Consequences of First Time DUI Arrest

Being arrested for DUI has significant implications, considering factors like blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and the presence of drugs, both prescribed and illegal. To navigate this situation, it is vital to seek the assistance of a skilled criminal attorney in Beaver.

In Pennsylvania, DUI offenses are divided into three tiers, each with its own penalties for first-time offenders. These tiers are Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3. A BAC of 0.16 percent or higher falls under Tier 3, the most severe tier, exceeding the legal limit. A DUI can also be escalated to Tier 3 if an individual refuses blood, breath, or urine testing or has illegal narcotics or prescription medications in their system, known as Highest DUI.

For a Tier 3 offense, penalties range from $1,500 to $5,000 in fines, a jail sentence of three days to six months, mandatory community service, a mandatory alcohol evaluation interview (CRN), and safe driving classes. Additionally, the individual’s driver’s license would be suspended for one year.

A BAC between 0.10 and 0.159 classifies a first-time DUI offense as a Tier 2 DUI, also known as a High DUI. Penalties for a High DUI include a jail sentence ranging from two days to six months and a one-year driver’s license suspension.

The license aspect of Tier 2 or Tier 3 cases should not be underestimated when facing a DUI charge. Therefore, hiring a skilled and assertive Beaver DUI lawyer becomes crucial. An experienced Beaver DUI attorney can offer several advantages, such as enrolling you in the First Offender Program to reduce your driver’s license suspension. In some cases, they may even help you avoid suspension entirely, depending on the circumstances.

A Tier 1 DUI, known as a General Impairment DUI, is the least severe offense, applicable when a person’s BAC is between 0.08 percent and 0.999 percent. For first-time offenders, there are no penalties of jail time or license suspension involved.

Pennsylvania’s First Offender Program, or Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD), offers a rehabilitative option for first-time DUI offenders, prioritizing their recovery rather than punishment. Successfully completing the program can result in dropped charges and potentially expunging the DUI arrest from your criminal record.

Qualifying for the ARD program requires no prior DUI convictions, a valid driver’s license and registration at the time of the arrest, and no involvement in any accident related to the DUI offense.

If you or a loved one has recently been arrested for a first-time DUI, it’s crucial to seek assistance from a knowledgeable Beaver criminal attorney in Beaver who specializes in DUI law and defenses. The Logue Criminal Defense team has provided exceptional service to numerous DUI clients and is well-versed in this area of the law. Serving not only the Beaver area but also West Virginia and Ohio, we offer a complimentary initial consultation. Get in touch with us today at 844.PITT.DUI or visit our website for more details.