What Should I Bring to My Initial Consultation With a DUI Attorney?

If you’ve been arrested for DUI in Lancaster, PA, don’t show up empty-handed to your initial consultation. The right preparation can mean the difference between building a strong defense early or playing catch-up with the court and PennDOT. A DUI arrest can trigger mandatory license suspension, fines, and even jail time, depending on your BAC level and record. 

You should also know that PennDOT can start license suspension procedures even before your first court date. At the Law Office of Stephen W. Grosh, our seasoned DUI defense lawyer can intervene early to preserve your driving privileges and challenge weak evidence. Your first consultation with attorney Stephen Grosh isn’t just a formality. It’s your best chance to gain control of your DUI case.

What to Bring and Why They Matter to Your DUI Case

Here’s a list of what will help your lawyer most at your first DUI consultation:

• All citations or tickets issued: These contain which section of PA law you’re charged under and what penalties may apply to you.
• Bail or release papers: These usually include your next court date or preliminary hearing.
• Chemical test results: Whether it’s your breath, blood, or urine test results, your attorney can challenge how the test was done and what the results show.
• PennDOT notices: If you received a notice of license suspension, you must act quickly to request a hearing.

Other helpful items include dashcam footage, your version of events, or names of potential eyewitnesses. But don’t worry if you’re missing something. Your Lancaster, PA, DUI defense lawyer will tell you what they need for your case.

What Happens in The First Meeting

You’ll tell your lawyer the events leading up to the DUI stop so they can get a clear picture of your situation. They’ll explain how the law applies to your situation, what outcomes are possible, and whether you have a strong case. They can also identify red flags or potential challenges early on.

Your attorney will also ensure you understand what’s at stake. You could be facing up to 6 months in jail, mandatory alcohol classes, 12 months of driver’s license suspension, and a criminal record for a first-time DUI in PA with a high BAC. For repeat offenders, the consequences get steeper. That’s why building your defense early matters.

How a Lancaster, PA, DUI Defense Lawyer Can Assist You

Once you hire an attorney, they’ll start by demanding the evidence, filing motions to suppress anything illegally obtained, and challenging the accuracy of breath or blood tests. They will also reach out to prosecutors early, sometimes before charges are even filed. Likewise, they’ll help you deal with PennDOT’s tight deadlines for fighting a license suspension, which is a separate civil process that can blindside people who don’t know it exists.

According to PennDOT, Pennsylvania recorded 40,823 DUI arrests in 2023, with similar annual totals in recent years. That’s tens of thousands of drivers pulled into a confusing and often unforgiving system. However, many cases never go to trial because of legal errors in the stop, test administration, or paperwork. The sooner we identify those weaknesses, the stronger your position.

Speak to Our Lancaster, PA, DUI Defense Attorney About Your Strategy

To learn how our Lancaster, PA, DUI defense lawyer at the Law Office of Stephen W. Grosh can help, schedule your confidential case review by calling 717-208-4599 or contacting us online.