Being convicted of driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol can have a wide range of consequences. That said, there are a variety of DUI offenses here in the state of Pennsylvania, and each of them can mean different things for your future. Please continue reading and reach out to a seasoned Allegheny County DUI lawyer from the Law Offices of George Heym to learn more about the different types of DUI offenses in the state of Pennsylvania and the potential penalties they may entail. Here are some of the questions you may have:
What are the different types of DUI offenses in PA?
There are three main types of DUI a person may receive here in the state of Pennsylvania. They are general impairment DUI, high BAC DUI, and highest BAC DUI.
What are the penalties for a general impairment DUI in PA?
As you may know, the penalties associated with a given DUI will depend on several things, including whether this is your first or subsequent offense, what your BAC was at the time of your arrest, and whether there were any aggravating factors, such as having a minor in the vehicle while driving under the influence of alcohol.
That said, the penalties for a general impairment DUI (meaning your BAC was between .08% and .099%) with no prior offenses include up to six months of probation, a $300 fine, treatment when ordered, and enrollment in alcohol highway safety school. For subsequent general impairment offenses (depending on how many you have within 10 years), you will likely face a 12-month license suspension, at least 5 days but up to 10 years of incarceration, a potential $25,000 fine, and up to one year with the ignition interlock device, among other penalties.
What are the penalties for a high BAC DUI in PA?
If you’re arrested for a high BAC DUI (meaning your BAC was between .10% and .159%) you will face even harsher penalties. For a first-offense high BAC DUI, you will face a 12-month license suspension, at least 48 hours but up to six months of incarceration, and a potential $5,000 fine, among other penalties. Subsequent offenses will result in more severe penalties. For example, if you have three or more prior offenses, you can face an 18-month license suspension, a minimum of one and maximum of ten years of incarceration, one year with the ignition interlock device, and a potential $25,000 fine, among other penalties.
What are the consequences of a highest BAC DUI in PA?
For a highest BAC DUI conviction (meaning you were driving with a BAC of .16% and higher) you will face the harshest set of penalties. A first-offense highest BAC DUI can warrant a 12-month license suspension, a minimum of 72 hours and a maximum of six months of incarceration, a potential $5,000 fine, and more. As you receive subsequent DUI convictions, the penalties will only increase from here.
The bottom line is that whether this is your first offense or your third, and whether you were arrested with a BAC of .08% or .16%, you need to hire a lawyer who can defend you at every turn. Fortunately, if you’re reading this, you’re in the right place. Contact the Law Offices of George Heym today.
