DUI Attorney Located in Holland, PA
Being charged with a DUI in Pennsylvania is a serious matter. A DUI conviction can significantly impact your future. For over 45 years, Attorney Neal E. Newman has provided effective and zealous legal representation for clients in Pennsylvania. His firm has the experience needed to mitigate the effects of a DUI conviction or fight the charges altogether. If you need to discuss your legal matter, contact The Law Office of Neal E. Newman.
Pennsylvania DUI Laws
If you have been pulled over and arrested for drinking under the influence of alcohol, you have a lot to consider. DUI laws in Pennsylvania are based on the driver’s Blood Alcohol Content (BAC). One way to determine if a driver is over the legal limit is by assessing one’s BAC through a breath or chemical test. In PA, the legal limit is 0.08% BAC. If you are determined to be over the legal limit, you face a range of penalties depending on your BAC at the time you were assessed.
Penalties For a First-Offense DUI in Pennsylvania
If you are charged with a first-offense DUI, you need to contact a lawyer immediately. Depending on your BAC, you will face a different set of penalties.
General Impairment: .08 to .099% BAC, Undetermined BAC
- Ungraded misdemeanor
- Probation up to 6 months
- Fine of $300
- Engagement in the alcohol highway safety school
- Possible mandatory treatment
High BAC: .10 to .159% BAC
- Ungraded misdemeanor
- License suspension of 12-months
- Imprisonment of 48 hours to 6 months
- Fine of $500-$5000
- Engagement in the alcohol highway safety school
- Possible mandatory treatment
Highest BAC: Greater than .16%
- Ungraded misdemeanor
- License suspension of 12-months
- Imprisonment of 72 hours to 6 months
- Fine of $1000-$5000
- Engagement in the alcohol highway safety school
- Possible mandatory treatment
Second-Offense General Impairment DUI
General impairment is the term used to describe a BAC level between 0.08% and 0.099% or an undetermined BAC. According to Pennsylvania, the consequences for a second general impairment charge includes:
- An ungraded misdemeanor charge
- License suspension for 12 months
- Jail time between 5 days to 6 months
- A fine between $300 to $2,500
- 1 year of ignition interlock
- Alcohol highway safety school
- Possible mandatory treatment
Second Offense High BAC DUI
In Pennsylvania, High BAC is the term used to describe a BAC level between 0.10% to 0.159%. The consequences escalate as the BAC is greater. The penalties for a second offense High BAC DUI include:
- An ungraded misdemeanor charge
- License suspension for 12 months
- Jail time between 30 days to 6 months
- A fine between $750 to $5,000
- 1 year of ignition interlock
- Alcohol highway safety school
- Possible mandatory treatment
Second Offense Highest BAC DUI
A highest BAC DUI is a very serious matter. With a BAC between 0.16% and higher, you face:
- A first-degree misdemeanor charge
- License suspension for 18 months
- Jail time between 90 days to 5 years
- A fine between $1,500 to $10,000
- 1 year of ignition interlock
- Alcohol highway safety school
- Possible mandatory treatment
3rd or Subsequent General Impairment DUI
If this is your third or subsequent DUI, you face:
- 2nd degree misdemeanor charge
- License suspension for 12 months
- Jail time of 10 days to 2 years
- Fines between $500 to $5,000
- Possible treatment when ordered
- 1 year of ignition interlock
3rd or Subsequent High BAC DUI
- 1st degree misdemeanor charge
- License suspension for 18 months
- Jail time of 90 days to 5 years
- Fines between $1500 to $10,000
- Possible treatment when ordered
- 1 year of ignition interlock
3rd or Subsequent Highest BAC DUI
- 1st degree misdemeanor charge
- License suspension for 18 months
- Jail time between 1 to 5 years
- Fines between $2500 to $10,000
- Possible treatment when ordered
- 1 year of ignition interlock
Contact a Bucks County DUI Attorney
For over 45 years, Attorney Neal E. Newman has provided quality, effective criminal defense for clients in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Attorney Newman fully understands the uncertainty one faces when charged with a DUI. It is imperative that these charges be addressed immediately. If you have been arrested for a DUI, contact The Law Office of Neal E. Newman today.