Extreme DUI

In Pennsylvania, a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) over 0.10 percent is categorized as an extreme DUI. For context, the standard legal limit is 0.08 percent. If you are convicted of an extreme DUI, you face much harsher consequences than a standard offense.

Under Pennsylvania state law, DUI offenses and their penalties are classified based on the individual’s BAC at the time of the incident.

• General Impairment: If your BAC is between 0.08 and 0.09 percent, this is a General Impairment DUI. The punishment can include up to six months of probation or jail, fines reaching $300, and you may be required to install an ignition interlock device in your car.
• High BAC: A BAC ranging from 0.10 to 0.159 percent can lead to jail time between 48 hours and six months. You also risk losing your license for 12 months and paying fines from $500 to $5,000.
• Highest BAC: For a BAC of 0.16 percent or above, penalties increase significantly. You could face 72 hours to six months in jail, a 12-month license suspension, and fines between $1,000 and $5,000.

Drivers convicted of an extreme DUI are subject to the steepest fines and longest jail terms. Additionally, if the incident involved an accident causing injury, the penalties become even more severe. If you are facing serious charges, consulting a Philadelphia federal crimes lawyer can help clarify these classifications.

Sentencing Enhancements for Extreme DUI Convictions

Generally, Pennsylvania treats Driving Under the Influence as a misdemeanor. This often results in a prison sentence of up to two years. However, an extreme DUI can trigger enhanced penalties. These enhancements are often based on your history, including prior offenses like a preliminary disposition, a conviction, acceptance into ARD (Accelerated Rehabilitation Disposition), or a juvenile consent decree. Refusing to take a breathalyzer or blood test can also lead to stricter sentencing.

During sentencing, the court reviews any DUI convictions you have had in the past ten years. If you refused a chemical test (blood or breath), you might face mandatory jail time and fines, provided the prosecutor can prove the refusal. Furthermore, having a prior DUI on your record elevates the penalty category, resulting in harsher punishments. An experienced Philadelphia federal attorney can guide you through these complex sentencing rules.

In December 2018, Pennsylvania laws became stricter regarding extreme and repeat DUIs. Driving with a BAC over 0.16 percent is now a felony offense for repeat offenders. Individuals facing their fourth, fifth, or subsequent DUI charge also face felony classifications. Additionally, if a drunk driver causes a fatality and has a prior DUI, they can be charged with a first-degree felony.

There are further penalties for specific circumstances. If a driver kills someone while intoxicated and is driving on a suspended license (or without a license), five years can be added to their prison sentence. Aggravated assault by vehicle while driving without a license can add another two years.

It is vital to be completely honest with your attorney so they can build the strongest defense. Your lawyer will explain the charges, lay out your options, and support you through the legal system. A qualified Philadelphia federal crimes lawyer can be an essential asset during this process.

If you or a family member has been charged with Extreme Driving Under the Influence in or near Philadelphia, contact the Logue Law Group. Our team serves Philadelphia and surrounding areas. To book a free initial consultation with a skilled criminal lawyer, call us at 844-PITT-DUI or contact us online.

Don’t wait. The longer you delay getting legal help, the harder it becomes to achieve a positive result. Contact a Philadelphia federal attorney at Logue Law Group today.