What Happens to First Time Offenders in Pennsylvania?

There are three levels for DUI in Pennsylvania. The laws created in the state offer a higher set of penalties for those who have greater rates for the blood alcohol contents or BAC. Therefore, it allows for some treatment at all levels and would require one to attend an alcohol highway safety school for all first and second time offenders in the State.

The 3 Levels of DUI in Pennsylvania are:

1. General Impairment (.08 to .099% BAC)
2. High BAC (.10 to .159% BAC)
3. Highest BAC (.16% and higher)

Note: It would be good for you to know that those people who are under the DUI law such as minors, commercial drivers, school vehicle or bus drivers, and offenders involved in an accident that injures someone or causes damage to some sort of property may be subject to higher BAC penalties even if their BAC is not that high. Those who refuse to subject themselves to breath or chemical testing would also be subjected to the highest BAC penalties.

Here are some types of penalties for each of the blood alcohol levels:

Level One (Undetermined BAC, .08 to .099% BAC)

No prior DUI offenses

1. Upgraded Misdemeanor
2. Probation that will last up to six months
3. A $300 fine
4. Forced enrollment to an alcohol highway safety school
5. Treatment when ordered

With one prior DUI offense

1. Upgraded Misdemeanor
2. License suspension for a period of two months
3. Five to six days imprisonment in jail
4. $300 to $2,500 charge
5. Alcohol highway safety school
6. Treatment when ordered
7. 1 year ignition interlock

2 or more prior DUI offenses

1. 2nd degree misdemeanor
2. License suspension for a period of twelve months
3. Ten to two years worth of imprisonment in jail
4. $500 to $5,000 charge
5. treatment when ordered
6. 1 year ignition interlock

Those with high BAC penalties (.10 to .159% BAC)

No prior DUI offenses

1. Upgraded misdemeanor
2. License suspension for twelve months
3. Forty eight hours up to six months imprisonment in jail
4. $500 to $5,000 fine
5. Alcohol highway safety school
6. Treatment when ordered

1 prior DUI offense

1. Upgraded misdemeanor
2. 12 month suspension
3. Thirty days to six months worth of being stuck in a jail
4. $750 to $5,000 fine
5. Alcohol highway safety school
6. Treatment when ordered
7. 1 year ignition interlock

2 or more prior DUI offenses

1. 1st degree misdemeanor
2. 18 month license suspension
3. 90 days to 5 years prison
4. $1,500 to $10,000 fine
5. Treatment when ordered
6. 1 year ignition interlock

3 or more prior DUI offenses

1. 1st degree misdemeanor
2. 18 month license suspension
3. 1 to 5 years prison
4. $1,500 to $10,000 fine
5. Treatment when ordered
6. 1 year ignition interlock

Get DUI Help in Pennsylvania

Once you are charged with a DUI offense in Pennsylvania, you can initially do two things: One is to take your DUI case or drunk driving offense into serious consideration.

The moment you are convicted for drinking under the influence case in Pennsylvania, chances are you will be faced with severe conditions on your part in the years to come. When you apply for work, you will find that it is so much more difficult for you to get hired and you would also find that you can no longer move about freely. Not only this, you would also be faced with problems pertaining to your future in general.

Hire an Experienced Pennsylvania DUI Attorney Today!

Therefore, it would be necessary for you to hire the experienced services of a DUI attorney and lawyer in the state of Pennsylvania who can course you throughout your case.

When you do, you will find that a lot of the results on your preliminary conviction can be changed considerably and would then work to your benefit. Not only this, you would also be able to know and understand so many other important concepts that have to do with laws and courtroom proceedings pertaining to DUI in Pennsylvania. That is why it is greatly suggested that you hire the services of a DUI expert in this state, one that you can trust. Once you are convinced, you can simply call your attorney of choice. Expect that all your conversations will be kept confidential and free of charge as well.