Different Consequences for First, Second, & Third DUI Offenses

Different Consequences for First, Second, & Third DUI Offenses

Every year, thousands of people lose their lives due to the irresponsible actions of drunk drivers. Pennsylvania has laws in place to discourage motorists from getting behind the wheel while they are intoxicated. The penalties associated with those laws vary depending on an individual’s criminal history. Learn more about the differences between those DUI offenses by continuing with this article. You’ll also understand the importance of hiring a criminal defense attorney to protect against false drunk driving charges by reading on.

First Offense Penalties for DUI

The penalties for driving under the influence will vary based on two main factors. The first factor is your drunk driving record, and the other is your level of intoxication.

A first-time offender with a BAC (blood alcohol content) level no greater than 0.99 percent may be hit with a misdemeanor charge. They may be put on probation for six months and ordered to pay a $300 fine. Offending drivers may also be ordered to get treatment and attend highway safety school.

Drivers with a BAC level between .10 to 159 percent will face stiffer penalties. Instead of probation, they get a prison sentence no longer than six months. The maximum fine also goes up to $5,000. Getting treatment and attending highway safety school may also be ordered by the court. The drunk driver’s license may also be suspended for up to a year.

Penalties are harsher for drunk drivers with a BAC level of .160 percent or higher. The maximum prison sentence stays at six months, but the fine goes up to $5,000. Attendance in highway safety school and treatment programs may still be ordered. The drunk driver could also lose their license for a year.

The penalties associated with DUI offenses are no joke. Fight back against a false DUI charge by securing the services of a criminal defense attorney in PA.

Second Offense Penalties for DUI

Second-time offenders will also face varied penalties based on their BAC level.

A second-time offender with a BAC level no greater than .099 percent may face up to six months in prison and a maximum fine of $2,500. Their driver’s license will also be suspended for a year, and an ignition interlock device will be installed on their vehicle.

A repeat offender with a BAC level between .10 to .159 percent may face similar penalties, except their maximum fine goes up to $5,000.

Repeat violations for drivers with BAC levels at or above .160 percent may be sentenced to five years in prison. They may also be ordered to pay a maximum fine of $10,000. You can also lose your driver’s license if you are caught with that much alcohol in your system.

Get a DUI lawyer in Philadelphia, PA if you believe the charges being lobbed at you are baseless.

Third Offense Penalties for DUI

Finally, we have the third-time offenders.

Drunk drivers caught for the third time with a BAC level no higher than .099 percent may be imprisoned for two years and ordered to pay a fine no greater than $5,000. They could also lose their license for a year.

Offending drivers with a BAC level in the .10 to .159 percent range could end up in prison for five years. The minimum prison sentence for them is 90 days. They may also be saddled with a fine no greater than $10,000 and lose their license for 18 months.

If your BAC level is at or above .160 percent at the time of your arrest, you will face many of the same penalties as someone with a BAC level ranging from .10 to .159 percent. However, your minimum prison sentence is raised to one year.

Counter DUI Accusations with the Help of Your Attorney

Driving under the influence is a serious offense. We at The Law Offices of Richard J. Fuschino Jr. are ready to help with your defense. Contact us today and allow us to handle your case.