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DUI Penalties
In Pittsburgh, just like anywhere else in the U.S., the courts take a tough stance on DUI offenses. Our Pittsburgh criminal attorneys are well-versed in Pennsylvania’s three-tier system, which provides clear guidelines for determining the punishments for DUI convictions. Allow us to explain the details of DUI penalties and how they can affect you.
Being caught with a blood alcohol content (BAC) above the legal limit of .08 will result in automatic charges of driving under the influence. It’s vital to understand the potential consequences.
A DUI conviction can have serious implications on your ability to obtain and maintain various types of insurance, including auto, health, life, and disability coverage. Insurers often increase premiums or even cancel policies altogether in response to DUI convictions.
The state of Pennsylvania imposes severe penalties for DUI offenses, as outlined below. Whether you were arrested in Pennsylvania or any other state, Attorney Sean Logue and his associates will aggressively and effectively defend your case.
Don’t navigate the complexities of DUI penalties alone. Contact us today for expert guidance and dedicated representation.
Pennsylvania DUI Penalties
| Prior DUIs | Penalties – .08 to .099 percent BAC, or undetermined BAC | Penalties – .10 to 159 percent BAC | Penalties – .16 percent or greater BAC |
| None | Up to six months of probation; $300 fine; attendance at alcohol highway safety school, with the possibility of substance abuse treatment. | One-year license suspension; two days to six months in prison; $500 to $5,000 fine; mandatory attendance at alcohol highway safety school, with the possibility of substance abuse treatment. | One-year license suspension; three days to six months in prison; $1,000 to $5,000 fine; mandatory attendance at alcohol highway safety school, with the possibility of substance abuse treatment. |
| One | One-year license suspension, five days to six months in jail, fines ranging from $300 to $2,500, attendance at an alcohol highway safety school, potential substance abuse treatment, and the requirement of an ignition interlock for one year. | One-year license suspension, 30 days to six months in prison, fines ranging from $750 to $5,000, attendance at an alcohol highway safety school, potential substance abuse treatment, and the requirement of an ignition interlock for one year. | First-degree demeanor. An 18-month license suspension, three months to five years in prison, fines ranging from $1,500 to $10,000, attendance at an alcohol highway safety school, potential substance abuse treatment, and the requirement of an ignition interlock for one year. |
| Two or more | One-year license suspension; 10 days to two years in prison; $500-$5,000 fine; Possible substance abuse treatment; One-year ignition interlock. | 18-month license suspension; Three months to five years in prison; $1,500-$10,000 fine; Possible substance abuse treatment; One-year ignition interlock. | 18-month license suspension; One to five years in prison; $2,500-$10,000 fine; Possible substance abuse treatment; One-year ignition interlock. |
| Three or more | One-year license suspension; 10 days to two years in prison; $500-$5,000 fine; Possible substance abuse treatment; One-year ignition interlock requirement | 18-month license suspension; One to five years in prison; $1,500-$10,000 fine; Possible substance abuse treatment; One-year ignition interlock requirement | 18-month license suspension; One to five years in prison; $2,500-$10,000 fine; Possible substance abuse treatment; One-year ignition interlock requirement |
Recent changes to the law, implemented in 2018, have made a third DUI with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.16 percent or higher a felony offense. This significant update entails more severe penalties upon conviction.
Under the new law, a fourth DUI, regardless of BAC level, is now also considered a felony charge.
Moreover, the legislation increases the penalties for DUI cases resulting in the death of another person. If the driver responsible for the accident is found to be driving under suspension or without a license, they will face an additional five years of prison time. Additionally, those convicted of aggravated assault while driving on a suspended license will now receive an additional two years of jail time.
Drunk Driving Defense
Looking for reliable and effective legal assistance when facing drunk driving charges? Contact Logue Law Group online today or call (844) PITT-DUI for a free consultation with a skilled Pittsburgh DUI attorney. Our experienced team will handle your case diligently, aiming to avoid or reduce any DUI penalties.
Serving Western Pennsylvania, Eastern Ohio, and West Virginia, Sean Logue and his associates at Logue Law Group are dedicated to providing exceptional legal representation.
DUI Consequences
A DUI conviction brings about numerous consequences, extending beyond the legal realm. These repercussions differ depending on various factors, such as your profession, possession of professional licenses (especially Commercial Driver’s Licenses), and the attitudes of your acquaintances.
One area where a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) charge can significantly impact you is your employment. In specific job roles, such as professional truck drivers or CDL holders, a DUI conviction can lead to permanent loss of your commercial driver’s license and subsequently, your job. Finding new employment after serving jail time and completing driver’s license suspension becomes exceptionally challenging with a criminal record tainted by a DUI conviction. The financial strain, resulting from difficulty in paying bills and supporting your family, adds to the already arduous situation.
A DUI conviction is always reported to your automobile insurance provider, leading to increased insurance rates. The escalation in premiums is contingent upon the number of previous convictions. If you accumulate a third DUI conviction within ten years, the cost of insurance could become so exorbitant that affording it becomes nearly impossible.
Needless to say, a DUI conviction results in the suspension of your driver’s license, causing significant inconvenience for you and your family. Commuting to work, assuming you still have a job or can secure a new one, becomes a struggle. Taking your children to school, practice, or outings becomes impractical. Even simple tasks like grocery shopping are now laden with more obstacles.
Time lost is another significant consequence of a DUI conviction. You may be required to complete community service, attend safe driving classes, and undergo drug and alcohol evaluations. Jail or state prison sentences are also potential outcomes. Each hour spent fulfilling court-mandated punishments is an hour forever removed from living your life. The irretrievable loss becomes a stark reminder of the consequences of your actions.
From a legal perspective, the severity of consequences resulting from a DUI conviction hinges on the level of impairment and prior record. Jail time can range from a mere five days to an extensive five years. Fines can range from $500 to a staggering $10,000. Additionally, driver’s license suspensions can vary in duration, ranging from as little as 30 days to as long as 18 months.
Navigating the maze of DUI consequences presents numerous challenges. Understanding the potential ramifications can serve as a reminder to make responsible choices and avoid the dire consequences that arise from driving under the influence.
If you or someone you know has been arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI), securing the services of a reputable Pittsburgh DUI attorney becomes crucial. At Logue Criminal Defense, we have extensive experience in handling hundreds of DUI cases, including those similar to yours. Our dedicated team proudly serves Pittsburgh, West Virginia, and Ohio. Schedule a free initial consultation by calling us at (844) PITT-DUI or you can conveniently reach us online. We are here to help you navigate through this challenging time.