If you are wondering about all the ways you can get charged with DUI, please read on, then contact an experienced Allegheny County DUI lawyer to learn what you should know about the 11 creative ways to get a DUI in Pennsylvania.
What are the 11 most creative ways to get charged with a DUI in Pennsylvania?
In the Keystone State, there is more than one way to net yourself a driving under the influence of alcohol or drug charge. Driving practically any vehicle while intoxicated will suffice. Those vehicles include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Boats
- Mopeds
- Motorcycles
- Tractors
- Lawnmowers
- Electric vehicles
- Snowmobiles
- Golf carts
- Horseback riding
- Segways
- Sitting in a car or any other vehicle
According to the laws of the state of Pennsylvania, a vehicle can be defined as any moving item that goes on the roads or highways.
What are the penalties for these unusual ways to get a DUI in Pennsylvania?
It does not matter whether you are whizzing down the highway in a semi or puttering along a side street on a lawnmower, if you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you are in violation of the law. The penalties hinge on the offender’s alleged blood alcohol content (BAC) and the number of times, if any, you have previously sustained convictions for this offense. They are as follows:
General Impairment penalties (Undetermined BAC, .08 to .099% BAC)
No prior DUI offenses:
- Ungraded misdemeanor
- Up to 6 months probation
- $300 fine
- Alcohol highway safety school
- Treatment when ordered
1 prior DUI offense:
- Ungraded misdemeanor
- 12-month license suspension
- 5 days to 6 months jail time
- $300 to $2,500 fine
- Alcohol highway safety school
- Treatment when ordered
- 1-year ignition interlock
2 or more prior DUI offenses:
- 2nd-degree misdemeanor
- 12-month license suspension
- 10 days to 2 years in prison
- $500 to $5,000 fine
- Treatment when ordered
- 1-year ignition interlock
High BAC penalties (.10 to .159% BAC)
No prior DUI offenses:
- Ungraded misdemeanor
- 12-month license suspension
- 48 hours to 6 months in prison
- $500 to $5,000 fine
- Alcohol highway safety school
- Treatment when ordered
1 prior DUI offense:
- Ungraded misdemeanor
- 12-month suspension
- 30 days to 6 months in prison
- $750 to $5,000 fine
- Alcohol highway safety school
- Treatment when ordered
- 1-year ignition interlock
2 or more prior DUI offenses:
- 1st-degree misdemeanor
- 18-month license suspension
- 90 days to 5 years in prison
- $1,500 to $10,000 fine
- Treatment when ordered
- 1-year ignition interlock
3 or more prior DUI offenses:
- 1st-degree misdemeanor
- 18-month license suspension
- 1 to 5 years in prison
- $1,500 to $10,000 fine
- Treatment when ordered
- 1-year ignition interlock
Can an Allegheny County DUI lawyer help you?
In a word, yes. A skilled legal representative will have the necessary experience to poke holes in the prosecution’s case and get your charges dismissed or reduced. A conviction could handicap you for the rest of your life. Do not go it alone. Give us a call today.
Contact Our Pittsburgh DUI Lawyer
The Law Office of George Heym focuses exclusively on DUI defense. George Heym is a former Allegheny County DUI prosecutor with an understanding of both sides of a DUI case, notable litigation experience, and relationships with local courts. Contact our firm to fight for your rights.
