Allegheny County DUI Court

Information about DUI Court in Allegheny County

WHAT IS DUI COURT?

If you or a loved one has had multiple DUIs (2 or more), you may be looking for information on the DUI Court program in Allegheny County.

DUI Court is a specialty court of the Fifth Judicial District of Pennsylvania, Allegheny County specifically designed for people who have two or more DUI convictions.

This program is for level 3 and 4 offenders facing a prison sentence. This program may provide many helpful benefits, including treatment options, and be an alternative to jail or minimize a jail sentence, especially if you face DUI Drug charges or were charged with a BAC level over .16.

Participants need to be referred and then accepted into the program.

This alternative sentencing program aims to keep repeat offenders off the roads and out of criminal activity through rehabilitation, drug and alcohol treatment, long-term judicial intervention, and intensive probation and supervision.

Specifically, DUI Court involves a long-term Intensive Probation/Electronic Home Monitoring (“EHM”) program designed to incorporate rehabilitation along with mandatory sentencing. Each participant is required to complete community service, obtain and maintain gainful employment, and attend a Victim Impact Panel.

Like many specialty courts, like Drug Court and Veterans Court, DUI Court uses sanctions and incentives to help people be motivated to end their relationship with abusive substances.

A client’s success in DUI Court is largely up to their commitment to the program and to successfully completing the program.

The DUI Legal Process in Pennsylvania is confusing, especially if other crimes are involved. Our Pittsburgh DUI Lawyers are available to talk to you about your case – at Ketchel Law we offer free consultations.

OUR NUMBER ONE GOAL: 
GETTING YOUR DUI CHARGES DISMISSED.

CALL KETCHEL LAW TODAY: 412-456-1221 FOR A FREE CONSULTATION

Referral & Eligibility to Allegheny County DUI Court Program

If you are interested in applying for the DUI Court program, you must have two (2) or more prior DUI convictions, regardless of the age of the priors. For example, if you had a DUI 15 years ago, it can still apply.

You also must have been referred by the District Attorney’s office. Speak to a DUI attorney about completing a “DUI Court Referral Form.”

Once the DUI Court referral is made, a client’s eligibility will be considered based on their prior criminal record, the current charges, and geographical information (the client must be a resident of Allegheny County) prior to scheduling a plea date.

The next step is scheduling an interview with the District Attorney’s Office to ensure the client qualifies for the program.

Following the interview, a plea date is scheduled and the client’s information (and the actual case file) is forwarded to the DUI Court Probation Team and the DUI Court specialist. Next and prior to the date of the plea, the client will be scheduled for an Electronic Home Monitoring/DUI Court screening which includes a review of the rules and regulations of the same. During this time, the client will also be assessed according to the Pennsylvania Client Placement Criteria (“PCPC”).

This assessment is designed to identify the client’s specific needs and risks associated with their substance and/or alcohol abuse. This information is used by the DUI Court Team to determine decisions concerning a client’s drug and alcohol treatment options, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and mental health treatment if deemed necessary.

First-time DUI offenders are not eligible to apply – but you may be eligible for the ARD Program.

Plea & Sentencing

In order to qualify for Allegheny County DUI Court, a client must enter a guilty plea in exchange for the many services the program provides.

Participants in the DUI Court program receive drug and/or alcohol treatment, monitoring, and assistance with employment search and financial readiness.

Your sentencing for DUI Court could include any or all of the following:

  • Incarceration / Jailtime
  • Electronic Home Monitoring (EHM)
  • Drug and alcohol treatment
  • Community service
  • Residential treatment program
  • Probation
  • Up to six years of court supervision
  • Victim impact panel

In addition, you may be ordered to pay restitution.

OUR NUMBER ONE GOAL: 
GETTING YOUR DUI CHARGES DISMISSED.

CALL KETCHEL LAW TODAY: 412-456-1221 FOR A FREE CONSULTATION

Five Phases of DUI Court in Allegheny County

Below is an outline of the five (5) phases of the DUI Court Program in Allegheny County, PA, and what to expect during each phase up and until the point of graduation.

*Components of phases, including the length of each phase, may be subject to change based on the participant’s particular needs, severity of chemical dependence, relapse, and evolving concerns and/or problems. Additionally, an individual may only move to the next phase upon agreement of the DUI Court Team.

DUI COURT – PHASE 1:

Length of Time: Approximately 4 months

  • Intensive supervision on electronic home monitoring (“EHM”) (18 months / 90 days of alcohol bracelet monitoring)
    • Windows are available for work, school, and treatment
  • Attend progress hearings (1-2 x per month)
  • Weekly contact with the supervising probation officer (home & office visits)
  • Attend drug and/or alcohol treatment sessions
  • Attend a minimum of three (3) Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings per week
  • Submit to random weekly drug/alcohol testing
  • Secure full-time employment (or part-time if attending school)
  • Begin to make monthly payments on restitution, costs, fines, and/or fees

DUI COURT – PHASE 2:

Length of Time: Approximately 4 months

  • EHM windows for select social outings will be permitted
  • Attend progress hearings (1-2 x per month)
  • Weekly contact with supervising probation officer
  • Attend drug and/or alcohol treatment sessions
  • Three (3) Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings per week
  • Random weekly drug/alcohol testing
  • Maintain employment
  • Continue to make monthly payments on restitution, costs, fines and/or fees

DUI COURT – PHASE 3:

Length of Time: Approximately 4 months

  • Electronic supervision is less restrictive (curfew imposed—you are free to come and go)
  • Attend progress hearings (1-2 x per month)
  • Bi-weekly contact with supervising probation officer
  • Continue to attend drug and/or alcohol treatment/aftercare
  • Two (2) Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings per week
  • Random bi-weekly drug/alcohol testing
  • Maintain employment
  • Continue to pay restitution, costs, fines and/or fees

DUI COURT – PHASE 4:

One Year Mark

  • Removal from EHM and begin intensive probation (6 months)
    • Curfew at 11:00 p.m. through 7:00 a.m. (unless work-related or permission from supervising probation officer)
  • Attend progress hearings (1-2 x per month)
  • Bi-weekly contact with supervising probation officer
    • Random calls from P.O. (If missed, could be a violation)
  • Attend drug and/or alcohol aftercare program as directed
  • Two (2) Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings per week
  • Random bi-weekly drug/alcohol testing
  • Maintain employment
  • Continue with payments

DUI COURT – PHASE 5:

Length of Time: Approximately 6 months

  • Curfew lifted;
  • Attend progress hearings (1-2 x per month);
  • Contact with supervising probation officer once a month;
  • One (1) Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meeting per week;
  • Random monthly drug/alcohol testing;
  • Maintain employment, and;
  • Continue with payments.

Graduation Requirements of Allegheny DUI Court

At approximately the 2-year mark:

  • Successful completion of all recommended treatment;
  • Minimum of 12 months drug and alcohol-free;
  • Completion of all phases;
  • Maintain gainful, consistent employment or involvement in a vocation/academic training program, and;
  • Sustain a living environment that is conducive to maintaining a clean and sober lifestyle.

Revocation

Your right to be in the program could be revoked at any time if you fail to comply on a continual basis or if you are charged with any other crimes during this period. Revocation means you could be sentenced to the original penalties under the statutes and that any time you already completed may not count toward the new sentence.

How Ketchel Law Can Help – We Fight for Your Charges To Be Dismissed or  Reduced

If you were charged with DUI, it does not necessarily mean you will be convicted. It is always worth speaking with an experienced criminal lawyer about your case to determine your best options.

At Ketchel Law, we are skilled in negotiation, plea deals, and helping our clients get the best possible outcome. We can evaluate your case, advocate for alternative sentencing options, and present mitigating factors to support your case. We negotiate with prosecutors, file necessary motions or petitions, and connect clients with suitable treatment providers or rehabilitation programs, as needed.

Our attorneys have helped hundreds of clients successfully win their cases and stay out of jail. It is important to us that you stay out of jail because we know people make mistakes but often, given the right circumstances, they can make a complete turnaround.

Our clients are often under a great deal of stress. That’s why we take the time to fully understand their needs and explain their rights. Our focus is always on determining the best strategies to develop a solid and successful case for you.

Our number one goal: Your criminal charges reduced or dismissed.

Call Ketchel Law today: 412-456-1221 for a free consultation.

FREE LEGAL CONSULTATION

We offer free legal consultations to anyone charged with a crime. Call us today to find out how we can help defend your rights.

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