Penalties for drunk driving in Pennsylvania vary greatly depending on how many times you have been arrested for, or convicted of, drunk driving. Other factors that affect the time and expense of being convicted of drunk driving include refusing to submit to blood alcohol content (BAC) testing, potential plea agreements, and your level of intoxication. In Pennsylvania, drunk driving means your BAC measured at .08 or higher.
When you choose our law firm to represent you, our DUI attorney will carefully explain what you need to know about drunk driving penalties in Pennsylvania. Penalties can include license suspensions for varying lengths of time, forced installation of an ignition interlock system, incarceration, and imprisonment. Our team will also explain the factors that lead to enhanced penalties and the ways we minimize drunk driving penalties.
What Are the Penalties for Drunk Driving in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania DUI law adheres to a multi-level impairment system meaning drunk driving penalties in Pennsylvania will depend on your level of intoxication and number of offenses. According to Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) guidelines, penalties can include:
- BAC up to .099%: $300 to $5,000 in fines and up to two years of confinement
- BAC up to.159%: $500 to $10,000 in fines and up to five years of confinement
- BAC of .16% and higher: $1,000 to $10,000 in fines and up to five years of confinement
Additional penalties at each BAC level include alcohol highway safety school, driver’s license suspension, and having your vehicle fitted with an ignition interlock system. After reviewing your current case and your previous record, we explain the likely outcome of your case. In addition, under certain circumstances, drunk driving penalties can be enhanced. Finally, we explain the circumstances that lead to enhanced sentences and review our plan to build an effective defense strategy for you.
What Happens If I Refuse to Submit to a BAC Test?
According to 75 Pa. C.S. § 1547(a), all drivers in Pennsylvania are viewed as having given implied consent to BAC testing. PennDOT regulations state that drivers who refuse to submit to breath or chemical testing face:
- The penalties of the highest BAC level
- Increased license suspension terms
BAC testing may become mandatory for drivers who are already under a DUI-related suspension or who operate a car without a required ignition interlock device.
Will I Automatically Lose My Driver’s License If I’m Convicted of DUI?
DUI conviction in Pennsylvania can mean the temporary or permanent loss of your driver’s license. When we handle your case, we explain the available methods for retaining your license, which include:
- Fighting the charges against you
- Participating in the Ignition Interlock Program
Our team can also help you retain your license by applying for an Occupational Limited License (OLL), which will allow you to travel to and from school, work, or to receive medical care. We can also help you apply for the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program, according to 75 Pa. C.S. § 3807.
How Can Your Firm Help Me Avoid Conviction?
If you were arrested for drunk driving and are concerned about the penalties of a conviction, our DUI lawyer will help you build a defense that lets you avoid the state’s harshest penalties. On your behalf, we will:
- Challenge BAC testing methods
- Challenge BAC test results
- Negotiate beneficial plea deals
We will also review the state’s evidence against you and help you develop a defense strategy. If you are innocent, we do everything in our power to have the charges against you dismissed. Once we agree on representation, we also make sure you can reach us any time via email, text, phone, and social media.
Our Results Speak for Themselves
Our team supports DUI defense clients with compassion and without judgment. Clients we defended in the past said:
- “In being charged with two high BAC DUI cases, Dave worked vigorously to defend my case(s)… He answered every call and text within minutes and reassured me of what was being accomplished daily. He is an excellent attorney!” – Michael
- “David answered my concerns in a timely fashion and kept me up-to-date… I would recommend David for his experience and helpful attitude.” – Richard
- “My experience with David was nothing but exceptional… After our first meeting I knew that not only could I trust David but depend on him…I highly recommend David as an attorney that will get the job done.” – Joshua
Your criminal defense is our priority, and we work hard to help limit the personal and professional harm of a drunk driving conviction.
Contact Our Office to Receive a Free Review of Your DUI Case
If you or someone you love was arrested for DUI, our team will review your case and clarify everything you need to know about drunk driving arrest, conviction, and penalties in Pennsylvania. Find out how hard we will fight for you by calling McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., to speak to a member of our team at (610) 991-7219.
