PENNSYLVANIA SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER SENTENCED FOR DUI, RESISTING ARREST

John Adonizio, a Pittston Area school board member, was sentenced this week for driving under the influence and resisting arrest. Adonizio was arrested this past December in Hughestown, Pennsylvania, when police observed him speeding and swerving towards a snow-covered intersection, just after 2 a.m. Police attempted to stop the vehicle, but Adonizio eluded the police for several blocks before coming to a stop in front of his home. The defendant exited his vehicle, refused a field sobriety test, refused to submit to a blood-test, and resisted arrest, claiming he was “good friends” with the county’s District Attorney.

Adonizio pled guilty to DUI and resisting arrest charges, and was sentenced to at least thirty (30) days of house arrest. He was given the option of serving the house arrest sentence or spending seventy-two (72) hours in prison. As terms of his house arrest, he will only be allowed to leave his home for work, religious worship, doctor’s visit, and other “necessities”. Further, Adonizio was ordered to pay a $1,000.00 fine, cover the cost of the house arrest bracelet, and perform community service. Mr. Adonizio’s driving privileges have also been suspended for a period of one year.

Drunk Driving

Driving under the influence in Pennsylvania is a serious matter, as it is in every state, and carries minimum penalties required by Pennsylvania statute. The mandatory minimum is based on elements of the conviction, with increases in the mandatory minimum based on any previous conviction for DUI or comparable offense within the past ten years. Penalties can range from six months probation to up to one year in prison; along with other fines and penalties.

If you have been arrested Drunk Driving, DUI, DWI, or Underage Drinking, contact a Philadelphia Criminal Defense Attorney immediately. There are defenses which are available to you, which can reduce or eliminate penalties associated with these charges.