Pennsylvania DUI Laws

Pennsylvania DUI laws impose harsh penalties on those who violate them. Although anyone with a blood alcohol content (BAC) over the legal limit of 0.08 will be arrested for drunk driving, whether or not the offense is charged as a misdemeanor or felony depends on the actual BAC and circumstances surrounding the arrest. The higher the BAC, the more severe are the penalties. Even a conviction for a misdemeanor will be a blot on your record that stays there for the rest of your life.

In addition to penalties imposed by the criminal justice system, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will suspend your driver’s license, your car insurance rates will skyrocket and your reputation will suffer. If you are a divorced or divorcing parent, you may face issues with child custody. You need a Philadelphia DUI lawyer who will fight for your rights and work to minimize the consequences.

Range of penalties

The minimum punishment is for first time offenders with an unmeasurable BAC or one no higher than 0.99. It is a misdemeanor carrying penalties of up to six months of probation and a $300 fine. The judge may order you to attend an alcohol education course.

A second conviction, no matter what the BAC level is, in addition to spending some time in custody and paying a hefty fine, you will have an ignition interlock safety device added to your vehicle for one year. This is a device that tests your BAC every time you try to start your car. If your level registers too high, your car will not start.

The penalties increase progressively, depending on your actual BAC and how many times you have been arrested or convicted of a DUI. If you are convicted of causing an accident when driving under the influence where anyone was injured or killed, you will be charged with a felony. If you are convicted, you will spend years in prison and pay hefty fines.

You need a Philadelphia DUI lawyer

If you have been charged with a DUI, you need the services of a Philadelphia DUI lawyer. Attorney Ken Chotiner has been practicing law since 1996 and focuses on DUI defense. He knows Pennsylvania drunk driving laws backwards and forwards and is committed to preserving the constitutional rights of all his clients. He knows how to challenge the BAC testing in order to have the results invalidated.

Don’t let one mistake lead to another. With Attorney Ken Chotiner by your side, you will be in good hands. He knows how to navigate through the legal system and always acts in the best interest of his clients.

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