Being arrested for DUI is a serious offense that can have significant consequences, including jail time, loss of driving privileges, and monetary fines.  It is imperative that anyone facing such a charge understand what challenges they will encounter.  Seeking the legal advice of a competent and experienced DUI attorney will help you understand all of your rights and options. 

What happens if I was arrested for DUI?
Under Pennsylvania law, when you have been cited for violating the DUI statute, the state imposes penalties based on your blood alcohol content (BAC).  Pennsylvania uses a 3-tier system to impose DUI charges upon an offender:

General Impairment: 0.08 to 0.099% BAC
High BAC: 0.10 to 0.159% BAC
Highest BAC: 0.16% and higher

DUI Penalties for First Time General Impairment Offenders

Jail Time
Pennsylvania does not require that the offender serve any jail time.

Monetary Fines
A first time offender will pay a fine of $300.00.

Driving Privileges
A first time DUI conviction will not result in the suspension of driving privileges.

DUI Penalties for First Time High BAC Offenders

Jail Time
Pennsylvania requires that the offender serve at least 48 consecutive hours, up to 6 months in jail.

Monetary Fines
A first time offender will pay a fine of at least $500.00, up to $5,000.00.

Driving Privileges
A first time DUI conviction will result in the suspension of driving privileges for 12 months.

DUI Penalties for First Time Highest BAC Offenders

Jail Time
Pennsylvania requires that the offender serve at least 72 consecutive hours, up to 6 months in jail.

Monetary Fines
A first time offender will pay a fine of at least $1,000.00, up to $5,000.00.

Driving Privileges
A first time DUI conviction will result in the suspension of driving privileges for 12 months.

Chemical Test Refusal
Refusing to submit to a test when requested by law enforcement will result in the suspension of driving privileges for 12 months.  The penalties for refusal to submit to chemical testing are the same as those for the Highest BAC offenders.  Pursuant to Pennsylvania law, an individual may request an Administrative Hearing from the Department of Transportation only in the event the offender refused chemical testing. 

Commercial Drivers
Commercial drivers are in violation of the DUI statute with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.04.  A first time DUI conviction will result in the loss of the commercial driver’s license for 1 year, while any subsequent DUI offenses will result in a lifetime loss of the commercial license. 

Alcohol Evaluation
Successful completion of a drug and alcohol assessment and program is required for reinstatement of driving privileges.

DUI Subsequent Offenses
Penalties are increasingly more severe for any additional DUI violations.  Due to the complexity of DUI laws, you may not be aware of your rights and the potential defenses available to your case.  An experienced and competent attorney can guide you through this emotionally challenging process.  Please contact a lawyer for an immediate, free consultation.