Repeated DUI Consequences

Repeatedly getting arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Pennsylvania entails increasingly severe consequences with each conviction. Pennsylvania judges consider the previous ten-year period when determining sentences for DUI convictions, directly impacting fines, jail sentence lengths, and driver’s license suspension durations. If you have multiple DUI convictions, seeking legal representation from a Butler PA Criminal Attorney is advisable.

The consequences for a repeat DUI conviction, even for a second offense, are influenced by the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level. A Tier 3 (Highest DUI) classification applies when the BAC is 0.16 percent or above, or if drugs (prescription or illegal) are detected. A Tier 3 DUI is considered a first-degree misdemeanor, carrying potential penalties of up to five years in prison, an 18-month license suspension, mandatory driving safety classes, community service, and a drug and alcohol evaluation. Refusing to comply with blood, breath, or urine tests also results in a Tier 3 charge.

For a second DUI falling under Tier 2 (High DUI), with a BAC ranging from 0.10 percent to 0.159 percent, the offense is classified as an ungraded misdemeanor. The jail sentence can span from 30 days to six months, along with a 12-month license suspension, mandatory drug and alcohol evaluation, and safe driving classes.

A second DUI falling under Tier 1 (General Impairment) DUI, with a BAC between 0.08 percent and 0.099 percent, is likewise considered an ungraded misdemeanor. The jail sentence for this offense ranges from five days to six months, and the license is suspended for one year.

Facing a third DUI charge within a ten-year period carries significant penalties. A Tier 1 or 2 DUI incurs a jail sentence ranging from five days to five years, while a Tier 3 DUI can result in one to five years in a state prison rather than a county jail. These punishments are particularly severe and should not be taken lightly.

Pennsylvania’s DUI laws underwent changes in 2018, resulting in stricter penalties for repeat offenders. A felony charge can now be imposed on individuals facing a third DUI if their blood alcohol content (BAC) is at or above 0.16 percent. Similarly, if the BAC is lower, but it is their fourth or subsequent arrest, the same felony charge will apply.

Do you know someone who has been recently stopped and arrested for a second or third DUI within the last ten years? If that’s the case, you require the expertise of an experienced Butler PA criminal attorney who has handled numerous DUI cases, many of which are similar to yours.

At Logue Criminal Defense, we take pride in representing a vast number of individuals arrested for Driving Under the Influence. Our firm serves the Butler, PA area, as well as West Virginia and Eastern Ohio. Don’t hesitate, contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation at 844.PITT.DUI . You can also reach us online. Time is of the essence! A third DUI conviction carries severe and long-lasting consequences that could significantly impact your life.

Remember, the longer you delay in securing legal representation, the more challenging it becomes for a Butler PA DUI attorney to achieve the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t procrastinate any further. Call us immediately!