Meadville DUI Stop Ruled Illegal: BAC Results Tossed

A Crawford County judge ruled that the Pennsylvania State Police lacked reasonable suspicion when troopers stopped a Meadville motorist suspected of DUI last summer. As a result, none of the evidence obtained from the motorist can be used against the motorist at trial. The ruling means that his blood alcohol content (BAC) results, his statements at the scene, and all of the field sobriety test results cannot be considered by the judge or jury at trial. The District Attorney has 30 days to appeal the decision.

The stop occurred on August 26, 2012 at about midnight. The Meadville motorist was traveling north on Old Plank Road just after making a turn onto Cemetery Road. The Pennsylvania State Police alleged that on one occasion the motorist “abruptly swerved” into the southbound lane, causing “one-half” of his vehicle to cross into the oncoming lane, before over-correcting and returning to the northbound lane. No other vehicles were on the roadway at the time. The trooper also testified at the suppression hearing that the motorist activated his left turn signal for longer than usual before negotiating a left turn onto Cemetery Road.

After a suppression hearing, the Court recently issued a decision holding that the trooper lacked the requisite factual and legal basis to justify the stop. In so doing, the Court granted the suppression motion filed on behalf of the motorist by Erie DUI and criminal defense lawyer Tim George.

No two cases are exactly the same. The facts of each case often are in dispute. You cannot expect that your case will be resolved just like this one. However, you can expect our best effort, personal attention, and a commitment to the defense of your freedom.