DUI Lawyer in Beaver County, PA

Call 724-604-4955 today

A Driving Under the Influence (DUI) arrest puts your license, job, and record at risk. Even a first offense can bring probation and mandatory classes. Repeat DUIs can mean long suspensions, ignition interlock, or a felony under Deana’s Law. Our DUI lawyers in Beaver County analyze every detail of your case to build a strong legal defense.

Don’t let a DUI derail your future. Call 724-488-7572 for a free, confidential consultation.

DUI Charges in Beaver County, PA

Under the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code, Title 75 Chapter 38 Section 2, it is illegal to drive, operate, or be in “actual physical control” of a vehicle if your ability to drive is impaired by alcohol or drugs, your BAC (blood alcohol concentration) is 0.08% or higher, or certain controlled substances or metabolites are present in your blood.

In Beaver County, DUI arrests often start with a traffic stop, a checkpoint, or a crash investigation. Officers may use field sobriety tests, request a breath sample, or seek a hospital blood draw. Because DUI cases involve multiple steps — from the initial stop to testing and documentation — there are often opportunities for an experienced defense attorney to challenge the evidence.

Penalties & Consequences

Pennsylvania uses a tiered system based on BAC, whether drugs are involved, and prior DUI history.

First Offense – General Impairment (.08–.099 BAC)

  • Grade: Ungraded Misdemeanor
  • Penalties:
    • Up to 6 months probation
    • ~$300 fine
    • Alcohol Highway Safety School

First Offense – High BAC (.10–.159 BAC)

  • Grade: Ungraded Misdemeanor
  • Penalties:
    • 2 days–6 months jail
    • Up to $5,000 fine
    • 1-year license suspension

First Offense – Highest BAC (.16+ or Drugs)

  • Grade: Ungraded Misdemeanor
  • Penalties:
    • 3 days–6 months jail
    • Up to $5,000 fine
    • 1-year license suspension

Second Offense – General Impairment (.08–.099 BAC)

  • Grade: Ungraded Misdemeanor
  • Penalties:
    • 5 days–6 months jail
    • Up to $2,500 fine
    • 1-year license suspension

Second Offense – High BAC (.10–.159 BAC)

  • Grade: Misdemeanor 1 (M1)
  • Penalties:
    • 30 days–6 months jail
    • Up to $5,000 fine
    • 1-year license suspension
    • Ignition Interlock (1 year)

Second Offense – Highest BAC (.16+ or Drugs)

  • Grade: Misdemeanor 1 (M1)
  • Penalties:
    • 90 days–5 years jail
    • Up to $10,000 fine
    • 18-month license suspension
    • Ignition Interlock

Third Offense – General Impairment (.08–.099 BAC)

  • Grade: Misdemeanor 2 (M2)
  • Penalties:
    • 10 days–2 years jail
    • Up to $5,000 fine
    • 1-year license suspension

Third Offense – High BAC (.10–.159 BAC)

  • Grade: Misdemeanor 1 (M1)
  • Penalties:
    • 90 days–5 years jail
    • Up to $10,000 fine
    • 18-month license suspension

Third Offense – Highest BAC (.16+ or Drugs)

  • Grade: Felony 3 (F3) – Deana’s Law applies
  • Penalties:
    • Up to 7 years in prison
    • $15,000 fine

Notes & Real-Life Impact

  • Refusals: Under Pennsylvania’s implied-consent rules, refusing breath or blood testing triggers a separate civil suspension through PennDOT, often 12-18 months, even if the criminal case changes.
  • Look-back: Pennsylvania uses a 10-year look-back for prior DUIs.
  • Costs: Expect court costs, treatment, ignition interlock fees, and insurance increases.
  • Deana’s Law: Increases grading for certain repeat DUIs and can require consecutive

The Beaver County ARD Program (First-Offense DUIs)

For many first-time DUI defendants in Beaver County, the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program offers a way to avoid a conviction and, eventually, expunge the charge from your record. However, ARD is not automatic — the District Attorney must recommend it, and a judge must approve your entry into the program.

Eligibility typically requires a limited prior record and no crash involving serious injury. If accepted, you’ll complete Alcohol Highway Safety School, any recommended treatment, community service, and a term of probation. After successful completion, the DUI charge is dismissed and you may petition the court for expungement. ARD can also reduce driver’s license consequences.

The DUI Legal Process

Here’s how a typical DUI case moves through the Beaver County courts, from the first stop to sentencing.

Stop, Investigation & Arrest

Most DUI cases begin with a traffic stop, checkpoint, or crash. Officers note signs like alcohol odor, bloodshot eyes, and unsteady balance, then administer field sobriety tests and breath or blood tests. Errors—unclear instructions, missed observation periods, or mishandled blood draws—can provide grounds for a defense.

Preliminary Arraignment & Hearing

Early hearings occur before a Magisterial District Judge (MDJ) in places like Aliquippa, Beaver Falls, Center Township, and Hopewell Township. Bail is addressed, and the court decides if the case moves forward. At this stage, we challenge the Commonwealth’s evidence.

Discovery & Pretrial Motions

We subpoena police reports, body- and dash-cam footage, breath-test calibration records, lab documentation, and checkpoint plans. If constitutional violations or technical errors come to light, we move to suppress that evidence—shifting negotiation leverage in your favor.

Negotiations & Diversion

With weaknesses exposed, we negotiate reductions or ARD for eligible first-timers. Trial readiness improves outcomes even in strong cases.

Trial (Court of Common Pleas)

If the case is not resolved beforehand, it proceeds to the Beaver County Court of Common Pleas in downtown Beaver. At trial, we cross-examine police officers and lab experts while holding the Commonwealth to its burden of proof.

Sentencing & Post-Sentencing

If convicted, we present mitigation—treatment progress, employment history, and character support—to minimize penalties. After sentencing, we guide you through ignition-interlock compliance, license restoration, appeals, and, when eligible, limited-access orders or expungement.

License, Insurance & Real-Life Consequences

Beyond fines and probation, a DUI affects daily life in ways many people don’t expect.

  • Driver’s License: PennDOT (the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation) suspensions vary by Blood Alcohol Concentration and prior offenses. Some drivers may qualify for an Ignition Interlock Limited License (IILL) during a suspension. Missing PennDOT deadlines can delay reinstatement—we help you avoid those setbacks.
  • Insurance: Expect premium spikes and possible non-renewal. We advise on timing, documentation, and shopping coverage so you remain legal without overpaying.
  • Employment: Many employers run background checks; jobs involving driving, child care, or sensitive information are especially vulnerable. Commercial Driver’s License holders face career-ending risks.
  • Students & Young Adults: At Geneva College, Penn State Beaver, and the Community College of Beaver County, a DUI can trigger campus discipline or jeopardize scholarships.
  • Family & Custody: Alcohol-related issues can surface in custody disputes. We help clients document compliance and progress to keep parenting plans intact.
  • Financial Strain: Fines, fees, interlock, and transportation workarounds add up. We plan defensively to limit long-term damage.

Refusals & Implied Consent in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s implied-consent law allows PennDOT to impose a separate civil suspension, often 12-18 months, if you refuse a breath or blood test after a valid request. These suspensions can apply even if your criminal case is reduced or dismissed.

We examine whether the officer had reasonable grounds, whether you were advised properly, and whether the testing request followed policy. Procedural mistakes can change both the criminal and civil outcomes.

CDL & Under-21 DUIs in Beaver County

Special rules apply if you hold a commercial driver’s license or are under 21.

CDL Drivers

BAC thresholds and penalties for CDL holders are stricter, and a DUI can suspend or disqualify commercial privileges even for an off-duty or personal-vehicle incident. We coordinate the criminal case with PennDOT and employment requirements to protect your ability to work.

Under-21 Drivers

Pennsylvania’s underage DUI laws use lower BAC thresholds and can affect school, scholarships, and licensing. We focus on education-centered resolutions, ARD when appropriate, and minimizing future impact.

How We Defend DUI Charges in Beaver County

Every DUI case turns on the evidence— and whether it can stand up in court. These are the defense strategies we examine in Beaver County cases:

  • Illegal Stops: Without reasonable suspicion or probable cause, the stop fails and evidence can be suppressed. We compare the report to video, CAD logs, and policy.
  • Checkpoint Compliance: DUI checkpoints must follow neutral, supervisor-approved guidelines. Flaws in selection criteria, signage, or procedures can justify suppressing evidence and challenging the arrest.
  • Field Sobriety & Drug DUIs: Field sobriety tests can be affected by nerves, weather, footwear, or medical conditions. In drug-related DUIs, charges often rely on the presence of metabolites rather than clear proof of impairment while driving.
  • Breath Testing: Devices must be properly calibrated and operated by certified personnel. Factors like mouth alcohol, acid reflux, radio-frequency interference, or lapses in the observation period can compromise results.
  • Blood Testing: Breaks in the chain of custody, wrong preservatives, delayed draws, or flawed methods can undermine accuracy. We examine the requisition, handling logs, analyst certifications, and lab report printouts.
  • Accident DUIs: Alcohol may not have caused the crash. Another driver’s actions, poor road conditions, or mechanical failures may be to blame—details initial reports often miss.

Beaver County Courts, Resources & Contacts

Areas We Serve in Beaver County

We represent clients across Beaver County, including:

  • Beaver
  • Aliquippa
  • Beaver Falls
  • Hopewell Township
  • Center Township
  • Ambridge
  • Monaca
  • Rochester
  • Freedom
  • Economy
  • Chippewa Township
  • Brighton Township
  • New Brighton
  • Midland
  • Conway
  • Industry
  • Bridgewater
  • Baden

and surrounding communities.

Frequently Asked Questions About DUIs in Beaver County

If you have been charged with DUI in Beaver County, you probably have a lot of immediate concerns. These answers cover the questions we hear most often from clients and their families:

Will I lose my license after a DUI?

Maybe. It depends on your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) tier, prior record, and whether you refused testing. First-time Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) outcomes can reduce or avoid suspension, but higher tiers and refusals carry longer suspensions. We will map your options with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, including whether you qualify for an ignition interlock license.

Can I get into ARD for a first DUI?

Often, yes, if you meet eligibility criteria. ARD requires classes, costs, and probation, but it can lead to dismissal and expungement. We prepare applications, address concerns early, and keep your timeline on track.

What if I refused the breath or blood test?

Pennsylvania’s implied-consent rules impose a separate civil suspension through PennDOT, often 12-18 months, even if the criminal case changes. We review whether warnings were proper and procedures followed.

Where in Butler County will my DUI case be heard?

Preliminary matters happen in a local Magisterial District Judge court; trials and major hearings occur at the Beaver County Court of Common Pleas in downtown Beaver. We appear in both venues regularly and prepare you for each step.

How long does a DUI stay on my record?

For sentencing, Pennsylvania uses a 10-year look-back. ARD cases may be expunged when completed. Otherwise, limited-access relief may be available after a period without new offenses.

Why Choose Worgul, Sarna & Ness for Your Beaver County DUI?

Choosing the right lawyer can make the difference between a conviction and a second chance. Here’s what sets our Beaver County DUI defense apart:

  • Fast, evidence-first review of the stop, field tests, and lab work
  • Clear advice about ARD, negotiation, and trial options
  • Help with PennDOT, ignition interlock, and IILL logistics
  • Trial-ready prep that strengthens negotiation leverage
  • Flat fees and responsive communication throughout
  • Convenient office and virtual meetings (evening/weekend availability by request)

Our attorneys regularly appear before Beaver County MDJs and the Court of Common Pleas. We understand how local prosecutors assess risk and when alternatives are possible.

Get a Free Consultation with a Beaver County DUI Lawyer

Facing a DUI in Beaver County can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Our team will analyze the stop, challenge testing, and push for outcomes that protect your license and your future. Whether the right path is ARD, a negotiated reduction, or trial, we are ready to help.

Speak directly with a Beaver County DUI attorney. Call 724-488-7572 or contact us online for a confidential consultation.

724-604-4955
Email