First DUI Offense

Mistakes are inherent to our human nature, even when striving for perfection. However, one such error could result in a DUI charge, generating a detrimental impact on personal and professional spheres, regardless of it being a first offense. With a stricter crackdown on DUI by law enforcement across the United States, the consequences can be severe, even for individuals with no prior record.

First-Time DUI Penalties

Let’s examine the penalties for a first-time DUI offense based on Pennsylvania law, which classifies the offense according to the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at the time of arrest.

• General Impairment: This classification applies when the BAC ranges from .08 to .09 percent, carrying potential jail sentences of up to six months and fines of up to $300.

• High BAC: “High BAC” refers to a BAC between .10 and .159 percent. Consequences include imprisonment for two days to six months, a suspended license for 12 months, and fines ranging from $500 to $5,000.

• Highest BAC: This term describes a BAC of .16 percent or higher. Penalties encompass imprisonment for 72 hours to six months, 12 months of license suspension, and fines ranging from $1,000 to $5,000.

For a first-time offense classified as General Impairment, mandatory incarceration or license suspension is not required. However, the individual might be mandated to attend Alcohol Highway Safety School, remain on probation for up to six months, and pay fines reaching $300. Recent legislative changes also necessitate the installation of an ignition interlock device for some first-time DUI offenders post-conviction.

An ignition interlock device is akin to a breathalyzer, attached to a vehicle’s ignition system. The driver must blow into the device, and if alcohol exceeding the legal limit is detected, the vehicle will not start. If the person’s BAC falls below the legal limit, the ignition will start the engine. The primary purpose of this device is to allow DUI convicts to retain their driving privileges, often safeguarding their employment stability.

Refusing a breathalyzer test at the time of your arrest can lead to significant consequences that can shape your circumstances. In such instances, you may be required to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle for a duration of one year, thus restricting your driving privileges. Moreover, if your Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) is classified as High or Highest, it may result in a mandatory suspension of your driver’s license, accompanied by incarceration and increased fines.

Are There Alternatives to Conviction in a First-Time DUI case? 

While a conviction may feel inevitable, there are available options that can help offenders maintain a clean criminal record. For instance, probation and deferred verdicts are viable alternatives for eligible individuals. By successfully completing the probationary period without any additional charges, the offense can be expunged from their permanent record. In certain circumstances, those facing DUI charges might also qualify for the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program in Pennsylvania. Specifically tailored for first-time DUI offenders, this program offers the opportunity to have their record expunged upon successful completion.

If you or someone you know has been charged with Driving Under the Influence for the first time in or around the city of Butler, it is crucial to seek guidance from an experienced Butler PA criminal attorney. The Logue Criminal Defense team proudly serves Butler, PA, and the surrounding areas of Southwest Pennsylvania, including West Virginia and Ohio. Contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation with a skilled Butler PA criminal lawyer from Logue Law Group. You can reach us by calling 844.PITT.DUI or (412) 389-0805, or by visiting our website.

Don’t delay in seeking legal counsel! The sooner you hire a Butler PA DUI attorney, the higher your chances are of achieving a favorable outcome for you and your case. Call us today and take the first step towards protecting your rights.