Being charged with a DUI in Pennsylvania can have life-altering consequences, including jail time, high insurance premiums, lost professional opportunities, and a permanent mark on your criminal record. But not everyone who’s charged with a DUI is convicted. In fact, enlisting the help of a skilled Pittsburgh DUI attorney can help you to fight your charges and avoid the worst of DUI penalties.
To help you understand what it means to be charged with a DUI in Pittsburgh, we’ve compiled the following answers to commonly asked questions about Pennsylvania’s DUI laws. We hope they prove useful to you as you research DUI charges on behalf of yourself or a loved one.
Understanding DUI Charges in Pennsylvania
If you’ve been charged with a DUI in Pennsylvania, you probably have a lot of questions – what a DUI is, how much it will cost, whether you’ll go to jail, and how it might impact your future. You’re not alone. Hundreds of people in Pennsylvania face DUI charges each year. At Worgul, Sarna & Ness, Criminal Defense Attorneys, we have extensive experince helping clients understand their charges and fight for the best possible outcome.
What Is a DUI in Pennsylvania?
A DUI (Driving Under the Influence) occurs when a person operates a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs. In Pennsylvania, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08% or higher. Commercial drivers face stricter limits at .04% BAC.
Can I Get a DUI if I Wasn’t Drunk?
Yes. Even if you don’t feel impaired, you can still be charged if your BAC exceeds .08%. Pennsylvania law enforces a per se DUI, meaning that exceeding the legal limit is enough for a conviction, regardless of whether your driving was affected.
Can I Get a DUI Without Drinking Alcohol?
Absolutely. DUI charges apply to more than just alcohol. If you’re found to be impaired by prescription medications, illegal drugs, or other controlled substances, you can still face DUI penalties.
How Much Does a DUI Cost in PA?
DUI fines vary based on your BAC level and whether it’s a repeat offense:
- First offense: Up to $300
- Second or third offense: Up to $10,000
Fines increase with higher BAC levels and repeat offenses. Additionally, you could face court costs, increased insurance rates, and mandatory DUI programs
Why Was I Pulled Over If I Wasn’t Driving Erratically?
Police officers don’t need to witness bad driving to pull you over. A routine traffic stop—for something like a broken taillight—can escalate if the officer suspects impairment. Signs like alcohol odor or red eyes could lead to field sobriety and chemical tests, which may result in a DUI charge.
Am I Going to Lose My License?
License suspension depends on your BAC level and prior offenses:
- First-time DUI (.08 – .099 BAC): No suspension
- Higher BAC or repeat offenses: Suspension for months or even years
Will I Go to Jail for a DUI?
Jail time depends on your BAC and criminal history:
- First-time DUI(.08 – .099 BAC): No jail time
- Higher BAC or repeat offenses: 5 days to 5 years in jail
Can I Remove a DUI from My Record?
Yes, but it’s not automatic. You may be able to seek a pardon or an expungement, depending on the details of your case. Serious DUI convictions can have lifelong consequences, so it’s important to explore your legal options.
The Consequences of a DUI Conviction in Pennsylvania
A DUI conviction can have serious, long-term consequences. Penalties may include jail time, expensive fines, and a permanent criminal record, making it harder to achieve your personal and professional goals. Further consequences can include higher car insurance premiums, loss of professional licenses, and time lost from family and work due to incarceration.
DUI Penalty Tiers in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, DUI penalties match to a series of tiers that depend on a person’s BAC. The higher the tier in which a person falls, the harsher the DUI penalties.
First-Time DUI Penalties
For a first-time DUI, penalties range from $300 to $5,000 in fines and 0 to 6 months incarceration, depending on a driver’s BAC, with a higher BAC resulting in harsher penalties
Multiple DUI Penalties
For a second-time DUI, penalties range from $300 to $10,000 in fines and 5 days to 5 years in jail, depending on the amount of alcohol in a driver’s bloodstream with higher BAC levels resulting in more severe penalties. For a third-time DUI, penalties range from $500 to $10,000 in fines and 10 days to 5 years incarceration, BAC level depending.
Underage DUI Penalties
Drinking in Pennsylvania by a person under the age of 21 is strictly prohibited. If a person under 21 is found to have been operating a vehicle with a BAC of .02 or higher, he or she can be charged with underage DUI and face up to 90 days incarceration and $300 to $500 in fines
How To Fight a DUI Charge in Pennsylvania
Contact an Experienced Pittsburgh DUI Attorney
If you’re facing a DUI charge, we strongly recommend that you enlist the help of an experienced Pittsburgh DUI attorney. They can review your case and help you to build the strongest in order to help you fight your DUI charges.
Leverage Multiple Methods of Defense
A DUI defense can rest on a number of strategies, including proving that an officer didn’t have probable cause to stop you in the first place, that your roadside sobriety test, breathalyzer, or chemical testing were poorly administered, or that you weren’t actually driving when you were charged with a DUI. A skilled Pittsburgh DUI attorney can work one-on-one with you to determine the most appropriate defense for your case.
Record Your Memory of Events
Your own memory of an officer’s actions, of how a sobriety test was administered, or of the way in which a chemical sample was handled could play a key role in determining the outcome of your case. As soon as possible after you were pulled over, take a moment to record your memory of events. A seasoned Pittsburg DUI attorney may be able to use your documentation to help advance your case.
Contact One of Our Experienced Pennsylvania DUI Attorneys Today
At Worgul, Sarna & Ness, Criminal Defense Attorneys, we have years of experience helping clients who are facing DUI charges or who are seeking help in figuring out how best to defend themselves against a conviction. If you or someone you know has been charged with a DUI and are looking for more information on DUIs in Pittsburgh, call us at (412) 281-2146 or fill out our online contact form for a free consultation. We’re here to stand up for your rights, build the strongest possible defense, and work with you to fight your DUI charge.
