Understanding Aggravated DUI Charges in Pennsylvania

What is Aggravated DUI?

Aggravated DUI charges differ across states, including Pennsylvania. In this state, there are two primary DUI charges:

• General Impairment involves driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or higher.
• Aggravated DUI involves specific conditions that can vary by state. Factors like having minors in the car, a high BAC, or causing injury in an accident can lead to these charges.

Additionally, Pennsylvania recognizes a third tier of DUI charges that consider aggravating factors. Navigating DUI laws can be complex, especially here. If you’re facing DUI charges, consider contacting Logue Law Group. Their experienced team of Greensburg DUI attorneys can help you understand your charges and build a strong defense.

Aggravating Factors in DUI Cases

In Pennsylvania, various factors can elevate a DUI charge, affecting the consequences upon conviction. To secure a favorable outcome, it’s crucial to address or minimize these aggravating factors. Here, a skilled Greensburg criminal attorney is essential.

Key Aggravating Factors

• High Blood Alcohol Concentration: A BAC of .10% or higher leads to High BAC charges, and .16% or higher results in Highest BAC charges. A Greensburg DUI attorney can challenge the validity of breathalyzer and blood tests, as well as the traffic stop and field sobriety tests, questioning the accuracy of BAC results.
•  Previous Convictions: Prior DUI convictions can heavily influence current penalties. Your Greensburg criminal attorney might pursue options like dismissal, expungement, or downgrading of previous convictions.
• Presence of Children: Having children under 14 in the vehicle during arrest can enhance charges, increasing potential penalties.
•  Accident-related Injuries: Causing an accident while under the influence, especially if injuries occur, can lead to harsher punishments.

For eligible offenders, Pennsylvania offers the Accelerated Rehabilitative Program (ARD) as an alternative. Completing this program successfully may allow for expungement of the conviction. Without ARD participation, obtaining expungement becomes more difficult. ARD eligibility criteria include:

• No fatalities or serious injuries, except to the alleged offender
• It’s your first offense within ten years
• No passengers under 14 years old

While Pennsylvania doesn’t have a specific “Aggravated DUI” charge, these aggravating factors can lead to enhanced DUI charges. Navigating these complex charges requires guidance from a seasoned Greensburg DUI attorney.

How We Can Assist

Facing a High BAC or Highest BAC DUI charge can have significant repercussions. If you’ve been charged with a .16% Highest DUI offense within the past decade, you could face:

• Ungraded misdemeanor charges
• 12-month driver’s license suspension
• Mandatory drug and alcohol assessment with treatment
• Up to six months in jail
• Completion of Alcohol Highway Safety School
• Fines ranging from $1,000 to $5,000

A knowledgeable Greensburg criminal attorney can be indispensable in handling these serious charges, ensuring you receive fair treatment and representation.  Contact us for a free consultation.