Allegheny County DUI Attorney Services

Facing DUI charges can be a daunting experience, filled with worry and embarrassment. If you’ve been apprehended for DUI, know that skilled legal assistance is available to represent your case and shield your rights from excessive legal repercussions.

When evaluating DUI offenses, a key factor is the accused’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC). Higher BAC readings typically correlate with sterner allegations. It’s also important to note that penalties can escalate in the face of elevated BAC levels or if there’s a history of previous DUIs attached to your driving record. However, contending against DUI allegations isn’t a lost cause; a knowledgeable Pittsburgh criminal lawyer can question the validity of tests like BAC readings and point out any infractions in the legal process law enforcement might have committed. Regarding breath tests, which are standard in many DUI cases, be aware that refusing to undergo such chemical tests after arrest might lead to separate charges and additional penalties.

Should you need to discuss your DUI case, feel free to reach out to us at Logue Law Group by calling 844.PITT.DUI for a complimentary case evaluation.

Understanding How DUIs Are Charged in Allegheny County

Not every DUI case is treated equally. The severity of charges can depend on various specifics concerning the incident. It’s important to recognize that there are different levels of DUI offenses, each carrying their own set of potential repercussions.

• General Impairment: This level of DUI is linked with BAC levels that are at least .08%, which is the statutory limit, but don’t exceed .10%. It’s noteworthy to mention that even if your BAC is tested some time after arrest and has lowered, you can still face charges if your BAC was above .08% up to two hours following driving.
• Additionally, if alcohol consumption impacts your mental faculties or motor skills to the extent that safe driving is jeopardized, you could be charged even with a BAC below .08%.
• The other tiers include the High Rate of Alcohol, where the BAC is between .10% and .16%; and the Highest Rate of Alcohol, involving BACs of .16% or more.
• Lastly, there’s a separate tier for DUIs connected to the influence of controlled substances. Since these aren’t quantified in the same manner as alcohol, any presence of impairing drugs could lead to a DUI charge.

Navigating Penalties for Different DUI Offenses in Allegheny County

The repercussions for DUIs are often extensive and permeate several areas of a person’s life. The primary penalty usually feared is the revocation of one’s driver’s license, which can significantly disrupt your daily life, affecting work, education, or personal errands. Help from a Pittsburgh PFA lawyer can be crucial in challenging your charges to mitigate, if not altogether avoid, these penalties.

• First DUI Offense: Expectations are generally mild for first-time convictions. With general impairment charges, penalties start at six months probation, a $300 fine, and potentially, mandatory attendance in substance abuse programs.
• For a high-rate alcohol offense, the penalties begin with 48 hours in jail, starting at a $500 fine, and necessitate attendance in substance abuse counseling.
• The highest-rate alcohol offenses and DUIs involving controlled substances bring severe penalties, mandating immediate legal support. A first offense might include no less than 72 hours in jail, a fine ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, and compulsory drug and alcohol counseling.

While first offenders are typically indicted with ungraded misdemeanors and may face a 12-month license suspension, those charged under the general impairment criteria could potentially retain their driving privileges based on the incident’s particulars.

If you’re grappling with a DUI accusation, it’s crucial to have your situation assessed at the earliest opportunity to understand the potential outcomes and build a robust defense strategy. Our Pittsburgh Traffic attorney at Logue Law Group are prepared to guide you through this challenging

Second Offense DUI Consequences

Facing a second DUI brings harsher penalties due to previous infractions. Consider the following repercussions you may encounter:

• For General Impairment:
• A potential minimum jail time of 5 days.
• Fines ranging from $300 to $2,500.
• Mandatory attendance at drug and alcohol treatment sessions.
• For High BAC Levels:
• Consultation with an attorney is advised.
• Possible incarceration for a minimum of 30 days.
• Financial penalties from $750 minimum to a maximum of $5,000.
• Compulsory participation in educational programs related to alcohol and drugs.
• For the Highest BAC Categories:
• Sentencing includes no less than 90 days in custody.
• Fines starting at $1,500 without a cap.
• Required drug and alcohol counseling.
• License Suspension Implications:
  • A second DUI offense may lead to your driving license being suspended for 12 to 18 months.
• Third Offense and Subsequent Charges
  The gravity of penalties grows with the third or further DUI charges. The stakes are significantly higher as outlined below:
  • General Impairment Incurring DUIs:
  • Jail time may commence at 10 days.
  • Fines could fall between $500 and $5,000.
  • Enforcement of drug and alcohol counseling.
  • Elevated BAC Level Offenses:
  • A potential jail sentence that may extend to 90 days for a third offense.
  • Fines starting at $1,500 and can peak at $10,000.
  • Habitual offenses, such as a fourth violation, could lead to one year of incarceration.
  • Extremely High BAC Offenses:
  • Incarceration starting from one year is a possibility.
  • The imposition of fines beginning at a bare minimum of $2,500 with no set maximum.
  • Obligatory drug and alcohol education and treatment.
  • Driving Privilege Repercussions:
  • Post a third DUI conviction, expect at least 18 months of license suspension.
• Legal Assistance for DUI Charges
  If you’re grappling with the challenges of a DUI charge, our seasonedPittsburgh criminal attorneys in Allegheny County are ready to assess your situation. Conduct a no-cost evaluation by reaching out to us Contact Logue Law Group at 844.PITT.DUI.