Pittsburgh Multiple DUI Lawyer

Arrested for Your Second or Third DUI Offense?

Facing DUI charges can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially considering the fact that you face the possibility of fines, jail time, skyrocketing auto insurance premiums and most importantly, a permanent criminal record. Despite what you might have heard, just because you were arrested for DUI, doesn't mean that you can't fight your charges.

Whenever someone is facing criminal charges in Pennsylvania, they have a right to challenge them, and DUI charges are no different. If you've been charged with DUI, an arrest doesn't necessarily have to end up in a conviction.

It is unlawful for all drivers to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or higher. For commercial drivers, that limit goes down to .04%, and for drivers under the age of 21, the threshold is .02%. If you were arrested for DUI, your penalties will depend upon your criminal record and your BAC at the time of the arrest.

Penalties for a Second DUI Offense

Penalties for a second DUI with a BAC of .08% to 0.10% include:

• Jail time for no less than 5 days
• 12-month driver's license suspension
• Fines ranging between $300 and $2,500
• Attendance at an alcohol highway safety school
• Compliance with all drug and alcohol treatments

Penalties for a second DUI with a BAC of 0.10% to 0.16% include:

• Jail time for no less than 30 days
• 12-month license suspension
• Fines ranging between $750 and $5,000
• Mandatory attendance at an alcohol highway safety school
• Compliance with drug and alcohol treatment

Penalties for a second DUI with a BAC above 0.16% include:

• Minimum of 12 months' incarceration
• 18-month license suspension
• Minimum of $2,500 in fines and penalties
• Compliance with drug and alcohol treatment

Penalties for a Third or Subsequent DUI Offense (Until December 23, 2018)

Penalties for a third DUI with a BAC of .08% to 0.10% include:

• Minimum of 10 days' imprisonment
• 12-month license suspension
• Fines ranging between $500 and $5,000
• Compliance with drug and alcohol treatment

Penalties for a third DUI with a BAC of 0.10% to 0.16% include:

• Not less than 90 days in jail
• 18-month license suspension
• Fines ranging between $1,500 and $10,000
• Compliance with drug and alcohol treatment

Penalties for a third DUI with a BAC above 0.16% include:

• Minimum of 12 months' incarceration
• 18-month license suspension
• Minimum of $2,500 in fines and penalties
• Compliance with drug and alcohol treatment

Additional Penalties for DUI in Pennsylvania

In addition to the above penalties, the judge may also impose up to 150 hours of community service and order the defendant to attend a victim impact panel program. If a person was convicted of DUI within the previous 10 years and wishes to obtain a restricted driver's license, the department will require that each motor vehicle owned by the person is equipped with an ignition interlock device. It must be installed for the duration of the restricted driving period.