Watch Out! You May Have Less Than 10 Days To Fight Losing Your Driver's License

Pennsylvania

DUI arrests and charges in the state of Pennsylvania are very serious and can lead to a permanent criminal history on your personal record. Therefore it is very important for you to understand Pennsylvania DUI law and get information about drunk driving charges in PA if you have been charged with “Driving Under the Influence”.

Like in most other states, the legal alcohol limit in PA is also 0.08. BAC and levels 0.08 or higher can get you in trouble for DUI. Similarly, the state also has a threshold limit for “High Rate of Alcohol” which is anywhere between 0.10 up to 0.159. Anyone with a high alcohol rate within two hours after driving, operating or being physically in control of any vehicle can be charged with High Rate DUI which has harsher charged and penalties. If BAC is 0.16 or more, the person may be charged with “Highest Rate DUI” which has even more severe penalties. At MyDUIAttorney, We make it easy for you to understand Pennsylvania DUI law, so you can have an idea of what you may be charged with.

PA DUI penalties for BAC between 0.08 up to 0.10

First Time Offense: First time offenders are fined $300 without prison. However, the offenders have to go through 6 months probation which includes attendance at an approved alcohol highway safety school along with compliance with all drugs, controlled substances, chemicals and alcohol treatments. The offender may also have to serve up to 150 hours of community service.

Second Time Offense: Second time offenders are fined $300 up to $2500 and jailed for a minimum of 5 days, up to 6 months. The offenders driver’s license is suspended for a year and in this case too, offenders have to attend an approved alcohol highway safety school along with drug and alcohol treatments. After the license suspension is revoked, installation of an ignition interlock device is mandatory for up to a year. The offender will also have to serve 150 hours of community service.

Third and subsequent offenses: Third and subsequent offenses are fined heavily, which can go up to $5000. The offender has to stay a minimum of 10 days in jail up to 2 years, followed by 1 year of license suspension. Like in the case of first and second time offenses, the convicted has to comply with all drug and alcohol treatment requirements, and use an ignition interlocking device for minimum of 1 year after the license suspension is revoked. In the case of third and subsequent offenses, 150 hours of community service is mandatory.

PA DUI penalties for BAC between 0.10 up to 0.159

High Rate DUI has harsher penalties and charges for first time and also for repeat offenders. If you have been charged with High Rate BAC DUI in the state of Pennsylvania, you should immediately hire a Pennsylvania DUI lawyer to handle your case, to avoid huge fines and charges.

First time Offense: First time offenders of High Rate DUI are charged fines from $500 up to $5000, along with minimum 48 hours of jail up to 6 months. The offenders driver’s license is suspended for 1 year. In high rate DUI cases, the offenders have to attend an approved alcohol highway safety school and comply with all drug and alcohol treatment requirements, along with mandatory 150 hours of community service.

Second time Offense: Second time offenders are fined between $750 up to $5000 along with minimum 1 month prison, which can last up to 6 months. The offenders driver’s license is suspended for 1 year, followed by installation of a mandatory ignition interlock device. Other penalties include attending an alcohol safety school, compliance with drug and alcohol treatment requirements and 150 hours of community service.

Third time Offense: Third time offenders are fined between $1500 up to $10000 along with minimum 90 days jail, up to 5 years. The offenders drivers license is suspended for 18 months, followed by mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device. In this case too, the offender has to comply with all alcohol and drug treatment requirements, and serve up to 150 hours of community service.

Fourth and subsequent Offenses: These offenders are fined between $1500 up to $10000 along with minimum 1 year of jail up to 5 years. The drivers license is suspended for 18 months, followed by mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device. Offenders also have to comply with all drug and alcohol treatment requirements and serve up to 150 hours of community service.

Highest Rate of BAC

First, second and third time offenders of Highest Rate of BAC can face heavy fines going up to $10,000 and jail of up to 18 months. Offenders also have to attend mandatory alcohol safety school, and comply with all drug and alcohol treatment requirements, along with 150 hours of community service. For more information on your specific charge, consult your Pennsylvania DUI attorney for guidance.

To fully understand the penalties associated with a Pennsylvania DUI charge, it is strongly recommended that you consult with a Pennsylvania DUI lawyer that you are most comfortable with and who can knowledgeably represent you throughout your trial and court proceedings.  You can find a Pennsylvania drunk driving attorney by typing in the city of your arrest above or call our 24 hour DUI hotline

Additional resources