DUI Penalties in PA
If you are wondering what penalties could be imposed upon you for a DUI charge, I have given you the basics below. These penalties will be greatly increased if there was an accident, injury or fatality. My firm defends those charged with misdemeanor or felony DUI charges, and I am extremely familiar with the various defenses that have been successful, and I am prepared to review the facts in your case and advise you what can be done for you. It is important that you get in touch with my firm immediately if you have been charged; even a first time misdemeanor DUI charge, with no accident or injury has very serious consequences.
This is the basic information about what to expect if you are convicted of DUI in Pennsylvania:
First time DUI in a 10 year period if no BAC evidence (Incapable of Safe Driving):
- ARD (Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition)
- No one killed or injured
- No passenger under age 14 in vehicle at the time of the arrest
First time, ungraded misdemeanor in a 10 year period with BAC .08% -.10%:
- Mandatory 6 months of probation
- $300 fine
- Mandatory attendance in AHSS (Alcohol Highway Safety School)
- Full drug and alcohol assessment if ordered
First time, ungraded misdemeanor in a 10 year period with BAC .10% - .15%
- Jail time 48 hours – 6 months
- Fines up to $5,000
- Mandatory attendance in AHSS
- 12 months driver's license suspension
- Full drug and alcohol assessment if ordered
First time misdemeanor in a ten year period with BAC .16% or higher
- Jail time 72 hours to 6 months
- Fines up to $5,000
- Mandatory attendance in AHSS
- 12 months driver's license suspension
- Full drug and alcohol assessment (mandatory)
Second DUI Offense in 10 years, BAC .08% - .10%:
- 6 months of probation – mandatory
- Jail time up to 6 months (5 days minimum)
- AHSS
- 12 months driver's license suspension
- Installation of ignition interlock device for 1 year
- Full drug and alcohol assessment
Second DUI offense in 10 years, misdemeanor BAC .10% to less than .16%
- 30 days to 6 months jail time
- Fines up to $5,000
- 12 months driver's license suspension
- AHSS
- 12 months driver's license suspension
- 1 year ignition interlock device
- Full drug and alcohol assessment
Second DUI in 10 years, BAC at .16% or higher:
- 90 days to 5 years in jail
- Fines up to $10,000
- AHSS
- 18 months driver's license suspension
- 1 year ignition interlock device
- Full drugs and alcohol assessment
Third DUI in 10 years, BAC .08% - .10%
- Jail 10 days – 2 years
- Fines up to $5,000
- 12 months driver's license suspension
- Ignition interlock device 1 year
- Full drug and alcohol assessment
Third DUI in 10 years, BAC .10% to under .16%:
- 1 year to 5 years jail time
- Fines up to $10,000
- 18 months driver's license suspension
- 12 months ignition interlock device
- Full drug and alcohol assessment
Third DUI in 10 years, BAC .16% or higher
- 1 year to 5 years jail time
- Fines up to $10,000
- 18 months driver's license suspension
- 12 months ignition interlock device
- Full drug & alcohol assessment
Fourth DUI in 10 years, BAC .08% - .10%
- Up to 2 years jail time
- Fines up to $5,000
- 12 months driver's license suspension
- Ignition interlock device 1 year
- Full drug and alcohol assessment
Fourth DUI in 10 years, BAC .10% to under .16%
- Up to 5 years in jail
- Fines up to $10,000
- 18 months driver's license suspension
- 12 months ignition interlock device
- Full drug and alcohol assessment
Fourth DUI in 10 years, BAC .16% or higher:
- Up to 5 years in jail
- Fines up to $10,000
- 18 months driver's license suspension
- 12 months ignition interlock device
- Full drug and alcohol assessment
At my firm, our goal is to help you avoid the consequences of a conviction, or reduce the damage by any legal means. I have gained a deep understanding of what defense strategies can lead to a dismissed charge, reduced charge or an acquittal, and I urge you to contact my firm, Curtis E. Barnes, Attorney at Law, in Reading, PA.