Repeated DUI Consequences

Understanding the Impact of Multiple DUI Offenses in Pennsylvania

Getting arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) more than once in Pennsylvania can lead to increasingly harsh penalties. Judges consider DUI offenses from the past ten years to determine current sentences. With each new conviction, the consequences become more severe, affecting fines, jail time, and the duration of driver’s license suspensions. It’s crucial to seek the guidance of a Greensburg criminal attorney if you’re facing multiple DUI charges.

Factors Influencing DUI Penalties

• Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC): This plays a major role in determining penalties, even if it’s only your second offense.
• Tier 3 (Highest DUI): For a BAC of 0.16% or higher, or if drugs (legal or illegal) are found in your system. This is a first-degree misdemeanor, potentially leading to up to 5 years in prison, an 18-month license suspension, mandatory driving safety courses, community service, and a drug and alcohol evaluation. Refusing blood, breath, or urine tests also results in a Tier 3 charge.
• Tier 2 (High DUI): For a BAC between 0.10% and 0.159%, considered an ungraded misdemeanor. Possible penalties include 30 days to 6 months in jail, a 12-month license suspension, and mandatory evaluations with safe driving classes.
• Tier 1 (General Impairment): For a BAC between 0.08% and 0.099%, also an ungraded misdemeanor. Jail time ranges from 5 days to 6 months, with a 1-year license suspension.

Consequences of a Third DUI Offense

A third DUI within a ten-year span comes with significant repercussions:

• Tier 1 or 2 DUI: Sentencing can range from 5 days to 5 years in jail.
• Tier 3 DUI: Can mean 1 to 5 years in state prison instead of county jail.

These are serious penalties and should not be taken lightly.

Updates to Pennsylvania’s DUI Laws

In 2018, Pennsylvania implemented stricter DUI laws for repeat offenders:

• Felony Charges: Imposed for a third DUI if BAC is 0.16% or higher, or for a fourth or subsequent arrest regardless of BAC.
• First-Degree Felony: Charged if driving under the influence results in someone’s death.
• License Violations: Increased penalties for DUIs committed without a valid license or with a suspended one, including 5 additional years in prison.
• Aggravated Assault: An additional 2 years if injury is caused while intoxicated and driving with a suspended or no license.

Seek Experienced Legal Help

Facing a second or third DUI in the last decade? It’s crucial to have a seasoned Greensburg DUI attorney on your side. At Logue Criminal Defense, we’ve successfully represented many individuals charged with DUI across Greensburg, West Virginia, and Ohio.

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

Call 844.PITT.DUI or (844) 748-8384 today to schedule your free consultation. You can also reach us online. Act quickly, as a third DUI conviction has long-lasting impacts on your life.

Remember, the sooner you secure legal representation, the better your chances of achieving a favorable outcome. Don’t wait; contact us now!