First DUI Offense

Making mistakes is a part of being human, no matter how hard we try to be perfect. Unfortunately, one such mistake could be a DUI charge. A DUI charge can have a negative impact on a person’s personal and professional life, even if it’s their first offense. Police officers and state troopers all across the United States are cracking down harder on DUI, which means even individuals with no previous offenses can face severe consequences.

First-Time DUI Penalties

Let’s take a closer look at the penalties for a first-time DUI offense according to Pennsylvania law, which classifies the offense based on the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at the time of arrest.

• General Impairment: This classification applies when a person’s BAC is between .08 and .09 percent. The consequences include potential jail sentences of up to six months and fines of up to $300.

• High BAC: Referred to as “High BAC,” this classification applies when a person’s BAC ranges from .10 to .159 percent. Penalties for this offense include imprisonment for two days to six months, a suspended license for 12 months, and fines ranging from $500 to $5,000.
• Highest BAC: The term used to describe a BAC of .16 percent or higher. The penalties include imprisonment for 72 hours to six months, 12 months of license suspension, and fines ranging from $1,000 to $5,000.

For a first-time offense classified as General Impairment, there is no mandatory incarceration or license suspension. However, the individual may be required to attend Alcohol Highway Safety School, be on probation for up to six months, and pay fines of up to $300. Recent changes in the law also require the installation of an ignition interlock device for some first-time DUI offenders following a conviction.

An ignition interlock device is a breathalyzer-like device attached to a person’s car ignition system. The driver must blow into the device, and if it detects alcohol above the legal limit, the vehicle will not start. If the person’s BAC is below the legal limit, the ignition will start the engine. One of the primary purposes of this device is to allow those convicted of DUI to retain their driving privileges, which often means keeping their employment intact.

Refusing a breathalyzer at the time of your arrest can have consequences that alter your circumstances. In such instances, you may be compelled to install an ignition interlock device solely on your vehicle for a year, thereby limiting your driving privileges. Additionally, if your BAC was classified as High or Highest, a mandatory suspension of your driver’s license, accompanied by a period of incarceration and increased fines, may ensue.

Are There Alternatives to Conviction in a First-Time DUI Case?

While a conviction in a first-time DUI case may seem unavoidable, there are alternatives available that can help offenders keep their criminal records clean. For instance, probation and deferred verdicts can be viable options for those who qualify. By successfully completing the probationary period without any additional charges, the offense can be expunged from their permanent record. In certain circumstances, individuals facing DUI charges might also be eligible for the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program in Pennsylvania. This program, tailored for first-time DUI offenders, offers the opportunity to have their record expunged upon successful completion.

If you or someone you know has been charged with Driving Under the Influence for the first time in or around the city of Pittsburgh, it is crucial to seek the guidance of an experienced Pittsburgh criminal attorney. The Logue Criminal Defense team proudly serves Pittsburgh, and the surrounding SW Pennsylvania areas, including West Virginia and Ohio. Contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation with a skilled Pittsburgh criminal lawyer from Logue Law Group. You can reach us by calling 844.PITT.DUI or by visiting our website.

Don’t delay in seeking legal counsel! The sooner you hire a Pittsburgh DUI attorney, the better your chances are of achieving a favorable outcome for you and your case. Call us today!