Manchester and Associates

Pennsylvania Criminal & DUI Defense

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What do I do if I was charged with DUI?

What You Should Do After Being Charged with DUI

After you have been pulled over and charged with DUI, it is more than likely that several questions and concerns are going through your head. At Manchester & Associates, we commonly get the following questions:

  • Am I going to lose my license?
  • What do I do now?
  • Do I tell my insurance company?
  • Am I going to jail?

Thus, we thought it would be helpful to post this list outlining the first things you should do after being accused of DUI.

First – Lock Down Social Media

First, make sure that all of your social media profiles (such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram) are set to Private mode. Once on Private mode, do not accept any friend or follow requests from people you do not know. One of the most common ways for law enforcement to gather evidence today is to check your social media sites. Anything on those sites can and will be used against you, even if you don’t think that there is anything on your profile that would be considered evidence.

Keep in mind, the prosecution can take pictures and other postings from these profiles and attempt to present them to a jury out of context in a way that will damage your reputation and possibly convict you of a DUI charge. There is no reason to leave it to chance.

Second – Write Everything Down

Anything you remember from the traffic stop should be written down, no matter how insignificant you may think it is. Your memory will fade over time, and a small detail may be the difference between being found guilty or innocent of DUI. Things to write down include:

  • When and where you were stopped
  • Why the officer told you he was pulling you over
  • What the officer told you about taking a BAC test
  • What kind of BAC test did the officer give you
Third – Gather Witnesses

Third, talk to your friends, family, or anyone else who may have seen you right before, during, or after the traffic stop. All of these people are potential witnesses that may testify for you in court. Your attorney can take statements from each of them, as well as call them as witnesses, in an effort to show you were not intoxicated. This leads to the next step.

Finally – Stay Calm

Finally, stay calm. We know this may be a difficult and scary time for you. It is natural to want to obsess over the case. However, you should let an attorney like Brian Manchester handle the details that are necessary to properly fight for you. Brian will maintain a good line of communication with you to keep you in the loop about your case, and lift the burden off of you while you continue to live your normal life. For a free consultation we can be contacted at 1-800-243-4878.

Contact Brian Manchester at Manchester & Associates

Brian Manchester has extensive training in DUI defense and is even a member of the National College for DUI Defense, the American Chemical Society, and the Society of Forensic Toxicologists. Brian Manchester also regularly attends seminars that specifically focus on DUI defenses, and he was also the Educational Chairman for the Pennsylvania Association of Drunk Driving Defense Attorneys. As you can tell, Brian Manchester is an expert when it comes to defending clients from DUI charges, and he has been doing such for 18 years.

Filed Under: DUI

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Loss of Child Custody

A Criminal Conviction Can Cause Loss Of Child Custody

Unfortunately, it is true. A criminal conviction can be used against you in a custody dispute. There is even a statute that covers this. Below is that statute.

  • 5329.  Consideration of criminal conviction.

(a)  Offenses.–Where a party seeks any form of custody, the court shall consider whether that party or member of that party’s household has been convicted of or has pleaded guilty or no contest to any of the offenses in this section or an offense in another jurisdiction substantially equivalent to any of the offenses in this section. The court shall consider such conduct and determine that the party does not pose a threat of harm to the child before making any order of custody to that party when considering the following offenses:

18 Pa.C.S. Ch. 25 (relating to criminal homicide).

18 Pa.C.S. § 2702 (relating to aggravated assault).

18 Pa.C.S. § 2706 (relating to terroristic threats).

18 Pa.C.S. § 2709.1 (relating to stalking).

18 Pa.C.S. § 2901 (relating to kidnapping).

18 Pa.C.S. § 2902 (relating to unlawful restraint).

18 Pa.C.S. § 2903 (relating to false imprisonment).

18 Pa.C.S. § 2910 (relating to luring a child into a motor vehicle or structure).

18 Pa.C.S. § 3121 (relating to rape).

18 Pa.C.S. § 3122.1 (relating to statutory sexual assault).

18 Pa.C.S. § 3123 (relating to involuntary deviate sexual intercourse).

18 Pa.C.S. § 3124.1 (relating to sexual assault).

18 Pa.C.S. § 3125 (relating to aggravated indecent assault).

18 Pa.C.S. § 3126 (relating to indecent assault).

18 Pa.C.S. § 3127 (relating to indecent exposure).

18 Pa.C.S. § 3129 (relating to sexual intercourse with animal).

18 Pa.C.S. § 3130 (relating to conduct relating to sex offenders).

18 Pa.C.S. § 3301 (relating to arson and related offenses).

18 Pa.C.S. § 4302 (relating to incest).

18 Pa.C.S. § 4303 (relating to concealing death of child).

18 Pa.C.S. § 4304 (relating to endangering welfare of children).

18 Pa.C.S. § 4305 (relating to dealing in infant children).

18 Pa.C.S. § 5902(b) (relating to prostitution and related offenses).

18 Pa.C.S. § 5903(c) or (d) (relating to obscene and other sexual materials and performances).

18 Pa.C.S. § 6301 (relating to corruption of minors).

18 Pa.C.S. § 6312 (relating to sexual abuse of children).

18 Pa.C.S. § 6318 (relating to unlawful contact with minor).

18 Pa.C.S. § 6320 (relating to sexual exploitation of children).

Section 6114 (relating to contempt for violation of order or agreement).

The former 75 Pa.C.S. § 3731 (relating to driving under influence of alcohol or controlled substance).

75 Pa.C.S. Ch. 38 (relating to driving after imbibing alcohol or utilizing drugs).

Section 13(a)(1) of the act of April 14, 1972 (P.L.233, No.64), known as The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act, to the extent that it prohibits the manufacture, sale or delivery, holding, offering for sale or possession of any controlled substance or other drug or device.

(b)  Parent convicted of murder.–No court shall award custody, partial custody or supervised physical custody to a parent who has been convicted of murder under 18 Pa.C.S. § 2502(a) (relating to murder) of the other parent of the child who is the subject of the order unless the child is of suitable age and consents to the order.

(b.1)  Parent convicted of certain sexual offenses.–

(1)  Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter to the contrary and subject to paragraph (2), if a parent who is a victim of any of the offenses set forth in this paragraph objects, no court shall award any type of custody set forth in section 5323 (relating to award of custody) to the other parent of a child conceived as a result of any of the following offenses for which the other parent has been convicted:

18 Pa.C.S. § 3121.

18 Pa.C.S. § 3122.1.

18 Pa.C.S. § 3124.1, where the offense involved sexual intercourse.

18 Pa.C.S. § 3124.2 (relating to institutional sexual assault), where the offense involved sexual intercourse.

18 Pa.C.S. § 4302.

(2)  A court may award any type of custody set forth in section 5323 to a parent who has been convicted of an offense under paragraph (1) if:

(i)  the parent who is a victim had an opportunity to address the court;

(ii)  the child is of suitable age and consents to the custody order; and

(iii)  the court determines the award is in the best interest of the child.

(3)  Paternity of the child shall be established by voluntary acknowledgment of paternity or blood, genetic or other paternity testing acceptable to the court. The cost of the testing shall be borne by the parent who was convicted of the offense.

(c)  Initial evaluation.–At the initial in-person contact with the court, the judge, conference officer or other appointed individual shall perform an initial evaluation to determine whether the party or household member who committed an offense under subsection (a) poses a threat to the child and whether counseling is necessary. The initial evaluation shall not be conducted by a mental health professional. After the initial evaluation, the court may order further evaluation or counseling by a mental health professional if the court determines it is necessary.

(d)  Counseling.–

(1)  Where the court determines under subsection (c) that counseling is necessary, it shall appoint a qualified professional specializing in treatment relating to the particular offense to provide counseling to the offending individual.

(2)  Counseling may include a program of treatment or individual therapy designed to rehabilitate the offending individual which addresses, but is not limited to, issues regarding physical and sexual abuse, the psychology of the offender and the effects of the offense on the victim.

(e)  Subsequent evaluation.–

(1)  At any time during or subsequent to the counseling under subsection (d), the court may require another evaluation to determine whether further counseling is necessary.

(2)  If the court awards custody to a party who committed an offense under subsection (a) or who shares a household with an individual who committed an offense under subsection (a), the court may require subsequent evaluations on the rehabilitation of the offending individual and the well-being of the child subsequent to the order. If, upon review of a subsequent evaluation, the court determines that the offending individual poses a threat of physical, emotional or psychological harm to the child, the court may schedule a hearing to modify the custody order.

(f)  Costs.–The court may order a party to pay all or part of the costs of the counseling and evaluations under this section.

(Apr. 12, 2012, P.L.241, No.32, eff. 60 days; Oct. 1, 2015, P.L.172, No.40, eff. 60 days; May 4, 2018, P.L.112, No.21, eff. 60 days)

 

2018 Amendment.  Act 21 amended subsec. (a) intro. par.

2015 Amendment.  Act 40 added subsec. (b.1). Section 3 of Act 40 provided that subsec. (b.1) shall apply to any action regarding custody of a child under Chapter 43 or 53 that is filed on or after the effective date of section 3.

2012 Amendment.  Act 32 amended subsec. (c).

Cross References.  Section 5329 is referred to in section 5330 of this title; section 1904 of Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure).

 

It is extremely important to contact an experienced law firm right away if you or someone you know is charged with a crime in Pennsylvania.The possibility of a criminal conviction is bad enough but the loss of your children is a serious and life altering consequence all by itself.  If you, your son, daughter, or loved one in Pennsylvania has been arrested for a crime in state or federal court in Pennsylvania you need legal representation   Here at Manchester and Associates we represent people across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. For a free consultation we can be contacted at 1-800-243-4878.

 

 

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Juvenile Justice System – Part 2: Child Delinquent Acts

This week we will discuss what to expect if your child is alleged to have committed a delinquent act.

The first issue you may encounter is if your child is detained.  A child may be placed in detention, prior to a formal adjudication of delinquency, where the detention is required “to protect the person or property of others or of the child or because the child may abscond or be removed from the jurisdiction of the court or because he has no parent, guardian or custodian or other person able to provide supervision and care for him and return him to the court when required or an order for his detention…. has been made by the court…”[1]

In essence a child may be detained prior to a finding of delinquency when the child is a danger to himself or others, where the child may run away from home, or where there is not a suitable adult to supervise the child while the delinquency process proceeds.  If a child is detained the court must hold a detention hearing within 72 hours to determine if the detention is proper and whether the detention should continue.[2]  During the detention hearing, the court will also determine if there is probable cause to believe that the child committed a delinquent act.[3]

In some jurisdiction this hearing may be held before a “master” rather than before a juvenile court Judge.  A “master” is an attorney who is assigned to hear certain matters in lieu of a Judge.[4]  A party may object to a matter being heard by a master and request a hearing before a Judge.[5]  However, that may delay the proceedings.  At the conclusion of the detention hearing, the court may order that the detention continue pending an adjudication hearing or may release the child to the custody of a parent or guardian pending the adjudication hearing.

The next step in the process is an adjudication hearing.  The timing for scheduling an adjudication hearing depends on whether the child is detained.  If the child is detained an adjudication hearing is to be scheduled within 10 days of the filing of the petition.  If the child is not detained the adjudication hearing is to be scheduled within a reasonable time.[6]  As a practical matter, most courts attempt to schedule an adjudication hearing as soon as possible regardless of whether the child is detained or not.  Counsel for either side may request a continuance if they are not ready to proceed to a full adjudication hearing on the scheduled date.  At the adjudication hearing the burden is on the Commonwealth to prove to the court, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the child committed a delinquent act and that the child is in need of treatment, supervision, or rehabilitation.[7]  A child may elect to forgo a full adjudication hearing and enter an admission to all or some of the allegations.[8]    Following an adjudication hearing or an admission, the court will enter an order formally finding the child to be delinquent or not delinquent.

If the child is found delinquent the next step in the process is a dispositional hearing. [9]  The purpose of this hearing is to determine how to provide balanced attention to the protection of the community, the imposition of accountability for offenses committed and the development of competencies to enable the child to become a responsible and productive member of the community.[10]  In order to aid the court in fashioning an appropriate order the court may order a social case study to be prepared or may order the child to undergo a health, psychological, psychiatric, drug and alcohol, or any other examination it deems appropriate to aid the court. [11]  A dispositional hearing is to be held within 20 days of the finding of delinquency if the child is detained.  If the child is not detained the dispositional hearing is to be held within 60 days of the finding of delinquency.[12]

Next week I will discuss the possible dispositions that a child may face if they have been adjudicated delinquent.

*Information contained in this blog does not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney client relationship.  You should always obtain counsel to address the specific circumstances in your case.

 

[1] 42 Pa.C.S.A. § 6325

[2] Pa.R.J.C.P. 240

[3] 42 Pa.C.S.A. § 6332

[4] 42 Pa.C.S.A. § 6305

[5] 42 Pa.C.S.A. § 6305

[6] Pa.R.J.C.P. 404

[7] In the Interest of N.C., 171 A.3d 275 (Pa.Super. 2017)

[8] Pa.R.J.C.P. 407

[9] Pa.R.J.C.P. 512

[10] 42 Pa.C.S.A. § 6352

[11] Pa.R.J.C.P. 513

[12] Pa.R.J.C.P. 510

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Marijuana DUI: The Modified Romberg Balance Test

If you asked Dr. Moritz Heinrich Romberg him what his legacy would be while he was on his death bed in 1873, we doubt he would say field sobriety testing for drug and marijuana DUIs. Nevertheless, (former) neurologist Dr. Romberg is now the namesake standardized field sobriety test used to detect the presence of drugs: the “Modified Romberg Balance Test.”

You’re Nervous and Sober? To the Police, You’re High on Drugs

The Modified Romberg Balance Test begins with the officer instructing the subject to tilt his or her head back slightly, close his or her eyes, and estimate 30 seconds. When he or she believes 30 seconds has gone by, the subject is supposed to tilt his or her head forward, open his or her eyes, and say “stop.”

The goal of the Modified Romberg Balance Test is to check the subject’s internal clock and balance while looking for eye or body tremors. If you say stop anywhere between 25-35 seconds you are off to a good start, as anywhere between 25 and 35 seconds is considered normal for purposes of estimating 30 seconds.

The Modified Romberg Balance Test is a divided attention test, which means you are concentrating on more than one thing at a time, all while the officer is just waiting for you to make a mistake. For example, something as small as you estimating 30 seconds then opening your eyes and saying “30” or “done,” instead of “stop,” will be noted as an indicator of impairment by the officer.

This Test Can Be Attacked By An Attorney

However, the Modified Romberg Balance Test can be attacked in various ways by an experienced attorney. For example, it is being given by an officer looking for anything and everything to note as an indicator of impairment. A doctor administering the test does not do so with the hope that the subject will make mistakes.

Second, you are nervous, you’ve never taken the test, nor have you ever practiced the test. In addition, a major issue defense attorneys have with tremors is that officers believe they can tell the difference from nerves and drug-induced tremors. However, it is not common for a person high on marijuana to visibly shake. Also, officers claim that tremors do come and go like nerves that make you shake do. An experienced defense attorney like Brian Manchester can show that if you were nervous, your nerves aren’t going to go away by an officer making you take these field sobriety tests.

Mistakes On Test Do Not Indicate Impairment

A crucial point on the Modified Romberg Balance Test: unlike other sobriety tests, there are no clues or indicators that have been validated. This means that the officers, prosecutors, courts, juries, defense attorneys, etc., do not have the research or data to prove that specific clues under the test are statistically reliable indicators of impairment. That research is available only for Horizontal Gaze, Nystagmus, Walk and Turn and One Leg Stand. In other words, if you make mistakes on the Romberg, this does not tell the officer the statistical likelihood of your impairment. For example, if you sway 1 – 2 inches, there is not a 50% likelihood you are impaired.

It is important to remember this test is voluntary, unlike some of the other sobriety tests for alcohol under PA’s implied consent laws. You should not volunteer to perform this test, as officers will be looking for anything and everything they can to say that you were impaired. If you did, don’t worry. Brian Manchester knows how to call the accuracy of this field sobriety test into question, as he has extensive training in DUI defense and is even a member of the National College for DUI Defense, the American Chemical Society, and the Society of Forensic Toxicologists. Brian Manchester also regularly attends seminars that specifically focus on DUI defenses, and he was also the Educational Chairman for the Pennsylvania Association of Drunk Driving Defense Attorneys. For a free consultation we can be contacted at 1-800-243-4878.

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The Juvenile Justice System – Part 1

Pennsylvania Juvenile Justice Concept & Terms

The juvenile justice system in Pennsylvania is focused more on the rehabilitative needs of the juvenile than on punishment for the offense.  Because of this difference from “adult” court, the words used in the juvenile system may not be familiar to those who watch Law and Order and see trials with defendants.  This week I will be explaining the different terms that are used in the juvenile justice system.  In the following weeks I will be explaining the different processes that are used in the juvenile justice system and the possible outcomes in the system.

The first thing to know are the terms that are used in the system and what they mean:

  1. a “juvenile” is a person who is between 10 and 21 years old.[1]
  2. A “delinquent act” is any act that would be a crime if committed by an adult. [2] However certain offenses, if committed by someone at least 15 years of age, do not fall under this definition and may be filed in “adult” court.  In those cases, the juvenile would be treated the same an any other adult who was charged with those offense.
  3. A “written allegation” is a document filed by law enforcement alleging that a juvenile has committed a delinquent act. [3]
  4. A “Petition” is a document filed by the Commonwealth or a juvenile probation officer which alleges that a juvenile is “delinquent”[4]
  5. A “delinquent child” is juvenile who had been found to have committed a delinquent act AND is in need of treatment, supervision or rehabilitation.[5]
  6. An “adjudication hearing” is a proceeding where the Court determines if a delinquent act has been committed and whether the juvenile is in need of treatment, supervision, or rehabilitation. [6]  A juvenile is not entitled to a jury in these proceedings and will always appear before a Judge sitting without a jury.
  7. A “disposition hearing” is a proceeding in which the court issues its final decisions in the case.[7] Possible dispositions include supervision by the probation department and placement in treatment facilities.
  8. A “detention facility” is a facility which is approved by the Court to temporarily detain a juvenile.[8]
  9. If a Juvenile is “detained” a hearing, generally referred to as a detention hearing, must be held by the Court within 72 hours to determine if the detention is proper and whether the detention should continue.[9]

Next week I will discuss the process that occurs if your child is alleged to have committed a delinquent act.

*Information contained in this blog does not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney client relationship.  You should always obtain counsel to address the specific circumstances in your case.

[1]  Pa.R.J.C.P. No. 120

[2] 42 Pa.C.S.A. § 6302

[3] Pa.R.J.C.P. No.120

[4] Pa.R.J.C.P. No.120

[5] 42 Pa.C.S.A. § 6302

[6] Pa.R.J.C.P. No. 401

[7] Pa.R.J.C.P. 120

[8] Pa.R.J.C.P. 120

[9] Pa.R.J.C.P. 240

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Common Examples of Title IX (Nine) Sexual Misconduct

The Office for Civil Rights has described specific forms of sexual misconduct that is prohibited under Title IX.

In order to provide you with more information about Title IX, we have outlined the most common examples below.

Rape/Sexual Assault

This is the clearest and most commonly thought of form of sexual violence. Intercourse, and any other sexual act, requires consent. Without consent, a student could be accused of rape or sexual assault.

Drugs and alcohol, which are extremely common at college, can easily muddy the waters on consent: According to the Office of Civil Rights, a student may be deemed incapable of giving consent because they were intoxicated. This means that even if you have intercourse with someone who seemed to be consenting at the time, it is possible for that person to claim they were severely intoxicated, and a Title Nine Sexual Assault investigation may be brought.

Sexual Coercion

Sexual coercion is a Title Nine violation and is similar to sexual assault, as it takes place without the victim’s consent. The difference between sexual coercion and sexual assault is that sexual coercion focuses on the use of verbal or emotional pressure put on the victim. However, it may also include physical force in an attempt to persuade the victim into sexual activity. In addition, drugs or alcohol can further speak to whether an alleged victim was coerced.

Videotaping/Taking Pictures

It would be difficult to find even one college student without a smartphone these days. It is important to keep in mind that videotaping or taking pictures of sexual activity, or the other person while naked, is a Title Nine violation if you did not have the other person’s consent. This includes taking videos or pictures on Snapchat where the content will disappear after a few seconds. Remember, Title Nine uses the lower, preponderance of evidence, standard of proof. This means that you could be found guilty of Title Nine sexual misconduct even if witnesses say you sent them such content, even if the proof has disappeared.

Free Consultation | We’ll Fight For You

If you have been accused of Title Nine Sexual Assault, Brian Manchester will fight for you every step of the way and ensure you receive aggressive representation. For a free consultation we can be contacted at 1-800-243-4878.

 

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ARD – Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition

What Does ARD Mean?

ARD stands for “Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition”. If you have been charged with a first offense Pennsylvania DUI, you may be eligible for Pennsylvania’s ARD program. If so, and you complete the program, you will have resolved your first offense DUI without a criminal record.

ARD was adopted to emphasize rehabilitation as opposed to incarceration. Although each county may differ on certain eligibility rules, the general rules are you cannot partake in ARD if

  • You have been convicted of a DUI in Pennsylvania in the last ten years.
  • If you were involved in a crash that caused serious injury or death.
  • Or if you had a child under the age of 14 in your car at the time of your arrest.
A Small Price To Pay To Dismiss a DUI Charge

If you’re accepted for ARD in a Pennsylvania DUI case, you’ll be under the court’s supervision for up to 12 months. You also may be required to pay restitution, court fines, and fees.

Depending on the specifics of your case, you may be subject to license suspension in Pennsylvania for 30 to 90 days. However, it is possible to avoid suspension altogether in some Pennsylvania DUI cases.

You will also be required to complete an alcohol highway safety class, and the court may recommend that you undergo alcohol and/or drug treatment. Luckily, your insurance may cover treatment, but if not, you’ll be responsible for the cost. Although this may seem like a tiring process, it is a small price to pay to dismiss your Pennsylvania DUI charge.

ARD Completion

If you complete all of the requirements for the ARD program, your Pennsylvania DUI charge will be dismissed and you won’t have a criminal record from your first offense Pennsylvania DUI. You may then also be able to expunge the DUI arrest from your criminal record.

Failure To Meet Requirements While In The Program

However, if you fail to meet the requirements after being accepted into the ARD program, the charges against you will be reinstated and you’ll be prosecuted for driving under the influence. The ARD will stay on your driving record for at least ten years. If ever asked on an employment application or by anyone if you have been convicted of a crime you can say no as ARD is not considered a conviction. However, if asked if you are arrested you should say yes as the ARD will show up on your driving record.

More Options

The ARD program can bring a satisfactory outcome to your first offense Pennsylvania DUI case, but it’s not your only option. It may be possible to reach a favorable plea bargain or successfully fight the DUI charge in court. It also may be possible to avoid license suspension altogether.We do not automatically assume or always suggest that ARD is the way to go.

How We Can Help You

Brian Manchester has been a criminal defense attorney for 18 years and he and his law firm law firm has helped well over one thousand people just like you be placed into the ARD program.

He has extensive training in DUI defense and is even a member of the National College for DUI Defense, the American Chemical Society, and the Society of Forensic Toxicologists. Brian Manchester also regularly attends seminars that specifically focus on DUI defenses, and he was also the Educational Chairman for the Pennsylvania Association of Drunk Driving Defense Attorneys.

Free Consultation

For a free consultation, we can be contacted at 1-800-243-4878 or you may visit our Contact Us page and we will get in touch with you as soon as possible.

Filed Under: DUI

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DUI Prescription Drugs

More Common Than Ever: DUI Prescription Drugs

Recent surveys show Americans are taking more and more prescription drugs, and as such, police in Pennsylvania are stepping up their enforcement of prescription drug DUIs. You do not have to be drunk in order to be charged with a DUI. Rather, driving while taking common prescription drugs can lead to a Driving Under the Influence of Prescription Drugs, including:

  • Xanax
  • Ambien
  • Methadone
  • Prozac
  • Oxycodone
  • Valium
  • Klonopin
A Valid Prescription Can Land You In Jail

Many people are shocked to find out they can be convicted of Driving Under the Influence of Prescription Drugs even if they are taking the drug under a doctor’s valid prescription. Although the prescription is valid, the law has determined that certain drugs cause some impairment while driving, regardless of whether they are prescribed.

Additionally, the drug does not have to be one of the drugs listed above. Even drugs your doctor prescribed you pertaining to allergies, a cold, or sleeping can lead to a charge of Driving Under the Influence of Prescription Drugs.

The penalties of a conviction for Driving Under the Influence of Prescription Drugs for a first time offender are up to six months in jail, fines up to $5,000, and a 12 month suspension of your license. The penalties get progressively more severe for each prior DUI offense.

Given these penalties, it is crucial to obtain an experienced criminal defender to raise doubts about your guilt.

How We Get The Best Results For You

Brian Manchester has been trying DUI cases for 18 years, and knows which defenses commonly work. He has specific training in the pharmacology and pharmacokinetics of prescription drugs through hands on lab courses, not lectures in a CLE and he is currently one of less than 60 Certified Lawyer-Scientists through the American Chemical Society in the US. For a free consultation we can be contacted at 1-800-243-4878.