DUI Types

Anyone, no matter how honorable and upright a citizen they are, can end up facing a DUI charge. There are several types of DUI charges you can be faced with. An aggressive and highly-trained Pittsburgh criminal defense attorney can help you defend yourself against all of these types of charges.

When a person under the age of 21 drives a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs, he or she is guilty of Underage DUI. The legal drinking age in Pennsylvania is 21, and the standards for DUI charges for drivers under that age are strict. If an underage driver has a blood alcohol content of 0.02% or higher, he or she will be charged with DUI. The same is true if there is any evidence that the driver has consumed drugs. Pennsylvania has cracked down on underage DUI in recent years, and the fines and other penalties have steadily increased.

Holders of a Pennsylvania commercial driver’s license have to follow more strict DUI laws. The legal blood alcohol content for CDL holders is much lower than it is for people who have a non-commercial driver’s license. The legal limit for a driver who holds a CDL license in a commercial vehicle is 0.04 percent. Professional drivers who are charged and convicted of driving under the influence face severe penalties, and these penalties can damage their ability to make a living as a commercial driver. A DUI received while driving a personal vehicle can also affect the person’s professional CDL license status, as both will be suspended.

Non-Pennsylvania residents who have been charged with driving under the influence inside of Pennsylvania can find themselves without driving privileges in their home state, as well as in Pennsylvania. They will also find themselves having to go back and forth from Pennsylvania to their home state, or having to extend their visit to Pennsylvania to handle their driving under the influence charge. Most states are participants in a consortium that shares information on DUI charges, so there will be no hiding from the consequences if your state is a member.

There has been an increase in the number of people who have been charged for driving under the influence of drugs in the Pittsburgh area over the last decade. Most people know about the state’s laws in regards to alcohol and driving, but have no idea about Pennsylvania's drug driving laws, which are just as strict. It is illegal for a driver to be in physical control of a motor vehicle when he or she is under the influence of any drug or controlled substance. If a chemical test indicates that you have been doing so, you could be facing drug driving under the influence charges.

Some prescription drugs can be highly intoxicating. Taking those drugs and then driving can lead to a drugged driving charge. Many prescription drugs contain substances like hydrocodone, codeine, and oxycodone, and have been identified as leading causes of prescription drug driving under the influence charges. Even over the counter drugs, like Benadryl, can make you sleepy and affect your driving, resulting in DUI charges. Make sure you read the labels on all drug packaging and follow the guidelines for taking it.

DUI in any of its forms is bad news. If you have been arrested for driving under the influence, call Pittsburgh criminal defense attorney Sean Logue and his associates at Logue Law. They have been thoroughly trained in the understanding of Pennsylvania’s DUI laws, and will defend you aggressively, guiding you to the best possible outcome. Call them 24/7 at 1-844-PITT-DUI or 412-389-0805, or contact them online here. Initial consultations free. Logue Law serves Pittsburgh, PA, Ohio, and West Virginia.

If you have been charged with DUI, don’t wait to call an attorney. Having the services of a dedicated, experienced, and trained DUI lawyer can make a big difference in your future after your court date.