Mike Sherman recently started working with a new client who had initially chosen a different lawyer to handle his case. The original attorney mishandled certain aspects of the DUI process, and this has made it much more challenging for our client to get the best possible outcome he could've achieved. This client's story underscores the importance of why you need to work with an experienced DUI defense attorney who knows all of the Pennsylvania DUI laws which apply to your case.

Your Preliminary Hearing Is an Important Part of the Process

In Pennsylvania, after a person is accused of a crime, he is entitled to a preliminary hearing. At the preliminary hearing, the state has to present enough evidence to hold your case for court. While the standard is low, if you give up your right to a preliminary hearing or “waive” the hearing, you are not entitled to make certain legal arguments when your case goes to court. That has been the law for years; yet, many attorneys don't know the law.

The attorney who represented this client at the preliminary hearing didn't know the law. He recommended that the client “waive” his right to a preliminary hearing. Just give it up. As a result of the decision to waive this preliminary hearing, there are certain legal arguments we can no longer make.

Unfortunately, this decision has far-reaching consequences for our client since we are now limited in our ability to present the best possible defense on behalf of this client. When Mike explained to the client the nature of the law, he said “I wish I hired you when the case started.”

Every Aspect of the DUI Defense Process Must Be Handled Correctly

From the moment you are arrested and charged with a DUI until the conclusion of your case, every action you take is critical to the success of your case. Pennsylvania law establishes a clear protocol for the way these cases are handled, and when you waive your right to a particular aspect of the process or mishandle a part of the process, it can have a devastating impact on your case.

The stakes are extremely high when facing a DUI charge. If convicted, you can face a variety of penalties, including:

• Jail time
• Hefty fines
• Driver's license suspension

In addition, there are consequences to a DUI conviction that can potentially impact many other aspects of your life. These may include:

• Restrictions on your ability to travel
• Inability to purchase a gun
• Potential suspension or revocation of a professional license
• Potential negative impact on your employment
• Potential negative impact on child custody arrangements

Due to these far-reaching consequences, it's crucial that you work with a highly skilled and experienced attorney who knows the Pennsylvania DUI laws from the outset of your case. Failure to do so can potentially limit some of the defense strategies available to you.

Mike Sherman Knows Pennsylvania DUI Law

Mike Sherman knows the law, and he's one of the most experienced DUI lawyers in the Pittsburgh area. Mike writes a legal textbook on Pennsylvania DUI law called Pennsylvania Driving Under the Influence Law and Practice, and he writes book chapters for continuing legal education materials. He also speaks to lawyers at continuing legal education seminars, and is considered one of the preeminent experts on Pennsylvania DUI law by his peers.

In addition, Mike is a former attorney for the Pennsylvania State Police. As a result, he has handled DUI cases as both a prosecutor and a defense attorney. This experience with both sides of the law provides Mike with a unique perspective that very few attorneys possess. He knows the tactics used by the prosecution, and he can devise a defense strategy specifically aimed at addressing the ways in which the prosecutor will attempt to secure your conviction.

If you've been charged with a DUI, you need to act now. There are important parts of the DUI process that must be addressed immediately. By speaking with Mike right away, you can ensure everything is handled properly from the start. This will keep all of your legal defense options open, increasing your likelihood of achieving the best possible outcome to your case.

Contact our Pittsburgh DUI Defense Attorney

Please contact Mike Sherman Law using the form on this page or call 412-471-5000 today to schedule your complimentary consultation. We serve patients in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area.