Pennsylvania DUI laws do not work on behalf of the individual arrested and charged with DUI. In other words, if you are facing these charges, you have limited time to react to them. By hiring a Pennsylvania DUI lawyer, you can begin the process of fighting these charges. If you do not request a hearing, your license will be automatically suspended.

Blood Alcohol Concentration Levels in Pennsylvania

In the state of Pennsylvania, you can be arrested and charged with DUI by presenting noticeable impaired driving. A police officer may require immediate field sobriety tests and will base an initial arrest on driving pattern, alcohol presence or appearance.

In addition to this, they may administer a chemical test to determine your blood alcohol concentration level. If your BAC is at or above .08 percent, you will be charged with violation of DUI laws in the state.

Pennsylvania also has enhanced charges if your BAC is .16 percent or higher. These charges include a mandatory driver's license suspension. While this violation is a civil case, should you be caught operating a vehicle during your suspension, you will face, 60-day mandatory incarceration and a $500 fine.

Implied Consent Laws in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has implied consent laws. This means, by operating your vehicle in the state, you are agreeing to take a chemical test (blood, urine or breath) to determine if you are intoxicated, if a police officer believes there is reasonable cause. If you refuse a chemical test, your driver's license is suspended for 1 year automatically. You are considered guilty of DUI if you refuse a test.

First DUI Offense

A first offense will result in the following Pennsylvania DUI penalties:

• You will be charged with a misdemeanor
• 6 months probation
• $300 fine
  

If your blood alcohol level was .10 or up, you will face 2 days to 6 months in jail and a fine up to $5000 may be imposed along with a 12 month driver's suspension.

Second DUI Offense

Pennsylvania has a 10 year look back period. If you are convicted of a second DUI within 10 years, this warrants second offense penalties to be used. These include:

• You will be charged with a misdemeanor
• 5 days to 6 months of prison
• Fines up to $2500
• 12 month driver's license suspension
• Ignition interlock device may be required
• Alcohol screening and rehabilitation may be required

Third DUI Offense

A third offense of DUI laws, within 10 years, will warrant the following penalties:

• You will be charged with a misdemeanor
• 10 days to 2 years in prison
• Fines up to $5000
• 12 to 18 month driver's license suspension
• Ignition interlock device may be required
• Alcohol screening and rehabilitation may be required

Hire a Pennsylvania DUI Lawyer

Individuals facing Pennsylvania DUI charges should contact an attorney as soon as possible if they wish to fight these charges. A Pennsylvania DUI lawyer can help you to get the charges dropped or reduced, often times resulting in lower fines, jail time and suspensions.

• If you have been charged with a DUI in Pennsylvania, Submit Your Case for a Free Review from a skilled DUI Attorney.

Contact Pennsylvania Drunk Driving Attorneys

Pennsylvania DUI Legal Web Resources