PA DUI Attorney. How are PA DUI Penalties Assessed

Chad J. Vilushis - Grant C. Travis
Experienced DUI Lawyers In Erie, PA

Attorney Grant C. Travis
Attorney Chad J. Vilushis
Pennsylvania Drunk Driving Defense

100 State St. • Ste. 210 • Erie, PA • 16507
Call us: 814-455-3839 • Driving Directions

102 Lorna Lane • Edinboro, PA • 16412
Call us: 814-734-6076 • Driving Directions

400 Market Street • Warren, PA • 16365
Call us: 814-723-6120 • Driving Directions

How are PA DUI Penalties Assessed?

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Were you recently stopped in Pennsylvania for a suspected drunk driving offense? Figuring out the PA DUI penalties for a DUI offense can be a complicated process. If you’ve recently been stopped for a Pennsylvania drunk driving arrest, you need the assistance and expertise of a criminal defense attorney at the DUI Defense Group.

Don’t automatically assume that an arrest will lead to a PA DUI conviction. When you discuss your arrest with a defense attorney at the DUI Defense Group, he will explain that there are a number of factors that can affect your arrest, conviction and penalties. Your defense attorney will work diligently to examine all the evidence collected at the time of your arrest, the testing procedures, and the initial traffic stop to mount a defense on your behalf.

Pennsylvania DUI law has established a tiered system for PA DUI penalties and PA DUI convictions. Under this tiered system, the DUI penalties will largely depend on an individual’s Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) and prior DUI convictions. With this new system of tiered penalties, a judge may emphasize treatment for first-time offenders, rather than significant jail time and license suspension.

The three levels of DUI in Pennsylvania are:

General Impairment (BAC of .08% to .099%)
High BAC (BAC of .10% to .159%)
Highest BAC (BAC of .16% or higher)

PA DUI penalties are based on which of these three levels your fall into and whether you’ve had prior convictions for a DUI. As an example, penalties for a General Impairment DUI may include the following:

No prior DUI offenses – Consequences for a PA DUI could include an ungraded misdemeanor conviction, possible probation, a $300 fine, required alcohol highway safety school and possible treatment.
One prior DUI conviction – An ungraded misdemeanor conviction, 12 month license suspension, jail time from 5 days to 6 months, and a fine of $300 to $2500.
Two or more DUI convictions – A 2nd degree misdemeanor conviction, 12 month license suspension, jail time of 10 days to 2 years, a fine of $500 to $5,000, installation of ignition interlock, and enforced treatment.

As you can see, there are a lot of possible penalties associated with PA DUI convictions. It can be a confusing and difficult legal process to navigate. That’s why it’s so essential to seek the early advice of a DUI Defense Group attorney.

Our criminal defense attorneys will act on your behalf to negotiate with the prosecution so that if you are convicted of a DUI, the penalties will be appropriate for your tier BAC and your past experience with DUI convictions. You’ll be amazed at what the DUI Defense Group can do to help you so that you can move on with your life.

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