Benefit From Hiring A DUI Defense Attorney

Traffic cases are the most common cases in the Western Pennsylvania legal system. Despite being so common, Western Pennsylvanians are often confused about what is involved with a traffic case. In this article, we will explain some common traffic cases in Western Pennsylvania, as well as the steps that you can take to get the best possible outcome for your traffic case in the Pittsburgh area.

License Suspensions In Western Pennsylvania

Your ability to drive – while technically a privilege – is vital. That is why you should take all legal steps to ensure that you retain your ability to drive. In Western Pennsylvania, this privilege can be revoked for several reasons:

  • Accumulation Of Points

  • Traffic Offenses

  • Criminal Offenses

  • Failure To Comply With A Civil Order

If your license has been suspended for any reason, get in touch with a Pittsburgh-area defense attorney at Wyland Law Group today. It is worth noting that one of the most common causes of license suspensions in Western Pennsylvania is DUI. 

Here in Pennsylvania, you do not even need to be convicted of a DUI to have your license suspended: you could receive a mandatory one-year suspension for refusing to submit to chemical testing. If you are facing a license suspension related to a DUI, contact a Pittsburgh DUI defense attorney immediately. There may be options available to you.

Understanding The Point System In Pennsylvania

The point system is one of the most confusing aspects of traffic law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Luckily, an experienced traffic defense attorney at Wyland Law Group can answer any questions you have concerning Pennsylvania’s point system. Most traffic violations in Pennsylvania result in points being assigned to your license upon conviction. The minimum amount of points given for a violation is 2, while the highest is 5 (more severe violations result in higher point values). If you accumulate too many points on your license, you may face a license suspension. That is why it is important to keep track of your points, and to know the laws concerning points in Pennsylvania. 

Appeals

In general, traffic violations are initially litigated before a Magisterial District Judge. If you receive a less-than-desirable outcome at that level, you do have an opportunity to appeal your case to the Court of Common Pleas. Typically, you must appeal your traffic citation within thirty days. If you have missed the thirty-day window, there is a mechanism in place that allows you to request permission to file an appeal, despite having missed the thirty-day limit (in some cases, by a lot).

CDL Offenses

Commercial drivers arguably have the most to lose when it comes to traffic violations, as their livelihood depends on their ability to maintain a clean driving record. Because operating a commercial vehicle often carries greater risks than operating a non-commercial vehicle, commercial drivers are faced with lower tolerance and stricter penalties for most violations. If you have any questions about CDL offenses, contact an Alleghany County traffic lawyer at Wyland Law Group.