License Suspension
Moving Violations
As our office is in Huntingdon Valley, most of the driver’s license suspensions and Motor Vehicle Code violations we handle result from citations issued, and charges filed by the police departments in Lower Moreland, Upper Moreland, Abington, Horsham, Springfield, Upper Dublin, Rockledge, Cheltenham Jenkintown, and Ambler.
Any citation or criminal charge that can lead to a license suspension must be considered seriously. Why? Think about how important it is for you to be able to drive. People depend on their ability to drive to get to their job, their school, or their children to their activities. Much of your daily lives are contingent upon your ability to "get there". If your license is suspended, you can’t "get there". Consequently, critical elements of your life, like work and school, can be impacted. We at Howland Hess O'Connell recognize this, then advise and guide our clients, accordingly.
Did you know that quickly paying the fine and costs for a moving violation may be the wrong thing to do? Why? Because paying the fine is a plea of guilty. It will, in most cases, be reported to PennDot. It will, in most cases, then lead to your license being assigned "points", or worse, a license suspension. Most people who pay such fines are not aware of the unknown penalties. Howland Hess O'Connell is aware and we will advise you of the best way to handle your given circumstance.
Non-Moving Violations / (Alcohol Related Offense)
Alcohol tests/blood tests "Refusals".
If a police officer has "reasonable suspicion" to believe that you are operating an automobile while under the influence of alcohol, you can be asked to submit to a breath test or blood test to determine your blood alcohol content. If you "refuse" to take the test, you can lose your license for one (1) year in addition to the penalties you may face for an underlying DUI charge.
Underage Drinking.
It is illegal to consume, purchase, transport, or possess alcohol in Pennsylvania when under the age of 21. The penalties for this violation may include a license suspension, counseling, fines and costs, and possible incarceration. The blood alcohol limit for underage individuals is .02%.
Remember, if you are charged with blood test Refusal or Underage Drinking, please contact us online, contact Michael W. Cassidy, Dennis R. Meakim, David W. Birnbaum or call us at 215-947-6240 for a free initial consultation.