Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI) carries stiff penalties, including license suspension and in some cases imprisonment. Also known as “driving while intoxicated” (DWI), DUI is illegal in every state. In Pennsylvania, a driver is considered intoxicated if his or her blood alcohol content reaches or exceeds .08 percent. If a driver under the age of 21 is found to have any alcohol in his or her system, the driver will be considered intoxicated. This is known as a “zero tolerance” law. You should also know that Pennsylvania takes a “zero tolerance” approach to driving with any measurable amount of drugs –legal or illegal – in your system. In many jurisdictions, alternative rehabilitative disposition (ARD) programs exist for first time offenders. After successful completion of the program, many jurisdictions will expunge your arrest record.Such procedures will require the attention of an experienced attorney.
While they may seem simple, DUI cases can involve many complex issues, such as the legality of a traffic stop, the validity of chemical testing (a breathalyzer or blood test, for example), refusal to submit to chemical testing and what will happen if you are required to drive as part of your job. If you are charged with impaired driving, you should not assume that you are guilty. Immediately contact Stampone Law to protect your driving privileges.
Our Role in Your Criminal Matter
From arraignment to plea bargaining to defending you at trial, our experienced attorneys are ready to help you resolve your legal troubles and get on with your life. The lawyers of Stampone Law will listen to your concerns and work with you to decide how to handle your case. Whatever the strategy we as a team decide to employ, we will strive to provide a vigorous, effective defense. If you or a loved one has a question about a criminal matter, or need our help, please do not hesitate to contact us for assistance. We are here for you, every step of the way.
Penalties For DUI In Pennsylvania:
General Impairment, BAC – .08 to .099:
- First offense:
- You can face up to six months of probation.
- Be hit with a $300 fine.
- Attend mandatory alcohol highway safety school.
- Be ordered to seek alcohol and drug treatment.
- Second offense:
- Have your license suspended for one year.
- Spend five days to six months in jail.
- Get slugged with a fine ranging from $300 to $2,500.
- Attend mandatory alcohol highway safety school.
- Be ordered to seek alcohol and drug treatment.
- Get saddled with an ignition interlock system for one year.
- Three or more offenses:
- You will be charged with a second-degree misdemeanor.
- Have your license suspended for one year.
- Get heaved into jail from 10 days to two years.
- Face a fine ranging from $1,000 to $5,000.
- Be ordered to seek alcohol and drug treatment.
- Get saddled with an ignition interlock system for one year.
High BAC – .10 to .159:
- First offense:
- License suspended for one year.
- Face anywhere from 48 hours to six months in jail.
- Get whacked with a fine ranging from $500 to $5,000.
- Attend mandatory alcohol highway safety school.
- Be ordered to seek alcohol and drug treatment.
- Second offense:
- Automatic one-year driver’s license suspension.
- Get pitched into jail for 30 days to six months.
- Be fined anywhere from $750 to $5,000.
- Attend mandatory alcohol highway safety school.
- Be ordered to seek alcohol and drug treatment.
- Get burdened with an ignition interlock system for one year.
- Three offenses:
- You will be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor.
- Automatic 18-month license suspension.
- Get bounced into jail for 90 days to five years.
- Fined anywhere from $1,500 to $10,000.
- Be ordered to seek alcohol and drug treatment.
- Get burdened with an ignition interlock system for one year.
- Four or more offenses:
- You will be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor.
- Automatic 18-month suspension.
- Get bounced into jail for one to five years.
- Fined anywhere from $1,500 to $10,000.
- Be ordered to seek alcohol and drug treatment.
- Get burdened with an ignition interlock system for one year
BAC Over – .16+:
- First offense:
- License suspended for one year.
- Face anywhere from 72 hours to six months in jail.
- Get jabbed with a fine ranging anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000.
- Attend mandatory alcohol highway safety school.
- Be ordered to seek alcohol and drug treatment.
- Second offense:
- Charged with a first-degree misdemeanor.
- Automatic 18-month suspension.
- Ordered to spend 90 days to five years behind bars.
- Fined anywhere from $1,500 to $10,000.
- Attend mandatory alcohol highway safety school.
- Be ordered to seek alcohol and drug treatment.
- Get stuck with an ignition interlock system for one year.
- Three or more offenses:
- Charged with a first-degree misdemeanor.
- Automatic 18-month suspension.
- Get bounced into jail for one to five years.
- Fined anywhere from $2,500 to $10,000.
- Be ordered to seek alcohol and drug treatment.
- Get saddled with an ignition interlock system for one year.