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Any
type of arrest is going to lead to serious problems and hassles for
an individual, but many people don’t consider these types of
troubles if they decide to drive after drinking alcohol. Fortunately,
one driving under the influence (DUI) arrest is usually enough to set
even the most wayward souls on the right path. Unfortunately,
some people make the mistake of driving while intoxicated a second
time. Some even make the mistake more than twice. For
Pennsylvania residents who do this, their state doesn’t take repeat
offenders lightly.
Penalties
For a 1st DUI Conviction in Pennsylvania
As
can be expected, the penalties for a person’s first DUI offense in
Pennsylvania are the most lenient. In fact, these penalties line
up with many other states’ punishments if a person’s blood
alcohol content (BAC) is .159 percent or less at the time of their
arrest. In this case, they are not required to serve any jail
time and will keep their license in most instances. The fines
related to this first conviction usually don’t go above three
hundred dollars. For those with higher BAC levels, these
penalties can increase. Even with a first conviction there are
several repercussions, therefore, it is advised to seek out the best
DWI lawyer in PA.
Penalties
For a 2nd DUI Conviction in Pennsylvania
The
penalties in relation to a second DUI conviction are exceptionally
greater than those imposed after the first conviction. A fine
can top out at $2,500 and the judge can sentence a person to jail for
anywhere from five days up to six months.
A
person with a second DUI conviction will also face a twelve month
license suspension. Unfortunately for many, these penalties only
relate to those who blow .159 or lower on a breathalyzer.
A
person whose BAC is over .159 is considered to be in the second tier
of inebriation under Pennsylvania law. A person convicted of a
tier two DUI for a second time will face at least one month in jail
and could be there for up to a year. Their related fines can
also top out at five thousand dollars along with costs incurred by
having to use an ignition interlock device for a full year. A
person in the third level of inebriation (over .16 BAC) can actually
face up to five years in prison on their second offense.
Penalties
For a 3rd DUI in Pennsylvania
A
third DUI conviction in Pennsylvania will land a person in more
trouble than some murderers get into these days. A person with
a BAC between .10 and .159 will face up to five years in prison on a
third offense. A conviction of this sort can also bring on a ten
thousand dollar fine. Many states don’t have penalties like this
when it comes to DUIs at all, so Pennsylvania is obviously hard on
those who commit the crime.
What
Should You Do If charged with DUI in Pennsylvania?
The
first thing to do is to not refuse a breathalyzer test. Pennsylvania
is an implied consent state, and this means that by simply accepting
a state issued license, a person has agreed to submit to a BAC test
if suspected of drunk driving. Refusing this test is considered
proof of guilt and will usually bring on much harsher consequences
than a person would’ve otherwise gotten.
It’s
also absolutely essential to hire a lawyer. Pennsylvania’s DUI
laws are amongst the strictest in the country. Even a single DUI
conviction can lead to six months in jail and a five thousand dollar
fine. This may seem excessive, but it is the way that the state
tries to prevent drunk driving.
Due
to these harsh penalties, a person needs an individual who can ensure
them the best possible outcome. An experienced attorney can
sometimes have DUI charges dropped altogether, and when they can’t,
they can make sure that their clients get the best case scenario for
their situation.
Pennsylvania
is undoubtedly one of the strictest states when it comes to DUI
enforcement. Penalties for a DUI are sometimes far more harsh than
those related to some violent crimes. This makes it necessary for
anyone charged with a DUI in Pennsylvania, even on their first
offense, to get legal help to avoid sometimes detrimental
repercussions.
Kelly
Kovacic is a researcher who stays on top of the latest DUI laws and
contributes articles for the legal community. If you are arrested as
a DUI repeat offender in Pennsylvania you should search out the best
DWI lawyer in PA.
The Law Offices of Steven E. Kellis have years of experience to
challenge and disprove the evidence of the accused, which can
make a critical difference in the quality of life for repeat
offenders.