The Suburbs Cannot Escape DUI

The suburbs of Philadelphia may be quiet, but they are not without crime. First of the year police reports in Delaware County included petty theft, vandalism, and even a few windows knocked out by pellet guns. Perhaps, it can be assumed that everyone was still experiencing holiday good will except for the few motivated by holiday bills. In the first week of 2012, the most serious violation in Newtown and Marple Pennsylvania was driving under the influence.

A short list of misdemeanors was interrupted by two late night DUI arrests in Newton. Interestingly enough, both arrests were of West Chester drivers. Other than the driver’s hometown, there were no other similarities.

In another matter, a DUI investigation quickly became a narcotics arrest for a West Chester driver and his passenger. While operating his vehicle late one night, the accused was arrested at the corners of Chestnut St. and Summit Ave. Police discovered narcotics and drug paraphernalia in the driver’s possession and he was charged with driving under the influence. The 24 year old had straws, a plastic gift card, a bottle of pills, and a white powdery substance in the car and on his person.

The driver wasn’t alone either. The passenger was charged with possession, as well as, the intent to deliver after police found a razor blade, over $700 and a tally sheet. The 23 year old passenger was from Kennett Square. Although charged with a DUI, the driver refused to take a blood test. In addition to DUI, the driver was also charged with possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia.

A few days earlier, a West Chester woman was charged with driving under the influence as police witnessed her swerving heavily down Goshen Road. Driving in the very early weekend hours, the 30 year old driver crossed both the fog line and center line while driving. When stopped, officers could detect the odor of alcohol. They administered sobriety tests. The woman failed four field sobriety tests.

Although officers detected that she was under the influence, the driver was given a portable breath test. She measured .228 percent and was taken to a local hospital for a blood alcohol test.

Any Pennsylvania DUI lawyer will tell you that you must be careful to avoid DUI charges, even in the suburbs.