Fighting a Pennsylvania DUI case is important because of the seriousness of the penalties and potential future consequences. It will be a permanent part of your driving record and criminal history; it will never come off your record. It can have long term and lasting effects. Call the Law Offices of Michelle A. Fioravanti at 484-876-1543 or contact us to discuss the best way to fight your DUI case.

Chester County DUI Lawyer

Penalties for DUIs in Chester, Montgomery, Philadelphia, Delaware, Lancaster, Berks and Bucks County Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania uses a multi-tiered, progressive approach when sentencing DUI convictions. Two variables normally determine the penalty range: the level of the charge and the number of prior convictions.

PennDOT divides DUI charges into 3 tiers:

  1. General Impairment (BAC of .08 to .099%; incapable of safe driving; no injury or property damage);
  2. High Impairment (BAC of .10 to .159%; BAC for minor of .02 to .159%; BAC for school bus driver of .02 to .159%; BAC for driver of a commercial vehicle of .04 to .159%; General Impairment BAC with an accident;); and,
  3. Highest Impairment (BAC of .16 or greater; refusal of chemical test; controlled substance DUI).

The below section defines the Tiers and the Penalties if convicted of a DUI:

General Impairment for a Pennsylvania DUI

[tabs slidertype=”left tabs”] [tabcontainer] [tabtext]Description[/tabtext] [tabtext]First Offense[/tabtext] [tabtext]Second Offense[/tabtext] [tabtext]Third Offense[/tabtext] [/tabcontainer] [tabcontent] [tab]BAC of .08% to .099%

Incapable of safe Driving

No injury or property Damage [/tab] [tab]Ungraded Misdemeanor

Up to 6 months probation

$300 fine

Alcohol Highway Safety school Treatment when ordered by the Court[/tab] [tab]Ungraded Misdemeanor

Jail time from 5 days up to 6 months

12 month suspension of driver license

$300 to $2,500 fine

Alcohol Highway Safety school Treatment when ordered by the Court

1 year Ignition Interlock Device and restricted driver license[/tab] [tab]Misdemeanor of the 2nd degree

Jail time of 10 days up to 2 years

12 month suspension of driver license

$500 to $5,000 fine

Treatment when ordered by the Court

1 year Ignition Interlock Device and restricted driver license [/tab] [/tabcontent] [/tabs]

High Impairment for a Pennsylvania DUI

[tabs slidertype=”left tabs”] [tabcontainer] [tabtext]Description[/tabtext] [tabtext]First Offense[/tabtext] [tabtext]Second Offense[/tabtext] [tabtext]Third Offense[/tabtext] [/tabcontainer] [tabcontent] [tab]BAC of .10 to .159%

BAC of minor of .02 to .159%

BAC of school bus driver of .02 to .159%

BAC of commercial vehicle driver of .04 to .159%

General Impairment BAC with an accident [/tab] [tab]Ungraded Misdemeanor

Jail time from 48 hours up to 6 months

12 month suspension of driver license

$500 to $5,000 fine

Alcohol Highway Safety school Treatment when ordered by the Court[/tab] [tab]Ungraded Misdemeanor

Jail time from 30 days up to 6 months

12 month suspension of driver license

$750 to $5,000 fine Alcohol Highway Safety school Treatment when ordered by the Court

1 year Ignition Interlock Device and restricted driver license[/tab][tab]Misdemeanor of the 1st degree

Jail Time of 90 days to 5 years

18 month suspension of driver license

$1,500 to $10,000 fine

Treatment when ordered by the Court

1 year Ignition Interlock Device and restricted driver license[/tab][/tabcontent] [/tabs]

Highest Impairment for a Pennsylvania DUI

[tabs slidertype=”left tabs”] [tabcontainer] [tabtext]Description[/tabtext] [tabtext]First Offense[/tabtext] [tabtext]Second Offense[/tabtext] [tabtext]Third Offense[/tabtext] [/tabcontainer] [tabcontent] [tab]BAC of .16% or greater

Refusal of chemical test

Controlled substance DUI [/tab] [tab]Ungraded Misdemeanor

Jail time from 72 hours up to 6 months

12 month suspension of driver license

$1,000 to $5,000 fine

Alcohol Highway Safety school Treatment when ordered by the Court [/tab] [tab]Misdemeanor of the 1st degree

Jail time from 90 days up to 5 years

18 month suspension of driver license

$1,500 to $10,000 fine

Alcohol Highway Safety school Treatment when ordered by the Court

1 year Ignition Interlock Device and restricted driver license [/tab] [tab]Misdemeanor of the 1st degree

Jail time from 1 year to 5 years

18 month suspension of driver license

$2,500 to $10,000 fine

Treatment when ordered by the Court

1 year Ignition Interlock Device and restricted driver license [/tab] [/tabcontent] [/tabs]

The best way to know the penalty you are facing if convicted of DUI in Pennsylvania is to make an appointment with an experienced Pennsylvania DUI lawyer. Call the Law Offices of Michelle A. Fioravanti at 484-876-1543 or contact us for a free initial consultation to learn more about Pennsylvania’s DUI penalties. As your Pennsylvania DUI criminal defense lawyer, we will provide experienced and aggressive representation you can trust. Your DUI case is important, and it will receive the personal attention it deserves.