What are the penalties for a first DUI in PA?

Pennsylvania DUI penalties, for first time and subsequent offenders, are based on the recorded BAC of the defendant at the time of arrest, with penalties increasing based on the BAC of an offender. Other considerations influencing the penalties associated with a DUI charge include the addition of other criminal charges related to the DUI arrest and administrative penalties under implied consent laws for refusals to submit. Additionally, second and subsequent DUI convictions within a set timeframe will also carry significantly higher penalties.

The following outlines the three (3) sentencing and penalties categories for first offense DUI offenders in the state of Pennsylvania, including:

• First time offenders in Pennsylvania with BAC of .08 up to BAC of .099, or those individuals with an indeterminate BAC, face conviction of an ungraded misdemeanor, no more than six (6) months of probation, fines of not more than $300, mandatory attendance at alcohol and highway safety school, and if mandated, treatment for alcohol abuse.

• First time offenders in Pennsylvania with BAC of .10 up to BAC of .159 face conviction of an ungraded misdemeanor, mandatory license suspension of one (1) year, at least two (2) days of incarceration but not more than six (6) months, fines of at least $500 up to $5,000, mandatory alcohol and highway safety school completion, and if ordered, alcohol and substance abuse treatment.

• First time offenders in Pennsylvania with BAC of .16 or above, offenders under the influence of a controlled substance, and offenders who refuse to submit to BAC testing, face conviction of an ungraded misdemeanor, one (1) year license suspension, three (3) days up to six (6) months incarceration, fines of at least $1,000 up to $5,000, completion of alcohol and highway safety program, and alcohol or substance abuse treatment, if court ordered.

For more information and insight into your specific DUI case, including how to implement a viable DUI defense in Pennsylvania, consult with a drunk driving lawyer today.