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DUI Penalties
In Morgantown, just as in other parts of the United States, the courts maintain a rigorous stance against DUI offenses. Our team of legal experts is deeply familiar with Pennsylvania’s three-tier penalty system, which establishes specific guidelines for punishing DUI convictions. We are here to help you understand the details of these penalties and how they might impact your life.
If you are found with a blood alcohol content (BAC) exceeding the legal limit of .08, you will face automatic charges for driving under the influence. It is crucial to be aware of the potential repercussions. A conviction can severely affect your ability to secure and keep various forms of insurance, including auto, health, life, and disability policies. Insurance companies frequently raise premiums or cancel coverage entirely following a DUI conviction.
Pennsylvania enforces strict penalties for these offenses, which we have detailed below. Regardless of where your arrest occurred, Attorney Sean Logue and his team are prepared to defend your case with aggression and effectiveness. A skilled Morgantown criminal lawyer can help you navigate these complex waters.
Do not try to handle the complexities of DUI law on your own. Reach out to us today for professional advice and committed legal representation.
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 | Up to six months probation; $300 fine; highway safety school; possible treatment. | 1-year license suspension; 2 days to 6 months prison; $500-$5,000 fine; highway safety school; possible treatment. | 1-year license suspension; 3 days to 6 months prison; $1,000-$5,000 fine; highway safety school; possible treatment. |
| One | 1-year license suspension; 5 days to 6 months jail; $300-$2,500 fine; highway safety school; possible treatment; 1-year ignition interlock. | 1-year license suspension; 30 days to 6 months prison; $750-$5,000 fine; highway safety school; possible treatment; 1-year ignition interlock. | First-degree misdemeanor. 18-month license suspension; 3 months to 5 years prison; $1,500-$10,000 fine; highway safety school; possible treatment; 1-year ignition interlock. |
| Two or more | 1-year license suspension; 10 days to 2 years prison; $500-$5,000 fine; possible treatment; 1-year ignition interlock. | 18-month license suspension; 3 months to 5 years prison; $1,500-$10,000 fine; possible treatment; 1-year ignition interlock. | 18-month license suspension; 1 to 5 years prison; $2,500-$10,000 fine; possible treatment; 1-year ignition interlock. |
| Three or more | 1-year license suspension; 10 days to 2 years prison; $500-$5,000 fine; possible treatment; 1-year ignition interlock. | 18-month license suspension; 1 to 5 years prison; $1,500-$10,000 fine; possible treatment; 1-year ignition interlock. | 18-month license suspension; 1 to 5 years prison; $2,500-$10,000 fine; possible treatment; 1-year ignition interlock. |
Recent legal updates enacted in 2018 have classified a third DUI with a BAC of 0.16 percent or higher as a felony offense. This change brings much harsher penalties upon conviction. Furthermore, under this new legislation, a fourth DUI is now considered a felony charge regardless of the BAC level recorded. If you are facing such serious allegations, consulting a Morgantown DUI attorney is essential for your defense.
The law also increases penalties for DUI incidents that result in the death of another individual. If the driver at fault is discovered to be driving with a suspended license or without a license, they face an additional five years of imprisonment. Also, individuals 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 seeking dependable and effective legal support while facing drunk driving charges? Contact Mountaineer Law Group online today or call (304) 381-3656 to schedule a free consultation. Our team will work diligently on your case, striving to dismiss or minimize any potential penalties. Finding the right Morgantown criminal lawyer can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
Serving Western Pennsylvania, including Berks County, Eastern Ohio, and West Virginia, Sean Logue and his associates at Mountaineer Law Group are committed to delivering exceptional legal representation.
DUI Consequences
A conviction for DUI carries numerous consequences that extend far beyond the courtroom. These repercussions vary based on several factors, including your occupation, professional licensures (particularly Commercial Driver’s Licenses), and social standing. It is important to have a Morgantown DUI attorney who understands these broad impacts.
Employment Impact
One major area where a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) charge can affect you is your career. In certain professions, such as professional truck driving or roles requiring a CDL, a conviction can result in the permanent revocation of your commercial license and, consequently, your job. Securing new employment after serving time and dealing with a license suspension is incredibly difficult with a criminal record. A Morgantown criminal lawyer can advise you on how to mitigate these professional risks.
The financial burden caused by the inability to pay bills and support your family only adds to this already difficult situation.
Insurance Rates
A DUI conviction is invariably reported to your auto insurance provider, which leads to higher rates. The increase in premiums depends on the number of prior convictions you have. If you accrue a third conviction within a ten-year period, insurance costs could skyrocket to the point where coverage becomes unaffordable. This is another reason why retaining a Morgantown DUI attorney is a wise investment.
License Suspension
It goes without saying that a conviction results in the suspension of your driver’s license, causing major inconvenience for you and your family. Commuting to work—assuming you remain employed or can find a new job—becomes a logistical struggle. Transporting your children to school, sports practice, or social events becomes impractical. Even basic errands like grocery shopping are suddenly full of obstacles. A Morgantown criminal lawyer will fight to protect your driving privileges whenever possible.
Loss of Time
Time lost is another major consequence of a conviction. You may be mandated to perform community service, attend safe driving courses, and submit to drug and alcohol evaluations. Jail time or state prison sentences are also real possibilities. Every hour spent fulfilling these court-ordered punishments is time taken away from living your life. This loss serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of your actions. A Morgantown DUI attorney will work to minimize the time you lose to the system.
Legal Severity
From a legal standpoint, the severity of the consequences depends on the level of impairment and your prior record. Jail sentences can range from a short five days to a lengthy five years. Fines can span from $500 to a massive $10,000. Furthermore, driver’s license suspensions can vary, lasting anywhere from 30 days to 18 months.
Navigating the maze of DUI consequences presents many challenges. Understanding these potential ramifications can serve as a strong reminder to make responsible choices. However, if you find yourself in legal trouble, a criminal lawyer is your best resource.
If you or someone you know has been arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI), hiring a reputable attorney is critical. At Mountaineer Law Group, we have extensive experience handling hundreds of cases similar to yours. Our dedicated team proudly serves Morgantown, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. Schedule a free initial consultation by calling us at (304) 381-3656 or contacting us online. We are here to help you navigate this challenging time with the help of an experienced Morgantown DUI attorney.