Mifflin County Judge Suppresses DUI Evidence After Illegal Traffic Stop
If you’ve been charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Pennsylvania, understanding your legal rights is critical. A recent Mifflin County DUI case handled by experienced State College DUI lawyer Jason S. Dunkle shows how police overreach can lead to the dismissal of DUI charges when constitutional rights are violated.
Two DUI Arrests in One Night – But One Major Legal Problem for Police
This case began as a routine DUI traffic stop in Mifflin County. Police observed a minor traffic violation and pulled over the vehicle. During the stop, officers suspected the driver (our client) was under the influence of alcohol. The client was arrested, transported to the hospital, and a blood test was conducted. Afterward, police took the client home.
Before leaving, officers warned the client not to return to retrieve the vehicle. The client explained that he needed the car to drive to work the next morning. Concerned that the client might ignore the warning, the officer contacted a second police officer and asked that officer to conduct surveillance on the vehicle.
The second officer watched as someone entered the vehicle and drove away. The officer followed the car to a nearby residence, activated his police lights, and approached the driver. Upon approaching, the officer identified the driver as the same client. The client was arrested again, taken to the hospital for a second blood draw, and charged with a second DUI in Mifflin County.
Pretrial Motion to Suppress DUI Evidence
Sounds like an open and shut case. Not so fast. State College DUI attorney Jason S. Dunkle filed a Pretrial Motion to Suppress all evidence from the second DUI arrest. The motion argued that the second officer:
Did not witness any traffic violations.
Had no personal involvement in the original DUI arrest.
Had no reliable information to confirm the identity of the driver.
Under Pennsylvania DUI laws and the U.S. Constitution, police officers cannot legally stop a vehicle without reasonable suspicion or probable cause. Simply watching someone drive away is not enough to justify a traffic stop if the officer didn’t see a violation or have reliable information identifying the driver.
The Judge’s Decision: Illegal Stop, DUI Evidence Suppressed
The Mifflin County judge agreed with the defense argument. The officer lacked the legal authority to stop the vehicle. As a result, all evidence obtained during the second traffic stop — including the client’s identity, statements, and blood test results — were suppressed. With no admissible evidence, the Mifflin County District Attorney dismissed the second set of DUI charges entirely.
Why This Case Matters for Anyone Facing DUI Charges in Pennsylvania
This case highlights a key legal defense in Pennsylvania DUI cases — challenging the legality of the traffic stop. If police lack probable cause or reasonable suspicion to pull you over, any evidence they obtain after the stop may be thrown out, which can lead to dismissal of DUI charges.
That’s why it is essential to work with an experienced State College DUI defense lawyer who understands how to fight illegal traffic stops and protect your constitutional rights.
Facing DUI Charges in Mifflin County or Centre County? Contact JD Law Today
Attorney Jason S. Dunkle has over 20 years of experience handling DUI cases in Mifflin County, Centre County, and throughout Pennsylvania. If you’ve been charged with DUI, don’t assume you’re out of options. Our team knows how to challenge police conduct and fight to protect your future.
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.