Stiff DUI Penalties for Convicted Pennsylvania Offenders
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is determined to ensure that those convicted of driving while impaired will receive a sentence stiff enough to discourage repeat offenses. At Fiore & Barber, we are equally determined to ensure that the rights of those accused of this offense are protected, and that their case is vigorously and successfully defended by experienced attorneys.
Penalties vary by blood alcohol content percentage (i.e., BAC%), substance under whose influence the accused was operating a vehicle (e.g., alcohol, controlled substance), number of prior offenses, and age of the accused. Generally speaking, the higher your BAC% and the greater the number of prior convictions, the stiffer the penalties.
Penalties based on BAC% fall into three categories, listed in order of severity, from least to greatest. “General Impairment” penalties are assessed for those with a BAC% of .08 to .099. If your BAC% falls between .10 and .159, your penalty category is “High.” The penalty category labeled “Highest” comprises offenders with a BAC% over .16% and/or those convicted of using a controlled substance and/or those who refused a BAC% or other chemical test.
It is important to emphasize that those who refuse a BAC% test fall into the category containing the most severe penalties as do those operating a vehicle while under the influence of a controlled substance. In addition, those refusing a BAC% or other chemical test may also be required to complete 150 hours of community service.
If you were arrested for DUI and refused such a test, it is crucial that you secure quality representation. Penalties for offenders in the “Highest” category, even as a first offense, can face up to six months in jail, up to $5000 in fines, a one-year license suspension, and mandatory safety school attendance. Those convicted in this category may also be required to complete a drug/alcohol treatment program. The disruption to your life, clearly, can be quite severe.
Have you or a loved one been arrested for DUI in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania? If so, it is absolutely crucial that you secure professional representation from attorneys who are experienced in this complex area. Give us a call today at 215-256-0205 or contact us here via our web page. We can help.