Changing the bail conditions for a DUI in Pittsburgh
Bail is a specified amount of money or property (collateral) provided by or on behalf of a criminal defendant (possibly through a bail bondsman) as security that he or she will appear at future court proceedings. The defendant also agrees to obey all conditions of release, which may include: specific reporting requirements, required notice of address or employment change, abstention from alcohol or drug consumption, drug and alcohol assessments, non-contact with victims or witnesses, and strict adherence to all laws and local ordinances. Ultimately, compliance with conditions of bond results in a showing or respect and responsibility to the court. Failure to comply with any term or condition of bond may result in forfeiture of bond and incarceration until trial. While judges generally refer to a bail schedule, Pennsylvania state statute provides the factors judges are to consider in determining bail amounts; they include:
- Nature of the charged offense charged and the likelihood of conviction
- Defendant’s financial situation (including employment status and history
- Defendant’s family relationships and length of residence in the community
- Defendant’s age, character, reputation, mental condition and alcohol or drugs issues
- Defendant’s prior performance while released on bail
- Defendant’s past failures to appear in court or escape attempts
- Defendant’s criminal history
DUI cases in Pennsylvania may include creative bail conditions such as submitting to random urine screenings, attending 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), or confinement in home detention with electronic monitoring pending trial. DUI convictions have potentially severe penalties, which may include: a maximum sentence of 5-years imprisonment in a state corrections institution, a fine of $10,000.00, or both; in addition to suspension of operating privilege as mandated by PennDoT. If you or a loved one has been charged with a DUI offense, contact an experienced DUI attorney to discuss your specific situation and rights. Call Gary Gerson today at 412-219-6875.
