Being charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance (DUI) can be a highly stressful experience. In addition to serving mandatory jail time and paying court costs and fines, first-time DUI offenders may have to submit to probation or parole supervision after they complete a mandatory DUI jail sentence.
Successfully completing a period of parole or probation supervision can be difficult due to the existence of strict rules and regulations. Fortunately, many individuals charged with a first-offense DUI in Bucks County can avoid these burdensome requirements through admission to the Bucks County Flat Sentence DUI Program.
I have over a decade of experience providing skilled representation to individuals charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance in Bucks County. I can determine whether you are eligible for a flat 48- or 72-hour sentence for your DUI case. Contact me at (215) 752-5282 for a free initial consultation or fill out the confidential contact form for an immediate response.
The Bucks County Flat Sentence DUI Program
The Bucks County Flat Sentence DUI Program is open to individuals who have not previously been convicted of a driving under the influence offense in Pennsylvania or an equivalent offense in any other state or jurisdiction. The sentencing judge must agree to admit a qualified candidate into the program.
Individuals approved about the program must pay all court costs, fines, restitution and highway safety school fees on the day of sentencing. Payment for the program can be made to the Bucks County Clerk of Courts by check, money order, cash or credit card. Check or money orders are made payable to the Clerk of Courts.
How the Bucks County Flat Sentence DUI Program Works
The Bucks County Flat Sentence DUI Program allows eligible individuals to serve their mandatory minimum sentence of either 48 or 72 hours in the custody of the Bucks County Department of Corrections.
Flat sentence program participants must complete mandatory 5- or 12-week highway safety classes while completing their 48- or 72-hour DUI sentence. Individuals who successfully complete the requirements of the DUI flat sentence program are released from custody when their 48- or 72-hour sentence is over and are not subject to parole or probation supervision.
Benefits of a Flat DUI Sentence in Bucks County
The primary benefits of the Bucks County Flat Sentence DUI Program are that it removes probation and parole supervision from the DUI sentence and creates the ability to complete the highway safety classes within 2 to 3 days instead of 5 or 12 weeks. A typical DUI sentence includes a period of probation or parole supervision by the Bucks County Probation and Parole Department.
Why Avoiding Parole or Probation Supervision Is Important
Successfully completing probation or parole supervision as part of a DUI sentence can be extremely difficult because many conditions are placed on a DUI offender. Those conditions may include the following:
- Being required to report to a probation or parole officer
- Being subject to random drug and alcohol testing
- Being subject to random home visits from a probation officer
- Being required to attend mandatory substance abuse counseling
- Being restricted from owning or possessing a firearm
- Being subject to other mandatory probation department rules
Consequences of Violating Probation or Parole in Bucks County
A violation of any of these conditions often triggers a probation or parole violation hearing. An individual found to have violated his or her probation or parole may be sentenced to an additional period of incarceration and supervision beyond the sentence imposed for the original DUI sentence.
Unfortunately, probation or parole violation judges often impose additional harsh conditions on the sentences of individuals found to have violated their probation or parole. Approval for the Bucks County Flat Sentence DUI Program will eliminate the risk that you will be found in violation of your probation or parole and be subject to additional punishment.
Comprehensive Experience With the Flat Sentence DUI Program
I have extensive experience assisting individuals with the admission procedures for the Bucks County Flat DUI Program. If you are eligible for the program, I can place you in the best position to receive court approval and admission into the program.
Start With a Strong Defense
If you or a loved one has been charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance in Bucks County, you may be eligible for a flat DUI sentence. Phone lines are open 24 hours a day at (215) 752-5282. Contact me for a free initial consultation or fill out the confidential contact form for an immediate response.
