We know that there are few things more frightening than entering the criminal justice system, which is why if you’ve recently received a DUI, the most important thing you can do is contact an experienced Pittsburgh first DUI lawyer who has handled countless first-offense DUIs in the past. The Law Offices of former prosecutor George Heym is significantly experienced in all DUI-related matters, and we are prepared to put that experience to work for you as well.
Do I Need a Pittsburgh First DUI Lawyer?
In most cases, fortunately, the consequences for a first-offense DUI in Pennsylvania are not altogether devastating. However, a conviction can derail your life for a period of time, which is why it is always best to speak with an experienced Allegheny County DUI lawyer who can fight for the outcome you deserve.
BAC Required for a General Impairment DUI (Tier 1)
If you are stopped by law enforcement because they suspect you are driving under the influence, you will most likely be required to submit to chemical testing. If you are found to have a blood alcohol content of .08%-.099%, you will receive a general impairment DUI. If you refuse to submit to chemical testing, you can expect to face very harsh penalties under Pennsylvania’s implied consent law. For a first-offense refusal charge, you will most likely face a 12-month suspension of your driver’s license and a potential $500 fine.
Penalties of a First-Offense General Impairment DUI (Tier 1) in Pennsylvania
If a blood or breath test revealed your BAC to be between .08% and .099%, you will face the following penalties for a first-offense DUI in Pennsylvania:
- An ungraded misdemeanor
- Mandatory 6 months of probation
- A potential $300 fine
- Mandatory participation and completion of alcohol highway safety school
- Treatment, if court-ordered
Though in most cases, a first-offense general impairment DUI does not result in the suspension of the motorist’s driving privileges, retaining the services of an experienced Pittsburgh first DUI lawyer can help fight all additional penalties the motorist may face.
Penalties of a High BAC (Tier 2) DUI in Pennsylvania
When someone is arrested with a blood alcohol content that is higher than .10% but less than .16%, they will face a high BAC DUI (an ungraded misdemeanor) which entails the following consequences:
- Mandatory minimum 48 hours of incarceration
- Up to 6 months of incarceration
- Mandatory participation and completion of alcohol highway safety school
- A 12-month license suspension
- 1 year with the ignition interlock device
- A potential $5,000 fine
Penalties of a Highest BAC (Tier 3) DUI in Pennsylvania
If you are arrested with a blood alcohol content of .16% or higher, you will receive a highest BAC DUI charge. For a first-offense highest BAC charge in Pennsylvania, you will face the following penalties:
- Mandatory minimum 72 hours of incarceration
- Up to 6 months of incarceration
- A potential $5,000 fine
- A 12-month license suspension
- 1 year with the ignition interlock device
- Full D&A Assessment
- Mandatory participation and completion of alcohol highway safety school
Contact a Pittsburgh First DUI Lawyer
We understand that all those who’ve been charged with DUIs aren’t criminals; they simply made a mistake. In some cases, they aren’t even guilty of DUI. Our legal team is on your side, and we will be through every step of the legal process ahead. Contact the Law Office of former prosecutor George Heym to schedule your initial consultation with our firm.
