I was arrested last night for a suspected DUI, submitted to a blood test after being taken to the hospital, but the officer released me without filing any charges or giving me any paperwork. Am I going to be charged with DUI?
It’s common for individuals arrested for DUI in Centre County and across Pennsylvania to be released without immediate charges. This often causes confusion and anxiety, but there is a simple reason for the delay.
Why DUI Charges Are Often Delayed in Pennsylvania
In most DUI cases, especially those involving blood tests, the police do not immediately know the driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC) or whether drugs were present in the system. Blood samples are sent to a lab for analysis, and results can take several weeks—or even months—to be processed.
Only after receiving the lab results will the police and prosecutors decide whether to formally file DUI charges.
How You Will Be Notified If Charges Are Filed
If the police decide to pursue DUI charges, they typically file them with the local Magisterial District Court. The court then mails legal paperwork to the accused, known as a Summons.
The Summons will include:
✅ A list of the formal charges
✅ The date, time, and location of the Preliminary Hearing
What Happens at the Preliminary Hearing?
The Preliminary Hearing is a critical first step in a Pennsylvania DUI case. At this hearing, a judge determines whether there is probable cause to believe a crime occurred and that the accused was involved.
Key things to know:
Probable cause is a low legal standard, much lower than the “beyond a reasonable doubt” standard used at trial
While rare, DUI charges can be dismissed at this stage if evidence is lacking
An experienced DUI defense attorney can use the hearing to gather valuable information, question police officers, and assess the strength of the prosecution’s case
Even if the charges are not dismissed, information obtained at the Preliminary Hearing may be crucial for building a defense, filing motions to suppress evidence, or preparing for trial.
Charged with DUI? Contact an Experienced Centre County DUI Lawyer
If you’ve been arrested for DUI in State College or anywhere in Centre County, it’s important to speak with a knowledgeable defense attorney—even if you haven’t yet received formal charges. Early legal guidance can help you understand your rights and prepare for what lies ahead.
Attorney Jason S. Dunkle of JD Law has been successfully defending DUI cases in Centre County and throughout Pennsylvania since 2004. With a proven track record of results, Attorney Dunkle provides aggressive and experienced legal representation.
For a free consultation, contact JD Law today.
For a free case review, contact JD Law by email or leave a message at (814) 689-9139. Email is the preferred method of communication, as phone calls are directed to voicemail due to the high volume of spam and unsolicited calls.