This upcoming weekend, numerous people will travel to visit their family for Easter or will have family coming to visit them. There usually are family members that you have not seen in a while, and you may want to catch up with them over a drink at a local bar or restaurant. Additionally, if you are from out of town, you probably want to meet up with some of your friends who live in the area.

It’s great to get together with family and friends, but be extra careful. During holidays when you are merely looking to relax and catch-up with those who are closest to you, the police are aggressively making DUI arrests. Often, the police will position themselves near local bars and restaurants, and they only need minimal evidence that you have committed a traffic violation to justify stopping your vehicle.

Don’t think that because you only had one drink that you will be fine. In Pennsylvania, to be charged with a per se violation, your BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) has to be above .08%. However, the police can also charge you with a DUI for General Impairment, regardless of what your BAC is. If you are pulled over for a minor traffic infraction and the officer smells even the faintest odor of alcohol, you can, and most likely will, be charged with a DUI.

Even if you have never been arrested before, a general impairment conviction will result in having a misdemeanor on your record, mandatory probation, a mandatory fine, a drug and alcohol assessment and full compliance with any recommended drug or alcohol treatment. If your BAC is above .08%, the situation you are facing is much worse. If convicted you are facing mandatory time in jail and a mandatory suspension of your license.

I hope that you have a safe and happy time with your friends and family, but if you are charged with a DUI, do not delay in contacting me at 412.456.1221. My office specializes in DUI representation and everything possible will be done to have your charges dismissed.