Most drivers in Pennsylvania and around the country are only charged with DUI when toxicology tests reveal that they have blood alcohol concentrations of .08 or higher, but motorists under the age of 21 face drink driving charges for getting behind the wheel with even...
Drug-impaired drivers are a risk, but testing is problematic
On behalf of Bellwoar Kelly, LLP | Dec 23, 2020 | Drunk Driving, DUI
Today, everyone knows the risks of driving while drunk. Organizations like Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) have been educating the public about DUI for over 30 years. But few Americans know that the level of drug-impaired drivers on the roads is higher than drunk...
Accuracy of DUI breath tests shown to be unreliable
On behalf of Bellwoar Kelly, LLP | Jan 3, 2020 | Drunk Driving, DUI, Uncategorized
If you are ever stopped for drunk driving, you instantly have a lot going through your mind. How much alcohol have I consumed? I thought I waited long enough to drive. Will I be arrested? What will the sobriety test be? Will I fail it? What will the breath test show?...
Open containers in vehicles are forbidden in Pennsylvania
On behalf of Bellwoar Kelly, LLP | Sep 6, 2018 | Drunk Driving
Many people think that the only person in a vehicle who can't consume alcohol is the driver. This is actually the case, but only to a limited extent. It is possible for a driver to bring a passenger who is drunk home; however, that passenger can't consume alcohol in...
Horizontal gaze nystagmus test is often subjective
On behalf of Bellwoar Kelly, LLP | Feb 9, 2018 | Drunk Driving
When drivers are pulled over for the suspicion of drunk driving, the officers will sometimes conduct a standardized field sobriety test. One of the components of this test is the horizontal gaze nystagmus test. There is a good chance that you've seen this test...
What’s the big deal about driving after a few drinks?
On behalf of Bellwoar Kelly, LLP | Aug 16, 2017 | Drunk Driving
There are many things that you need to think about when you are heading out for the evening. Where you will go, who you are going to meet up with and what you are going to do are often the primary concerns. You need to add one more to that -- how you will get home. If...
What are the blood alcohol concentration limits in Pennsylvania?
On behalf of Bellwoar Kelly, LLP | Jan 26, 2017 | Drunk Driving
One of the primary factors in many drunk driving cases is what the person's blood alcohol concentration is at the time they are stopped. Pennsylvania law sets some specific limits for various situations, so if you are stopped for drunk driving, you should be prepared...
Pennsylvania DUI charges are misdemeanors, but serious
On behalf of Bellwoar Kelly, LLP | Sep 15, 2016 | Drunk Driving
Pennsylvania laws take a harsh stance on drunk driving. Anyone who is found to have a blood alcohol concentration of .08 percent or higher is subject to criminal charges. The exact penalties you are facing depend on your actual BAC and any prior offenses you have on...
Spring break plans spark need for underage DUI reminder
On behalf of Bellwoar Kelly, LLP | Feb 7, 2016 | Drunk Driving
Even though we are still in the thick of winter, this is the time when families and students start planning their spring break vacations. The Washington Post recently reported on a conversation that's taking place within a community, its school and families regarding...
State Supreme Court: Motorists cannot choose their chemical test
On behalf of Bellwoar Kelly, LLP | Jan 30, 2016 | Drunk Driving
Pennsylvania's implied consent law essentially dictates that any licensed motorist in the state is presumed to have already provided their tacit permission to submit to any chemical testing for alcohol or drugs once they take the wheel. Consequently, those drivers...