DUI Lawyer in Franklin County.

The Franklin County District Attorney's office reviews first-offense DUI applicants for Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition. Approved applicants get supervision instead of a conviction, a shorter license suspension tied to BAC tier, CRN evaluation and alcohol highway safety school, and expungement after successful completion. Prior DUI convictions or a prior ARD within 10 years are disqualifiers under Act 58 of 2025.

Usually not for every date. PA-licensed counsel is required regardless of where you live, and many Franklin County appearances can be waived or handled by us. We tell you up front which dates genuinely require you in Chambersburg.

First-offense penalties depend on your BAC. General Impairment (.08–.099) is up to 6 months probation, $300 fine, and no license suspension. High BAC (.10–.159) adds a 12-month suspension and 48 hours minimum jail. Highest BAC (.16+), refusals, and controlled-substance DUIs trigger 72 hours minimum jail, a 12-month suspension, and fines up to $5,000. Ignition interlock is required on most suspensions.

Most first-time offenders qualify for Pennsylvania's Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program — no conviction, shorter suspension, and expungement after completion. You may be disqualified if a child was in the vehicle, there was a serious-injury accident, or you have certain priors. Under Act 58 of 2025, a prior ARD within 10 years now counts as a prior offense.

Pennsylvania's implied consent law triggers an automatic 12-month PennDOT license suspension for refusing chemical testing — separate from the criminal DUI and applied even if you're acquitted. The refusal and the underlying DUI are challenged separately and often have different defenses.

We charge flat fees that depend on case complexity — standard first-offense cases run a few thousand dollars; cases with accidents, refusals, suppression hearings, or trial cost more. Consultations are free and fees are discussed up front. For most clients, the cost is offset by avoiding a suspension, jail time, or a permanent criminal record.