Does a DUI in Pennsylvania mean license suspension?

If you are convicted of a Pennsylvania DUI it is quite possible that your drivers license will be suspended. Pennsylvania takes a tiered approach to DUI offenses and penalties, with more severe cases and repeat offenders receiving the harshest penalties.

However, if you are convicted of a first time DUI in Pennsylvania your license will probably not be suspended as long as:

• Your Blood Alcohol Content was not higher than .099
• You are over 21 years of age.
• You are not a school bus driver or a commercial vehicle driver.
• You did not cause an accident at the time you were arrested for DUI.
• You were not impaired because of the use of a controlled substance.
• You did not refuse chemical testing of your blood alcohol when it was requested.

If you are convicted of DUI and your blood alcohol was higher than .099 your drivers license will be suspended for at least 12 months, depending on the specific circumstances. If you have had a prior DUI conviction you face an automatic license suspension of at least 12 months plus you will be sentenced to a minimum of five days to six months imprisonment.

An underage driver convicted of DUI will face a license suspension even for a first offense. If you refuse to submit to blood alcohol testing, then you are likely to face up to an 18 month license suspension, which is the same penalty a driver would get for an extremely high blood alcohol level or a three time repeat offender would receive.

Get Legal Help

Consequences of DUI in Pennsylvania are quite serious and can affect your life, your employment, and even your freedom. Consult with a Pennsylvania DUI defense attorney as soon as possible so that you can have someone on your side fighting for your rights and defending you.