Per Se DUI and DUID Prosecutions: A Shortcut to Convictions, Bypassing the Question of Impairment

Introduction Driving under the influence (DUI) and driving under the influence of drugs (DUID) are significant public safety concerns that lawmakers and law enforcement agencies work tirelessly to address. While the need to deter and punish intoxicated drivers is undeniable, the per se theory of prosecution has sparked a debate about whether it adequately addresses…

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Is pre-trial use of SCRAM as opposed to IID constitutional?

The Eighth Amendment of the United States Constitution states that “excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.” The purpose of this amendment is to ensure that the criminal justice system does not impose punishments that are disproportionate to the crime committed, and to protect individuals from…

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Felony DUI Laws in Pennsylvania

Recent changes to the Pennsylvania penal code have upgraded certain DUIs from misdemeanors to felonies. If you have been charged with a DUI, it is important that you understand these changes, especially if you are a repeat offender. These recent laws were passed to target “habitual offenders”. By grading certain DUIs as felonies, judges now…

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What happens when you are charged with refusing a breath or blood test in PA?

When you drive in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, you have given your consent to be tested for DUI. This is called “implied consent” and it is covered in Title 75 § 1547: “Any person who drives, operates or is in actual physical control of the movement of a vehicle in this Commonwealth shall be deemed…

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As Fetterman continues his marijuana listening tour, what does legalization mean for DUI enforcement?

Lt. Gov. John Fetterman has recently started touring Pennsylvania to hold public forums on the legalization of marijuana. Fetterman is an advocate for legalization and Gov. Tom Wolfe has said it may be time for PA to legalize marijuana as well. (See also: Fetterman starts marijuana hearings in central Pennsylvania) But the question still remains,…

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