The outcome of a DUI charge in Pennsylvania can carry different consequences, depending on what happened at the time of the incident. It’s essential to understand your legal rights as a resident of Lancaster and the ways you can defend yourself. At Chieppor & Egner, our Lancaster DUI attorneys have spent years representing residents throughout Pennsylvania.
Common Penalties for a General Impairment DUI
Pennsylvania law makes it illegal to drive, operate, or be in physical control of a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Driving under the influence offenses become more severe the more impaired the driver is, and whether the incident was a repeated offense. To determine the severity of the impairment, Pennsylvania uses a tiered DUI system based on a driver’s blood alcohol concentration, also referred to as BAC.
Under 75 Pa.C.S. § 3802, a driver with a BAC between .08% and .099% is charged with a general impairment DUI. A first offense for general impairment may result in:
- Up to six months of probation
- A $300 fine
- Mandatory attendance at an approved Alcohol Highway Safety School
- Completing any required drug and alcohol treatment programs ordered under Pennsylvania law
High Rate of Alcohol DUI Penalties in Pennsylvania
Under Pennsylvania law, harsher DUI penalties apply to drivers with a high rate of blood alcohol between .10% and .159%, underage drivers, commercial vehicle drivers, school bus drivers, school vehicle drivers, and drivers involved in accidents causing injury, death, or property damage.
For a first offense, the person may have to:
- Serve at least 48 consecutive hours in jail
- Pay a fine between $500 and $5,000
- Attend an approved Alcohol Highway Safety School
- Complete all required drug and alcohol treatment programs
Penalties for the Highest Rate of Alcohol DUI Charges
The most serious DUI penalties in Pennsylvania apply to drivers who refuse chemical testing, have the highest blood alcohol levels of .16% or higher, or drive under the influence of controlled substances. For a first offense, the person may have to:
- Serve at least 72 hours in jail
- Pay a fine between $1,000 and $5,000
- Attend an approved Alcohol Highway Safety School
- Complete all required drug and alcohol treatment programs
A DUI conviction may also result in suspension of driving privileges. In many cases, a conviction for an ungraded misdemeanor or second-degree misdemeanor DUI results in a 12-month license suspension. A first-degree misdemeanor or felony DUI can result in an 18-month suspension.
Consult With an Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer in Lancaster
Trying to take on a DUI charge can be almost impossible without the right legal representation. Having spent years working in the Lancaster County District Attorney’s Office, Jonathan Chieppor and Alex Egner of Chieppor & Egner use this experience to help inform their present-day defense strategies for clients in Lancaster County, York County, and Berks County. Contact our office online or by calling 717-393-1400 to schedule a free case evaluation to discuss the details of your situation and a custom legal strategy.
