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One of the most common criminal charges in Pennsylvania is driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI). However, even if it is someone’s first run-in with the law, they face severe penalties, including possible jail time, driver’s license suspension, and a criminal record. Before you plead guilty to a DUI charge, ensure you understand your rights and contact a seasoned Montgomery County DUI lawyer from Cohen & Patel.
Facing DUI charges can be intimidating, but with the right Pottstown criminal defense lawyer in your corner, it doesn’t have to be. Fortunately, you are in the right place. Cohen & Patel is here to fight for you and your future.
Drunk driving in Pennsylvania involves operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol. There are three tiers of DUIs in Pennsylvania, based on the amount of alcohol in the driver’s blood:
As a condition of driving in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, drivers are considered to have given their “implied consent” to submit to a chemical test after a DUI arrest. This evidence will be used against you in court. However, you may still face criminal prosecution even if you refuse a breath or blood test.
After an arrest for driving under the influence, the police or trooper may tell you that you will have your license suspended if you refuse a chemical breath or blood test. If you refuse a breath or blood test after a DUI arrest, you may face increased penalties. If you were involved in an injury accident, the police may force you to submit to a blood test even if you refuse.
The penalties for a DUI in Pennsylvania depend on the amount of alcohol involved and the driver’s criminal record. Refusing a chemical test after a DUI is subject to the highest BAC penalties, regardless of the driver’s actual alcohol level.
General Impairment (Blood Alcohol Content of 0.08% to 0.099%)
The penalties for a first-offense general impairment DUI in Pennsylvania are as follows:
For a second DUI within 10 years, you’ll likely face the following penalties:
For a third or subsequent general impairment DUI within 10 years, you’ll likely face the following:
High BAC (Blood Alcohol Content of 0.10% to 0.159%)
For a first-offense High BAC DUI, you will face the following:
For a second within 10 years, you’ll face the following penalties:
For a third offense within 10 years, you’ll face the following:
If you’re convicted of a fourth or subsequent DUI within 10 years, you will face the following:
Highest BAC (Blood Alcohol Content of 0.16% and Higher)
A first-offense highest BAC charge in Pennsylvania will likely warrant the following penalties:
For a second-highest BAC charge within 10 years, you can expect to face the following:
For a third or subsequent DUI within 10 years, you’ll most likely face the following charges:
In addition to fines, jail time, a suspended license, IID, and DUI school, the court can also order drug or alcohol treatment. This may include counseling and drug or alcohol testing at the driver’s expense. Rather obviously, the penalties for any DUI can be severe, and they should not be faced without a competent DUI lawyer on your side.
Loss of Your Pennsylvania Driver’s License
Many drivers find the most difficult part of a DUI conviction is the loss of their driver’s license. A conviction for a first-time DUI below 0.10% BAC will generally not lead to a license suspension. However, any other conviction, including high BAC or multiple DUI offenses, will lead to the loss of your license for 12 months or more. Refusing a chemical test after a DUI arrest can also result in a license loss for a year.
Ignition Interlock Device (IID)
An ignition interlock device (IID) is installed in a driver’s car to test for alcohol. Before the car can be started, the driver has to blow an alcohol-free breath into the device. The device will also require regular breath samples while the vehicle is driving. Any failed tests will be logged and reported to the courts. Additionally, any tampering with the IID will be reported.
Any driver convicted of a second or subsequent DUI within ten years must have an IID installed on all vehicles before they can drive again. Drivers also have to pay for the cost of installation, calibration, and maintenance of the IID.
Drivers can also be arrested for driving while impaired by drugs. This includes street drugs (like heroin or marijuana), as well as prescription medication. Any drug that impairs a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely can subject a driver to a DUI. The police generally test for the presence of drugs with a blood or urine sample.
A conviction for a DUI can result in expensive fines and the loss of your driver’s license. A DUI can also affect your job and your family. Before you plead guilty to a drunk driving charge make sure you understand your options and your rights. A DUI lawyer from our firm is here to fight for you. Our firm proudly represents clients facing DUIs throughout Pennsylvania, including in East Norriton, Norristown, Allentown, Lancaster, Bensalem, Easton, Levittown, Bethlehem, Erie, Mechanicsburg, Chester, Harrisburg, and more. Contact Cohen & Patel today for a consultation.
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