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DUI Penalties
At our firm, we understand that DUI offenses in Butler, like anywhere else in the U.S., are treated with utmost seriousness by the courts. Our team of skilled and knowledgeable Butler PA criminal attorneys specializes in navigating Pennsylvania’s three-tier system, which provides clear guidelines for determining the punishments for DUI convictions. Allow us to break down the details of DUI penalties and their potential impact on you.
If you’re found with a blood alcohol content (BAC) exceeding the legal limit of .08, you will face automatic charges of driving under the influence. It’s crucial to grasp the potential consequences that lie ahead.
A DUI conviction can have far-reaching implications on your insurance coverage. It can affect your ability to obtain and maintain various types of insurance, including auto, health, life, and disability coverage. Insurers often respond to DUI convictions by increasing premiums or even canceling policies altogether.
Pennsylvania imposes severe penalties for DUI offenses, which we outline below. Whether your arrest occurred in Pennsylvania or another state, our attorney, Sean Logue, and his associates will fiercely and skillfully defend your case.
Don’t face the complexities of DUI penalties alone. Contact us today for expert guidance and dedicated representation that you can rely on.
Pennsylvania DUI Penalties
| Prior DUIs | Penalties – .08 to .099 percent BAC, or undetermined BAC | Penalties – .10 to 159 percent BAC | Penalties – .16 percent or greater BAC |
| None | First offense: – Up to six months of probation- $300 fine- Attendance at alcohol highway safety school, with the possibility of substance abuse treatment | Second offense:- One-year license suspension- Two days to six months in prison- $500 to $5,000 fine- Mandatory attendance at alcohol highway safety school, with the possibility of substance abuse treatment | Third offense:- One-year license suspension- Three days to six months in prison- $1,000 to $5,000 fine- Mandatory attendance at alcohol highway safety school, with the possibility of substance abuse treatment |
| One | Penalties for driving under the influence (DUI) include a one-year license suspension, imprisonment for a duration of five days to six months, fines ranging from $300 to $2,500, mandatory attendance at an alcohol highway safety school, and the possibility of substance abuse treatment. Additionally, individuals convicted of DUI may be required to have an ignition interlock device installed for one year. | For second offenses, the penalties escalate to a one-year license suspension, imprisonment for 30 days to six months, fines ranging from $750 to $5,000, mandatory attendance at an alcohol highway safety school, and potential substance abuse treatment. The requirement of an ignition interlock device remains for one year. | The penalties for first-degree DUI offenses are even more severe. These include an 18-month license suspension, imprisonment for three months to five years, fines ranging from $1,500 to $10,000, mandatory attendance at an alcohol highway safety school, and potential substance abuse treatment. A one-year requirement for an ignition interlock device is also enforced. |
| Two or more | First Offense:- One-year license suspension- 10 days to two years in prison- $500-$5,000 fine- Possible substance abuse treatment- One-year ignition interlock | Second Offense:- 18-month license suspension- Three months to five years in prison- $1,500-$10,000 fine- Possible substance abuse treatment- One-year ignition interlock | Third Offense:- 18-month license suspension- One to five years in prison- $2,500-$10,000 fine- Possible substance abuse treatment- One-year ignition interlock |
| Three or more | One-year license suspension- 10 days to two years in prison- A fine ranging from $500 to $5,000- Substance abuse treatment may be required- A one-year ignition interlock requirement | 18-month license suspension- One to five years in prison- A fine ranging from $1,500 to $10,000- Substance abuse treatment may be required- A one-year ignition interlock requirement | 18-month license suspension- One to five years in prison- A fine ranging from $2,500 to $10,000- Substance abuse treatment may be required- A one-year ignition interlock requirement |
Recent changes to the law, implemented in 2018, have transformed the consequences of DUI offenses. A third DUI with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.16 percent or higher is now considered a felony offense, leading to more severe penalties upon conviction.
That’s not all – the law now designates a fourth DUI charge, regardless of BAC level, as a felony as well.
But wait, there’s more. The legislation increases the penalties for DUI cases resulting in the death of another person. If the responsible driver is found to be driving under suspension or without a license, they will face an additional five years of prison time. And guess what? Those convicted of aggravated assault while driving on a suspended license will now receive an extra two years of jail time.
Drunk Driving Defense
Are you in need of reliable and effective legal assistance to tackle drunk driving charges? Look no further. Contact Logue Law Group online today or give us a call at 412-389-0805 or (844) PITT-DUI for a free consultation with a skilled Butler PA DUI attorney. Our experienced team will handle your case diligently, working towards the goal of avoiding or reducing any DUI penalties.
Serving Western Pennsylvania, Eastern Ohio, and West Virginia, Sean Logue and his associates at Logue Law Group are committed to providing exceptional legal representation.
DUI Consequences
A DUI conviction carries extensive consequences that reach beyond the legal realm. These repercussions vary based on factors such as profession, possession of licenses (especially Commercial Driver’s Licenses), and attitudes of acquaintances.
One area profoundly affected by a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) charge is employment. In certain roles like professional truck drivers or CDL holders, a DUI conviction can lead to permanent loss of your commercial driver’s license and, consequently, your job. Finding new employment after serving jail time and completing license suspension becomes exceptionally challenging with a criminal record marked by a DUI conviction. The financial strain resulting from difficulties in paying bills and supporting your family compounds these already arduous circumstances.
Furthermore, a DUI conviction always triggers reporting to your automobile insurance provider, resulting in escalated insurance rates. The rate increase is contingent upon the number of prior convictions. If you accumulate a third DUI conviction within ten years, the cost of insurance can become so exorbitant that it becomes nearly impossible to afford.
Needless to say, a DUI conviction leads to the suspension of your driver’s license, causing significant inconvenience for you and your family. Commuting to work, assuming you still have a job or can secure a new one, becomes a daily challenge. Taking your children to school, practice, or outings becomes impractical. Even simple tasks like grocery shopping are now laden with more obstacles.
Moreover, time lost is a considerable consequence of a DUI conviction. You may be required to complete community service, attend safe driving classes, and undergo drug and alcohol evaluations. Jail or state prison sentences are also potential outcomes. Each hour spent fulfilling court-mandated punishments is an hour forever removed from fully living your life. It serves as a stark reminder of the consequences resulting from your actions.
From a legal standpoint, the severity of the consequences stemming from a DUI conviction hinges on the level of impairment and prior record. Jail time can range anywhere from a mere five days to an extensive five years. Fines can span from $500 to a staggering $10,000. Additionally, driver’s license suspensions can vary in duration, ranging from as little as 30 days to as long as 18 months.
Navigating the complexities of DUI consequences presents a myriad of challenges. It is imperative to fully comprehend the potential ramifications in order to make responsible choices and avoid the dire consequences that stem from driving under the influence.
When facing a DUI arrest, it is paramount to secure the services of a reputable Butler PA DUI attorney. At Logue Criminal Defense, we boast extensive experience in handling numerous DUI cases, including those similar to yours. Our dedicated team takes great pride in serving Butler, PA, West Virginia, and Ohio. To schedule a free initial consultation, please contact us at (844) PITT-DUI or (412) 389-0805, or alternatively, you may reach out to us conveniently online. Rest assured, we are here to guide and support you during this challenging time.