Lancaster County DUI checkpoints and enforcement alerts

The preliminary hearing is the Commonwealth's first burden and your first look at the evidence. The arresting officer testifies about why the car was stopped, what was observed, how testing was conducted, and what the result was. There is no verdict at this stage — the question is only whether the case moves forward.

Three things can happen here that shape everything after: the officer's account of the stop gets locked in under oath, the ARD conversation with the Lancaster County District Attorney opens, and any obvious defect in the paperwork or the testing chain becomes visible. A waiver signed in the hallway gives up all three.

Come dressed for court, arrive early, and bring the summons. If you have retained counsel, discuss in advance whether the hearing will be held or waived — that decision should be made from the discovery, not on the spot.