Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense across all states in the US, and Pennsylvania is no exception. If you’re driving while intoxicated, whether through drugs or alcohol, you put yourself and others at risk of being involved in an accident that could result in severe injury or death. In addition to these risks, DUI charges come with hefty fines, jail time, and a permanent mark on your record. In this blog post, we’ll explore the different types of DUI offenses in Pennsylvania and what you can expect if you get charged with one.
First off, it’s crucial to know that the legal limit for blood alcohol content (BAC) in Pennsylvania is 0.08% for adults aged 21 and above. However, for anyone below 21 years or commercial vehicle drivers, zero tolerance is the law. Therefore, the types of DUI offenses in Pennsylvania are mainly categorized based on the level of BAC present in your system at the time of being pulled over.
The first type of DUI offense in Pennsylvania is General Impairment, which applies when your BAC ranges from 0.08% to 0.099%. If convicted of this offense, a first-time offender could get a $300 fine, up to six months of probation, loss of license for 12 months, and mandatory alcohol highway safety school. The penalties increase with subsequent offenses.
The second type of DUI offense in Pennsylvania is High BAC, which applies when BAC is over 0.099%. For a first-time offender, this offense could result in six months of probation, up to a $5,000 fine, mandatory alcohol treatment, and at least 72 hours of imprisonment up to six months. Subsequent offenses come with more severe penalties.
The third type of DUI offense is Minors with any BAC, which applies to drivers under the legal drinking age of 21. A first-time offender could face a license suspension of up to 90 days, a $500 fine, and mandatory alcohol treatment and community service.
Lastly, drug DUI offenses apply to anyone caught driving under the influence of controlled substances ranging from prescription medicine to illegal drugs like marijuana. Penalties for drug DUI offenses vary widely, depending on the type of drug in your system, its concentration, and the number of previous offenses.
In conclusion, driving under the influence is a severe crime in Pennsylvania, and the state applies different types of DUI offenses based on BAC levels, age, and drug use. It’s essential to understand the penalties that come with these offenses, which could result in hefty fines, jail time, and a permanent mark on your criminal record. The best way to avoid these charges is to do a sober driving campaign, designate a driver, or use taxi or ride-hailing services when you’re heading out for a few drinks. Remember, being arrested for DUI is not just about the financial and legal consequences – it’s also about risking the lives of yourself and everyone else on the road.
You need more than just one good DUI lawyer. You need the best. You need a team of experienced DUI lawyers fighting for you. Contact Lee Ciccarelli, and his team of West Chester, Pennsylvania DUI lawyers.
Watch out. There’s a lot of former prosecutors boasting about their experience: experience putting people just like you behind bars. Instead, look to Lee Ciccarelli and his team with nearly 100 years of experience fighting for clients facing the penalties of a DUI.
Contact Chester County DUI Defense Attorney
It may be possible to fight your Pennsylvania DUI charge and win, but you’ll never know if you plead guilty without first exploring your options. Ciccarelli Law Offices can review your case to determine whether the local Pennsylvania district attorney’s case has weaknesses that are open to challenge. We will prepare each case as though it is going to trial to insure preparation and thorough understanding and will take the case to trial if you are not satisfied with the resolution that is offered. We strive to be zealous advocates and always try to obtain the best results for our clients.
We are based in West Chester PA (Chester County) in Suburban Philadelphia and represent individuals charged with Drunk Driving, DUI, Driving After Imbibing cases Throughout Pennsylvania including but not limited to Philadelphia, Lancaster, Allentown, Oxford Exton Phoenixville Parkesburg Malvern Coatesville Lionville Chesterbrook Devon Newtown Square Glen Mills Pottstown Downingtown Kennett Square King of Prussia Paoli and beyond.
You deserve a West Chester Pennsylvania DUI lawyer that is available when you need him, treats you with respect, and protects your rights vigorously. For more information or to schedule an appointment with an experienced Pennsylvania DUI Attorney at Ciccarelli Law Offices, by contacting us at (610) 692-8700 or toll free at (877) 529-2422.