Administrative License Revocation in Uniontown

Before a new Senate Bill came into effect on July 1, 2020, navigating DUI cases in Pennsylvania was often a complex process. Each case typically involved two separate hearings: one for the criminal DUI charge and another for the administrative license revocation. This dual-hearing system meant that an individual could face a court hearing for the DUI and then a separate administrative hearing for their license. With the bill’s implementation, the process has been streamlined. Now, DUI cases are addressed in a single court proceeding that determines both the punishment and the conviction, simplifying the legal journey for many. The Administrative Hearings Office was officially dissolved on July 22, 2021. Any DUI cases that were filed before July 21, 2020, were scheduled to continue their hearings there until its closure. Unresolved cases from that period were subject to dismissal.

Navigating the complexities of DUI cases, particularly with the changes brought by Senate Bill 130, can feel overwhelming. This is where seeking professional legal guidance becomes essential. A skilled Uniontown DUI attorney can help you understand the updated procedures and advocate on your behalf. At the Logue Law Group, our experienced legal team is dedicated to providing personalized attention to your case. We work diligently to ensure you receive a favorable outcome. Our Uniontown criminal lawyer in Fayette County will listen carefully to your situation and guide you through every step of the legal process.

The New Single-Court System

The previous system in Pennsylvania was known for its complexity, requiring two separate court hearings for penalties related to a driving license after a DUI charge. Fortunately, the process has become more straightforward with the introduction of a single hearing. The penalties for license suspension now vary based on the specifics and severity of the charges brought against you in this consolidated proceeding.

Administrative License Revocation Hearings

Historically, records for various types of administrative revocations were maintained at the PennDOT headquarters. However, for the hearing itself, you could be summoned to one of several regional offices. An experienced Uniontown criminal lawyer from our group can offer crucial legal representation when handling these DUI cases, ensuring your rights are protected throughout the process. The location for these regional hearings is typically near where the arrest occurred, and our lawyers are prepared to travel to resolve your case effectively. 

Losing Your License Without a Conviction

For any cases filed before the July 1, 2020 change, it was possible to face an administrative license confiscation even if you were not convicted of the criminal DUI charge. The administrative hearing is a legal proceeding linked to implied consent testing. In these hearings, the government’s burden of proof is lower than in a criminal trial, where a citizen’s freedom is at stake. An administrative license suspension is decided based on a “preponderance of the evidence.” In contrast, a criminal court must prove guilt “beyond a reasonable doubt.” This distinction meant that in the past, a Uniontown criminal lawyer faced significant challenges in proving a client’s innocence to prevent license revocation. The enactment of Senate Bill 130 has changed this dynamic, consolidating the process into one court where the license revocation is tied directly to the criminal charges.

Our Uniontown DUI attorney can assist you in filing an administrative license appeal for any cases initiated before July 2020. This may allow you to continue driving for a period, often 8-10 months, due to the backlog of cases. However, it is crucial not to miss any scheduled hearings, as doing so significantly increases the likelihood of your license being revoked.At Logue Law Group, we encourage you to speak  844.PITT.DUI openly with our legal team. We are Uniontown DUI attorney here to listen to your case and fight for the justice you deserve. Reach Out to us