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Dangerous Drive: Escalated DUI Dilemma
Logue Law Group is here to help if you’re facing aggravated DUI charges in Pennsylvania. DUI laws can be complex, especially in Pennsylvania where they have multiple levels of charges that consider aggravating factors. From general impairment to aggravated DUI, understanding the specific conditions and penalties can be challenging.
In Pennsylvania, there are two types of drunk driving charges: General Impairment Driving While Impaired and Aggravated DUI. Aggravated DUI involves factors such as a high blood alcohol concentration, having children in the car, or causing an accident resulting in injuries. Additionally, Pennsylvania has a third level of DUI charges that also takes aggravating factors into account.
Our team of experienced Beaver DUI attorneys can assist you in comprehending your charges and mounting a strong defense. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you’ve been charged with driving under the influence of alcohol. We are dedicated to providing professional legal assistance tailored to your specific situation.
Aggravating Factors in Pennsylvania DUI Cases: Understanding the Implications
In the state of Pennsylvania, a DUI charge can escalate due to various factors, each carrying its own consequences upon conviction. As a defendant, your priority is to achieve a favorable outcome by eliminating or mitigating these aggravating factors. This is where the expertise of a skilled Beaver DUI attorney becomes invaluable.
Exploring the Aggravating Factors in DUI Cases:
- High Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC): If your BAC exceeds .10 percent, you may face High BAC charges. For a BAC of .16 percent or higher, you can expect Highest BAC charges. Your Beaver criminal attorney can challenge the reliability of breathalyzer and blood tests, question the validity of the traffic stop and field sobriety tests, and contest the accuracy of BAC results.
- Previous Convictions: Prior DUI convictions significantly impact the penalties you currently face. Whether it’s your second, third, fourth, or even tenth offense, your Beaver criminal attorney will explore options to potentially dismiss, expunge, or downgrade your earlier convictions.
- Presence of Children: Having one or more children under the age of 14 in the vehicle during your arrest can lead to enhanced charges, intensifying the potential consequences.
- Accident-related Injuries: Causing an accident while driving under the influence, resulting in injuries, can lead to more severe punishments.
Eligible offenders in Pennsylvania may opt for the Accelerated Rehabilitative Program (ARD) as an alternative. Successful completion of this program could lead to the expungement of your conviction. However, obtaining an expungement becomes significantly more challenging without participating in the ARD. To qualify for ARD, specific criteria must be met, including:
- No deaths or serious injuries, except to the alleged offender.
- First offense within the past ten years.
- No passengers in the vehicle under the age of 14.
It’s important to note that while Pennsylvania does not have a specific charge for “Aggravated DUI,” any of the aforementioned aggravating factors can result in enhanced DUI charges. Navigating the complexity of these charges requires the guidance of a Beaver DUI attorney experienced in effectively challenging such cases.
Our Expert Assistance
When confronted with a High BAC or Highest BAC DUI charge, the consequences can be significant. If you have recently been charged with a .16 percent Highest DUI offense in the past decade, you could potentially face a range of repercussions, including:
- Ungraded misdemeanor charges
- Suspension of your driver’s license for 12 months
- Mandatory drug and alcohol assessment, followed by the appropriate treatment
- A possible imprisonment sentence of up to six months
- Completion of Alcohol Highway Safety School
- Monetary fines ranging from $1,000 to $5,000