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What Should I Do If I'm Arrested for a DUI in Pennsylvania?

On Behalf of

Crouthamel Law Offices |

July 22, 2026

| Dui Defense

If you’re arrested for a DUI in Pennsylvania, stay calm, comply with the officer’s lawful instructions, and avoid answering questions about where you were or how much you had to drink. What you say and do in the hours after an arrest can shape the rest of your case, sometimes more than the arrest itself.

At Crouthamel Law Offices, we’ve helped clients throughout Bethlehem and eastern Pennsylvania navigate the uncertainty that follows a DUI arrest. This article explains what to expect during the arrest, what happens next, and the steps you can take to protect your rights. 

What to Do During a DUI Arrest

If you’re stopped on suspicion of DUI, your actions can affect what happens next. Keep these guidelines in mind:

  • Stay calm and cooperate. Provide your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance when requested. If the officer asks you to step out of the vehicle, do so without arguing.

  • Use your right to remain silent. You don’t have to answer questions about where you were, what you drank, or whether you believe you’re impaired. If you choose not to answer, politely explain that you’d like to speak with an attorney before discussing the case.

After an arrest, the officer may also ask you to take a breath or blood test under Pennsylvania’s implied consent law. Refusing chemical testing doesn’t prevent DUI charges. It can lead to a license suspension through PennDOT, and if you’re convicted, Pennsylvania generally applies the enhanced penalties associated with the highest BAC tier, even without a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) reading.

Why You Should Contact a DUI Lawyer After an Arrest

After a DUI arrest, speak with a defense lawyer as soon as possible. A DUI lawyer can help by:

  • Reviewing the traffic stop. An attorney can examine police reports and available video to determine whether officers had a valid reason to stop or detain you.

  • Examining chemical test evidence. Breath and blood testing must follow specific procedures. Counsel can review how the sample was collected, the timing of the test, equipment records, and laboratory documentation.

  • Questioning signs of impairment. Field sobriety tests and an officer’s observations are not conclusive. Medical conditions, poor lighting, uneven ground, or unclear instructions may affect the results.

  • Protecting your driving privileges. A chemical-test refusal can lead to a separate PennDOT suspension. An attorney can explain the deadlines and whether you have grounds to challenge it.

  • Representing you in court. Counsel can question witnesses, challenge improperly obtained evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, and prepare for trial when needed.

  • Explaining possible outcomes. Depending on the facts and your record, a lawyer can assess plea options, trial defenses, or eligibility for Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD).

Speak With a Bethlehem DUI Defense Attorney Today

An arrest is the start of a legal process, not the end of it. A DUI charge doesn’t automatically end in a conviction, and the decisions you make in the days after your arrest can affect whether it does.

If you’ve been arrested for a DUI in Bethlehem or the surrounding area, Crouthamel Law Offices can walk you through what comes next and start building your defense. Call 610-428-3386 or contact us through our form to discuss your legal options.