DUI/DWI - DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE
J.P. Ward & Associates
DUI / DWI Lawyers Serving Pittsburgh and Pennsylvania
DUI/DWI - Driving Under the Influence
Why Choose a J.P. Ward & Associates DUI Attorney?
Beware Of Dui Attorneys Too Timid To Take Cases To Trial
There are thousands of lawyers in Western-Pennsylvania who claim to practice in DUI defense. But, there are very few that have taken a case to trial and won a total victory for their client. Not every criminal defense attorney has an intimate knowledge of PA DUI law. Most people find a DUI attorney by typing “DUI lawyer Pittsburgh” or “DUI lawyer Butler” or “DUI lawyer Westmoreland” into a search engine. There are hundreds of DUI attorney advertisements–be sure to choose a lawyer with a proven track record in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Westmoreland County, Butler County, and Beavery County.
When choosing a DUI attorney, do not be afraid to ask if they have ever won a case for a client. Attorney Joshua P. Ward has successfully defended DUI charges, and even multiple felony cases at the trial level. See our web page for A Real Example of DUI Charges Dismissed — you can view the actual trial records which have been redacted to protect privacy.
No DUI attorney can rightly promise you that the charges can be dismissed or the case won before they have seen all of the Commonwealth’s evidence against you. Unfortunately, the criminal justice system does not allow the discovery of the complete evidence until after the preliminary hearing. Only at that point can your DUI attorney advise you of the likelihood of a dismissal or acquittal.
Practice Areas
What Type of Cases Do Our Pittsburgh DUI Attorneys Handle?
Our attorneys are based out of Pittsburgh, but we service Allegheny, Westmoreland, Butler, Beaver and Greene County. We have extensive experience in all types of DUI cases including:
- First Time DUI;
- Second Time DUI;
- Third Time DUI;
- DUI Controlled Substance;
- DUI Marijuana;
- DUI Inahlant or Noxious Substance;
- DUI General Impairment (BAC 0.08 to 0.999);
- DUI High Rate of Alcohol (BAC 0.10 to 0.15);
- DUI Highest Rate of Alcohol (BAC 0.16 +);
- Reckless Driving and more.
No matter what type of DUI you charged with, that does not mean you are guilty. Our DUI lawyers have had great success in having charges dismissed, reduced or amended, and having sentences reduced.
Awards & Memberships
How Can A DUI Attorney Help Me?
It is crucial to have an experienced DUI attorney monitoring your case at every level. Our attorneys skillfully comb through the Criminal Complaint, Affidavit of Probable Cause, Lab Results, Video Footage, and cross examine the State’s witnesses. We look for every weakness, every protection that the PA DUI laws allow. Common defenses are:
- Lack of probable cause to initiate traffic stop;
- Violation of 4th Amendment through improper search and seizure;
- Improper warnings under PA Implied Consent Law;
- Lack of sufficient proof of actual physical operation;
- Improper handling of physical evidence of chemical testing;
- Improper calibration of chemical testing device;
- Insufficient proof of intoxication to render defendant “unfit” to drive.
Charges Reduced or Dismissed
- Dismissal of charges;
- Acquittal upon jury trial;
- Reductions during plea negotiations with the District Attorney’s Office;
- Suspended sentences;
- Admission into Alternative Housing Program rather than Jail;
- House Arrest as opposed to Jail;
- Alternative Housing, House Arrest with Work Release;
- Probation as opposed to Jail;
- Parole;
- Expungement or destruction of criminal records;
- Petition for ARD Program for DUI.
Don’t Go It Alone – Don’t Leave Your Future to Chance – Our Attorneys Are Here to Help You
Attorney Joshua P. Ward answers his direct line at any time, day or night. 412-545-3015. Call now for a free consultation and get back on the road to normalcy. The first step is understanding the process that is ahead of you, and the potential outcomes. Attorney Ward will discuss the case with you confidentially. For first time DUI’s we always charge a low, competitively priced flat fee. Compare us with our competition — our goal is to be the most professional, effective, and best-value Pittsburgh DUI Attorney. That’s our promise to our clients. Feel free to contact us below.
DUI Penalty Chart
No prior DUI offenses | 1 prior DUI offense | 2 or more prior DUI offenses |
|---|---|---|
ungraded misdemeanor | ungraded misdemeanor | 2nd degree misdemeanor |
up to 6 months probation | 12 month license suspension | 12 month license suspension |
$300 fine | 5 days to 6 months jail time | 10 days to 2 years prison |
alcohol highway safety school | $300 to $2,500 fine | $500 to $5,000 fine |
treatment when ordered | alcohol highway safety school | treatment when ordered |
treatment when ordered | 1 year ignition interlock | |
1 year ignition interlock |
No prior DUI offenses | 1 prior DUI offense | 2 or more prior DUI offenses | 3 or more prior DUI offenses |
|---|---|---|---|
ungraded misdemeanor | ungraded misdemeanor | 1st degree misdemeanor | 1st degree misdemeanor |
12 month license suspension | 12 month suspension | 18 month license suspension | 18 month license suspension |
48 hours to 6 months prison | 30 days to 6 months prison | 90 days to 5 years prison | 1 to 5 years prison |
$500 to $5,000 fine | $750 to $5,000 fine | $1,500 to $10,000 fine | $1,500 to $10,000 fine |
alcohol highway safety school | alcohol highway safety school | treatment when ordered | treatment when ordered |
treatment when ordered | treatment when ordered | 1 year ignition interlock | 1 year ignition interlock |
1 year ignition interlock |
No prior DUI offenses | 1 prior DUI offense | 2 or more prior DUI offenses |
|---|---|---|
ungraded misdemeanor | 1st degree misdemeanor | 1st degree misdemeanor |
12 month license suspension | 18 month license suspension | 18 month license suspension |
72 hours to 6 months prison | 90 days to 5 years prison | 1 to 5 years prison |
$1,000 to $5,000 fine | $1,500 to $10,00 fine | $2,500 to $10,000 |
alcohol highway safety school | alcohol highway safety school | treatment when ordered |
treatment when ordered | treatment when ordered | 1 year ignition interlock |
1 year ignition interlock |