Criminal Complaint, Officers noticed a strong odor of alcohol while speaking with Client.  Officers administered Field Sobriety Tests and Client was transported to Sewickley Valley Hospital for blood tests.

Client was charged with:

75§3802§§A1 - Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol  

75§3308§§B - One way roadways and Rotary Traffic Islands

Following the Preliminary Hearing before District Judge Mary P. Murray, Attorney Paletta requested that the District Attorney's Office consider Client for admission into the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (A.R.D.) Program.

At the Formal Arraignment, Client was offered admission into the A.R.D. Program.  Client accepted the terms and conditions of A.R.D., which were as follows:  12 months non-reporting probation, Drug & Alcohol evaluation, Safe Driving Classes, and a 60 day license suspension. With successful completion of all terms and conditions of the program, all charges Client was charged with are to be expunged.  There is no conviction or Guilty Plea to any charges, including the D.U.I.  

Criminal Defense Attorney for College Students

Criminal Defense Attorney for College Students

I am a Pittsburgh Criminal Defense Attorney who represents college students charged with crimes such as DUI, Public Intox., and Possession.

Having worked with many college students and professionals such as Doctors and Nurses who have been charged with crimes which could jeopardize their college education and professional career, I understand how important it is for my clients to receive the best possible outcome available and one that will not damage their record.  For this reason, I work closely with my clients to develop a strategy that will assist in receiving an outcome most favorable to them.

If you are a college student or recent graduate who is just starting your professional career and you have been charged with a crime, don't take the chance of harming your future by proceeding without an Attorney or at least consulting with one first.  Your future is too important; contact me to discuss your situation.

www.pittsburghcriminallawfirm.com

Accuracy of Breathalyzers used in DUI cases an issue for the Supreme Court?

Yet again, we find the topic of "whether Breathalyzers are accurate enough to be used as evidence in DUI cases" in the news. The Superior Court recently overturned a Dauphin County judge's ruling that could have put a huge damper on using breathalyzers in DUI cases. Although the Dauphin County judge's decision only affected Dauphin County cases, it was reported that approximately 20 court cases were dismissed following the ruling.

According to news sources, although the Superior Court has issued this recent ruling to reverse the County judge's decision to allow breath testing in DUI cases, the Defense Attorney won't stop there. It looks like this is an issue to be taken to the Supreme Court.

If you have questions or concerns about the facts of your DUI case and would like discuss this in further, E-Mail or call us now to get started.

www.pittsburghcriminallawfirm.com

Tel:  412.391.7999

Source for Blog & Original Article:

http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2013/09/pa_court_overturns_dauphin_cou.html

Pa. court voids Dauphin County's judge ruling involving breathalyzer accuracy in DUI cases

Rulings by two Dauphin County judges are sharply curbing the use of breathalyzer evidence in county drunken driving cases.

By Matt Miller | mmiller@pennlive.com The Patriot-News

Email the author | Follow on Twitter

on September 05, 2013 at 5:50 PM

The state Superior Court on Thursday overturned a Dauphin County judge's decision in a drunken driving case that legal observers said could have curtailed the use of breathalyzers in such prosecutions....

Full Article Available at:

http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2013/09/pa_court_overturns_dauphin_cou.html