DUI Attorney In Southampton

Charged With DUI In The Southampton Area? Contact Attorney Dorward

A DUI stop or arrest can change your life in a single night. You may be worried about your driver’s license, your job, and your record, and you may have no idea what will happen next. In this moment, clear information and steady guidance matter more than anything else.

At The Dorward Law Firm, we focus our work on criminal defense, and that includes representing drivers accused of DUI and related drunk driving offenses in this part of Bucks County. We help you understand what the charge means, what the courts and PennDOT may do, and what can be done to protect your future. Your first consultation is free, and we use that time to listen and explain your options in plain language.

If you have been arrested, you need a Southampton DUI defense lawyer who knows how to challenge blood and breath evidence. At The Dorward Law Firm, we offer a free consultation and flexible payment plans. Contact us at (717) 429-0411 or through our contact form.

Understanding DUI Laws in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, DUI laws are governed by 75 Pa. C.S.A. § 3802. Unlike some states that have a single standard for intoxication, Pennsylvania utilizes a three-tiered approach to impairment. This means the severity of your charge and the resulting penalties are directly tied to your chemical test results.

• General Impairment (.08 to .099% BAC): This tier applies if your BAC is at least .08% but less than .10%. It also applies if you refuse chemical testing or if the state can prove you were "incapable of safe driving" due to alcohol or a controlled substance, regardless of the specific BAC reading.
• High Rate of Alcohol (.10 to .159% BAC): This middle tier carries stiffer penalties, including mandatory jail time for even first-time offenders. It also covers minors driving with a BAC of .02% or higher and commercial drivers with a BAC of .04% or higher.
• Highest Rate of Alcohol (.16% BAC and up) and Controlled Substances: This is the most severe tier. It applies to those with very high BAC levels and individuals accused of driving under the influence of any controlled substance, including prescription medications for which you do not have a valid prescription or illegal drugs.

Our firm meticulously analyzes which tier you have been placed in and whether the evidence supports that classification. As your Southampton DUI defense lawyer, we also look for "de minimis" infractions or jurisdictional issues that could lead to a reduction or dismissal of charges.

Penalties of a DUI Conviction in Southampton

Pennsylvania’s mandatory minimum sentencing laws mean that judges often have little discretion once a conviction is handed down. This makes having a DUI attorney in Southampton essential for plea negotiations or trial. For instance, for a first DUI convictions the penalties may include:

First DUI Conviction

General Impairment DUI

• Criminal Penalty: Ungraded misdemeanor. Probation up to 6 months; typically no mandatory jail
• Fine: ~$300
• License: No automatic suspension
• Other: Alcohol highway safety school and possible treatment; 1-year ignition interlock requirement after conviction.

High-Rate DUI

• Criminal Penalty: Ungraded misdemeanor
• Jail: 48 hours to 6 months
• Fine: $500–$5,000
• License Suspension: 12 months
• Other: Alcohol safety school, treatment, 1-year ignition interlock.

Highest-Rate DUI

• Criminal Penalty: Ungraded misdemeanor
• Jail: 72 hours to 6 months
• Fine: $1,000–$5,000
• License Suspension: 12 months
• Other: School, treatment, and 1-year ignition interlock.

Additional Consequences

• Ignition Interlock: Even for a first offense at the High or Highest rate, you may be required to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle at your own expense for a full year.
• CRN Evaluation: You must undergo a Court Reporting Network (CRN) evaluation to determine if you have a substance abuse problem, which may lead to mandated treatment.
• Permanent Record: A DUI is a criminal offense, not a simple traffic ticket. It will appear on background checks, potentially limiting career advancement and professional licensing.

What To Expect After A DUI Arrest in Southampton

After a DUI arrest in or near Southampton, the process often begins quickly. You may be taken to a local police station or Bucks County facility for processing and chemical testing, then receive paperwork outlining the charges and your next court date. PennDOT may later issue notices affecting your driver’s license, depending on the offense and any prior DUI history.

Your case usually starts with a preliminary hearing at a magisterial district court, followed by later proceedings at the Bucks County courthouse. Important deadlines apply throughout, including those related to license suspensions and eligibility for certain programs. Early legal guidance can help you understand the process, review the evidence, and clarify potential options under Pennsylvania DUI law.

Helpful steps to take after a DUI arrest:

• Keep all paperwork you receive together in a safe place so we can review it.
• Write down your memory of the stop, field tests, and any statements as soon as you can.
• Avoid discussing details of your case on social media or with anyone other than your lawyer.
• Pay attention to any PennDOT mail, since it may relate to license consequences.
• Contact a DUI lawyer promptly so you understand deadlines and choices before you act.

Why Drivers Choose Our DUI Defense

When you start looking for help after a DUI charge, you will see many law offices that handle a wide mix of cases. Our firm is different. We devote our practice to criminal defense work, which includes defending people accused of driving under the influence. That focus allows us to stay current on Pennsylvania DUI law and to give each case careful attention.

Our founding attorney, Shawn Dorward, brings more than a decade of criminal defense experience to every file. Over those years, he has earned recognition such as the Regents Choice Award and has completed DUI related scientific training through respected institutions, including the American Chemical Society.

Clients also choose us because of how we treat them. We do not judge you for how you arrived at this point. Instead, we work to learn your goals, background, and concerns so we can build a strategy that fits you. We explain possible paths, such as diversionary programs or negotiated resolutions when available, along with the risks of each choice.

How We Defend DUI Charges in Southampton

No two DUI cases are exactly the same. That is why we begin by examining every stage of what happened, from the moment an officer first noticed your vehicle to the way any testing and questioning were handled. As your DUI defense attorney in Southampton, we look for issues that may affect the strength of the Commonwealth’s case and for opportunities to seek a better result.

Attorney Shawn Dorward has completed DUI related scientific training, including coursework connected with the American Chemical Society, which informs how we analyze breath and blood test procedures. We review how samples were collected, stored, and tested, and whether equipment and protocols met required standards. When appropriate, we work with qualified expert witnesses to explain scientific issues clearly to the court.

Our approach is rooted in technical training and an exhaustive review of the facts:

• Analyzing Chemical Test Validity: We investigate the maintenance records of the breathalyzer machine (the Intoxilyzer 8000) or the lab procedures used for blood draws. Even small deviations in calibration can make a test result unreliable.
• Challenging Field Sobriety Tests: Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs) are notoriously subjective. Factors like uneven pavement, poor lighting, footwear, or medical conditions can cause a person to "fail" despite being sober.
• Reviewing Video Evidence: We look for inconsistencies between the officer’s written report and what actually happened on the video. If an officer claims you were swerving or slurring your speech, but the video shows otherwise, we use that to destroy the prosecution’s credibility.
• Negotiating for Reduced Charges: Our firm works to get charges dropped to "General Impairment" to avoid license suspensions or to secure alternative sentencing that keeps you out of jail.

Talk To Our DUI Defense Lawyer in Southampton—Call Now

If you were recently charged with driving under the influence in or near Southampton, you do not have to work through this alone. A drunk driving attorney who understands Pennsylvania law and the Bucks County court system can help you see the road ahead more clearly and avoid decisions based on fear or guesswork.

At The Dorward Law Firm, we bring focused criminal defense experience, DUI related scientific training, and local court familiarity to each case. We take the time to understand your concerns, explain what the law says, and discuss strategies aimed at protecting your record, your license, and your future. Your first conversation with us is free and confidential, and it is an opportunity to get clear answers to your questions.

To schedule a free consultation with our DUI attorney in Southampton, call (717) 429-0411 or reach out online now. We are trained in DUI defense and dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome for our clients.