Drinking and Driving in Montgomery County, PA

Michael Finn, of Collegeville, PA, was arrested and charged with DUI in Lower Merion Township on June 3, authorities said.  According to police reports, a passing driver observed Finn operating his Pontiac minivan in an erratic and reckless manner on Montgomery Avenue.  The driver reported it to the police who dispatched an officer in the area to follow the vehicle.  The officer followed Finn’s vehicle and stopped it near Matsonford Road.

Police reported that they observed Finn’s minivan being driven erratically and that upon pulling Lower Merion Police Cruiserthe vehicle over Finn had a strong odor of alcohol about him.  Finn failed field sobriety tests at the scene.  Finn was then arrested and brought back to the police station where he refused to submit to a breathalyzer test.

Big problems for Mr. Finn.  If these reports are true, not only does Mr. Finn face PA DUI penalties, but he also faces a driver’s license suspension from PennDot.  When a motorist refuses to submit to a chemical test, be it blood or breath, then the police notify PennDot, who then sends the motorist an order that his driver’s license will be suspended for between 12 and 18 months.  The motorist then has 30 days from the date of the order to appeal his suspension.  Not good.  Friends….don’t refuse a chemical test.

Further, drivers should be aware that Lower Merion is not a good place to drive after drinking due to the financial resources at their disposal that put a lot of officers on the road.  Other areas that have become increasingly vigilant regarding DUI enforcement within Montgomery County are Upper Merion, Whitpain Township, Blue Bell, Limerick, Collegeville, Willow Grove, and Hatboro.  Other municipalities are ramping up enforcement monthly.  Be aware and stay safe.

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