A second DUI charge can potentially impact an individual for years down the road, which is why if you are facing a second-offense DUI in Pennsylvania, you should strongly consider speaking with a Pittsburgh second DUI lawyer at once. Contact the Law Offices of former prosecutor George Heym today.
Should I Hire a Pittsburgh Second DUI Lawyer?
As you can imagine, the consequences of a second DUI are generally harsher than the consequences of a first-offense DUI, which is why you simply cannot proceed without a knowledgeable Allegheny County DUI lawyer on your side. Our legal team is here to assist you.
Penalties for a Second DUI in Pennsylvania (Tier 1)
If you are arrested and found to have a BAC between .08% and .099% in Pennsylvania, you will most likely receive what is known as a general impairment DUI. That being said, if this is your second DUI, you can expect to face far harsher penalties than you would for a first-offense DUI. The consequences of a second general impairment DUI in Pennsylvania are as follows:
- An ungraded misdemeanor
- A 12-month suspension of your driver’s license
- Mandatory minimum 5 days in jail
- Up to 6 months in jail
- A fine of anywhere between $300 and $2,500
- You will have to participate and complete alcohol highway safety school
- Potential court-ordered treatment
- 1 year with the ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle
You should also note that under Deanna’s Law, those convicted of two or more DUI offenses within 10 years will likely be subject to vehicle impoundment and continuous alcohol monitoring devices.
Penalties for a High BAC (Tier 2) DUI in Pennsylvania
If law enforcement determines you had a blood alcohol content of more than .10% but less than .16%, you will receive a high BAC DUI. If this is your second DUI within 10 years of the first, you will face the following penalties:
- Mandatory minimum 30 days in jail
- Up to 6 months in jail
- A fine between $750-$5,000
- A 12-month license suspension
- Mandatory use of the ignition interlock device in your vehicle for 1 year
- Full D&A Assessment
- Enrollment in the AHSS
Penalties for a Highest BAC (Tier 3) DUI in Pennsylvania
If you are arrested with a BAC higher than .16%, you will face very serious consequences, including the following:
- Mandatory minimum 90 days in jail
- Up to 5 years in jail
- Enrollment in the AHSS
- An 18-month license suspension
- Mandatory use of the ignition interlock device in your vehicle for 1 year
- A fine between $1,500-$10,000
- Full D&A Assessment
You should note that if you are arrested for a Tier 3 DUI and this is your second DUI within 10 years of your first, it will be considered a misdemeanor in the first degree. A misdemeanor in the first degree can significantly infringe on an individual’s liberties, as it can bar them from owning firearms.
As you can see, for a second offense, you not only risk a license suspension, but you also risk time in jail, high fines, and other harsh penalties. This is why it is imperative that you retain the services of a seasoned Pittsburgh second DUI lawyer who can fight to have your charges mitigated, or, in the best cases, dropped altogether.
Penalties for Refusing to Submit to Chemical Testing for a Second Time in Pennsylvania
If you refused to submit to chemical testing, such as blowing into a breathalyzer, you will also face very harsh penalties. This is because refusal is considered a violation of Pennsylvania’s implied consent law. If you refuse to submit to chemical testing for the second time in the state of Pennsylvania, you can expect to face an 18-month suspension of your driver’s license and up to a $1,000 fine, among other penalties.
Contact a Pittsburgh Second DUI Lawyer
The bottom line is that no one should have to face DUI charges on their own. Our legal team is on your side. If you’ve been charged with a second-offense DUI in Pennsylvania, you can depend on the Law Offices of former prosecutor George Heym to effectively fight for you. Contact us today so we can get started.
