Drug DUI Attorney in Harrisburg

Facing a Drug DUI Charge in Harrisburg? Your Future is Too Important to Risk

Navigating a drug intoxication charge in Harrisburg is daunting, especially as local enforcement continues to focus on impaired driving. At The Dorward Law Firm, we offer much more than legal knowledge. With over a decade of criminal defense work in Central Pennsylvania—and a focus on driving under the influence laws—our team is committed to delivering hands-on support and credible, detail-driven defense for every client. 

Our lead attorney, Shawn Dorward, carries nationally recognized credentials and an unwavering dedication to defending your rights. When you need a drug DUI attorney in Harrisburg, we stand beside you from start to finish. Working directly with us, you’ll get ongoing updates, straight answers, and a genuine partner who is as invested in your future as you are.

If you or a loved one are facing drug DUI charges in Pennsylvania, you need to act now. We offer free consultations and are available 24/7 to begin building your defense. Call The Dorward Law Firm at (717) 429-0411 or reach out online today and let us start fighting for your freedom.

Understanding Pennsylvania Drug DUI Laws

In Pennsylvania, it is illegal to drive, operate, or be in actual physical control of a vehicle if you are under the influence of drugs to a degree that impairs your ability to safely drive. The law on drug DUIs is found in Pennsylvania Vehicle Code § 3802(d) and is far more complex than the state's alcohol-related DUI statutes. 

The statute outlines several ways a prosecutor can charge a drug DUI:

• "Per Se" Offense: This is when you have any amount of a Schedule I controlled substance in your blood. This is a very strict rule, as it does not require the prosecution to prove that you were impaired. The presence of even a metabolite of the drug is enough for a conviction. Common Schedule I drugs include heroin, LSD, and marijuana.
• Prescription Drug Offense: It is also a crime to drive with any amount of a Schedule II or III controlled substance in your blood unless it was medically prescribed for you. However, you can still be charged with a DUI even if you have a valid prescription if the drug impairs your ability to drive safely.
• Impairment Offense: This is when you are under the influence of any drug or a combination of drugs and/or alcohol to a degree that impairs your ability to safely drive. This is often based on the arresting officer's subjective observations, such as slurred speech, poor performance on field sobriety tests, or erratic driving. This is where a talented Harrisburg drug DUI lawyer can make a significant difference.

Unlike alcohol DUIs, which are often proven with a breathalyzer, a drug DUI attorney in Harrisburg knows that a blood test is almost always required to prove the presence of drugs in your system. While you can refuse this test, it comes with a significant penalty: an automatic one-year license suspension and a placement into the highest tier of penalties.

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of a Drug DUI Conviction

A conviction for a drug DUI carries the same severe penalties as a high-tier alcohol DUI. These penalties can have a devastating and long-lasting impact on your life.

• Jail Time: Even for a first offense, a drug DUI conviction can result in a mandatory minimum of 72 hours in jail and a potential sentence of up to six months. Repeat offenses carry even longer sentences, with a third offense resulting in a felony charge and a mandatory minimum of one year in prison.
• License Suspension: A conviction will result in an automatic license suspension, typically for 12 to 18 months, depending on your offense history.
• Fines: You can face fines of up to $5,000 for a first offense.
• Additional Requirements: You will likely be required to attend an Alcohol Highway Safety School and undergo a drug and alcohol assessment.
• Ignition Interlock Device (IID): For second and subsequent offenses, you will be required to install an IID in your vehicle for a year. You will be responsible for all costs associated with this device.

The collateral consequences of a conviction are just as severe and can include:

• Permanent Criminal Record: A criminal record can make it difficult to find a job, secure housing, or get a loan.
• Increased Insurance Rates: Your auto insurance premiums will skyrocket, and you may be required to obtain expensive SR-22 high-risk insurance.
• Travel Restrictions: A DUI conviction can lead to restrictions on international travel, especially to countries like Canada.

This is why having an aggressive and knowledgeable drug DUI attorney in Harrisburg is so important. We will fight to protect you from these severe consequences.

The Pennsylvania Criminal Defense Process for DUI Charges

Navigating the Pennsylvania criminal justice system is a complex and intimidating process. Our firm will be with you every step of the way, ensuring you are protected and well-informed.

1. Traffic Stop and Arrest: The process begins with a traffic stop. The officer will conduct field sobriety tests and, upon suspicion of a drug DUI, will request a blood test.
2. Preliminary Arraignment and Bail Hearing: Within 72 hours of your arrest, you will be brought before a judge to be informed of your charges and have your bail set. We will be there to argue for a reasonable bail amount.
3. Preliminary Hearing: The prosecution must present evidence to a judge to prove there is probable cause to proceed with the charges. This is a crucial stage where a Harrisburg drug DUI lawyer can challenge the evidence and potentially get the case dismissed.
4. Formal Arraignment: This is your first court appearance in the Court of Common Pleas where you will enter a formal plea.
5. Discovery and Pre-Trial Motions: We will conduct a thorough investigation and review all evidence, including police reports, lab results, and video footage. We will file motions to suppress any illegally obtained evidence.
6. Plea Negotiations: We will negotiate with the prosecutor to explore a favorable plea deal, which could include a reduction of the charges.
7. Trial: If a satisfactory resolution cannot be reached, we are ready to take your case to trial and fight for a "not guilty" verdict.

Our Comprehensive Approach to Drug DUI Defense

Our defense strategies are tailored to the specific facts of your case. We understand the unique challenges of a drug DUI and will use our experience to build the strongest possible defense.

Our approach includes:

• Challenging Probable Cause: We will question whether the officer had a legal reason to stop your vehicle in the first place.
• Attacking the Field Sobriety Tests: We will argue that the tests were improperly administered, that the conditions were not suitable for the tests, or that your performance was affected by other factors.
• Challenging the Blood Test: We will scrutinize the entire process of the blood test, from the legality of the warrant to the chain of custody and the accuracy of the lab results. A skilled drug DUI attorney in Harrisburg knows that a small error can be a powerful defense.
• Presenting a Medical Defense: We can present evidence that your symptoms were caused by a medical condition or that the drug was medically prescribed and did not cause impairment.

Choosing Us As Your Drug DUI Lawyer in Harrisburg

Your choice of legal representation can impact every aspect of your case. 

Here’s what makes us stand out when you need a drug DUI attorney in Harrisburg:

• Leverage advanced DUI certifications: Shawn Dorward’s certifications from the American Chemical Society empower our team to examine and challenge toxicology evidence in detail.
• Provide personalized defense strategies: We take the time to understand your specific circumstances—from arrest details to medical history—and use that knowledge to build a strategic plan for your defense.
• Prioritize personal attention: You’ll work directly with our team. We maintain open, respectful communication throughout your case and answer your questions honestly.
• Simplify the legal process: We break down legal language and procedures so you know what to expect and can make informed decisions at every turn.
• Utilize strong local relationships: Our connections with local legal professionals and access to expert witnesses allow us to move quickly and advocate powerfully in Harrisburg courts.

We know that appearing in Dauphin County courts or facing criminal charges for the first time is intimidating. At The Dorward Law Firm, we relieve your stress by guiding you through every detail, handling communications, and aggressively protecting your interests. 

Our team collaborates with forensic toxicologists, local professionals, and respected community resources to make sure your defense is comprehensive. From exploring alternatives such as Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) to seeking lesser penalties or dismissals, our approach is both thorough and creative. 

Take The First Step Toward Clarity & Confidence

If you are looking for a drug DUI attorney in Harrisburg, do not navigate the legal system alone. Contact The Dorward Law Firm for a free, confidential consultation. We review your situation, provide actionable guidance, and outline exactly what to expect—helping you face your legal situation with clear direction and a renewed sense of assurance. 

The first step toward protecting your future starts with a conversation. Call (717) 429-0411 to connect directly to a seasoned team who combines recognized legal knowledge with genuine care for your future.