Charged With Drunk Driving? What to Expect on Your First Offense.

If you’re facing a first DUI offense, the severity of penalties depends on how much alcohol was in your bloodstream – blood alcohol content (BAC) – at the time you were pulled over. The higher the BAC, the more severe the anticipated penalties will be.

If your blood is tested and your BAC measures between .08% and .099%, you can be charged with driving under the influence. If there is no property damage or injury and you’re older than 21 years of age, you will likely face six months probation, a fine of $300, attend an alcohol highway safety school, complete community service hours and participate in any alcohol and drug treatments, upon instruction from a judge.

High BAC and Other Aggravating Factors

If your BAC is between .10% and .159% and/or there is an accident or injury then penalties include up to a one-year license suspension, six months probation and a fine of $300.

If your BAC is .16% or higher, or you refuse to take a chemical test or drugs were involved, the penalties include a prison sentence up to six months, license suspension for 12 months and fines up to $5000.

If you refused a chemical or breath test, you will face the highest penalties allowed under the law, as they will presume you were at the highest level even without a BAC measurement.

In addition to hefty fines and jail time, other consequences you may face may include:

• Difficulty maintaining current employment
• Difficulty finding employment
• An increase in car insurance rates or even being dropped by your insurance provider
• Points on your driver’s license
• International travel restrictions
• Exorbitant financial expenses
• Difficulty maintaining or renewing your driver’s license
• Difficulty maintaining, renewing or acquiring a professional license
• Increased health insurance rates
• Being permanently listed on your public criminal record

Penalties for First Offense DUI

BAC .08 – .099%

• Up to six months probation
• A fine of $300

BAC .10 – .159% and/or an accident or injury involved

• Jail sentence of a minimum of two days to a maximum of six months
• Driver’s license suspension for 12 months
• Fines between $500 and $5,000

BAC .16% or higher, refusal to take chemical test or drugs involved

• Jail sentence of a minimum of three days to a maximum of six months
• Driver’s license suspension for 12 months
• Fines between $1,000 and $5,000

Other important information:

• If this is your first DUI offense, you may be eligible for Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD), which would help you avoid a conviction.

Make Sense of Your Charges With the Guidance of an Attorney

To discuss your charges with our skilled attorneys and learn how we can help you resolve them, contact Chieppor & Egner LLC in Lancaster by calling  (717) 923-5446 . You can also fill out our online contact form.