What Are the Penalties for DUI in Pennsylvania?

After a DUI in Pennsylvania, you’re likely fearful for your driver’s license, your job, your finances, and your good name. In reality, most Pennsylvanians have no idea what the actual consequences are for driving under the influence, with some expecting much harsher penalties than they actually face and many others underestimating the severity of the charge.

The experienced DUI defense attorneys at The Mazza Law Group, P.C. want to do everything they can to make sure you’re aware of the penalties for DUI in Pennsylvania. To best prepare you, we’ve collected a summary of potential penalties should you be convicted of DUI.

Pennsylvania operates on a three-tiered definition for DUI, with the tiers separated by blood-alcohol concentration levels. The levels are defined as follows:

  • General impairment: .08 percent to .099 percent
  • High BAC: .10 percent to .159 percent
  • Highest BAC: .16 percent and up/Controlled Substances

The severity of DUI penalties in Pennsylvania rises with each tier. In this post, we will look at first-offense DUI charges for each tier and the possible penalties.

For general impairment, you face the possible penalties and sentencing of:

  • Up to six months of probation
  • Up to a $300 fine
  • Mandatory attendance at alcohol highway safety school
  • Court-ordered alcohol and drug treatment

If you are charged with high BAC DUI, you may face the following penalties in Pennsylvania:

  • Driver’s license suspension for up to one year
  • Possibly two days to six months in jail
  • Possible fine of $500 to $5,000
  • Mandatory attendance at alcohol highway safety school
  • Court-ordered alcohol and drug treatment

If you are charged with highest BAC DUI, under the influence of drugs or marijuana, or if you refuse to submit to a blood test, the consequences of conviction become even more severe:

  • Driver’s license suspension for up to one year
  • Possibly three days to six months in jail
  • Possible fine of $1,500 to $5,000
  • Mandatory attendance at alcohol highway safety school
  • Court-ordered alcohol and drug treatment

You should know that if you are asked to take a blood or breath test and you refuse, your case will be treated as if it was the highest level (with the most severe penalties). Your refusal will also result in a suspension of your driving privileges, even if you are acquitted of the DUI.

As stated before, these are not the only consequences for first-offense DUI. There are additional collateral consequences that could result. For more information on second- and third-offense penalties, visit http://www.lcb.state.pa.us/ or contact an experienced Pennsylvania DUI defense attorney today.

What Are the Penalties for DUI in Pennsylvania? was last modified: September 24th, 2015 by William Arbuckle