Thorough Defense For Individuals Charged With DUI
Were you pulled over by a police officer for suspicion of Driving Under the Influence (DUI)? We suggest you contact a Pennsylvania DUI lawyer immediately. DUI law in Pennsylvania can be very complex and can lead to loss of freedom and your driver’s license. Joyce & Bittner has 30 years of experience in criminal defense, including DUI cases.
Why Should I Hire A Pennsylvania DUI Lawyer?
Providing quality criminal defense for your DUI charge is nearly impossible without an experienced criminal lawyer who specializes in DUI law. This is more critical than ever now that drinking and driving is a felony for some repeat offenders. A Pennsylvania DUI lawyer from Joyce & Bittner can help you by:
- Reviewing your case for errors in the testing/examination for DUI
- Negotiating for lesser charges
- Representing you at trial
- Challenging the validity of testing methods
- Securing expert testimony
- Providing a professional examination of the evidence
- Evaluating the potential penalties you face based on your prior record
If you are still unsure about whether you need a lawyer, we suggest you call us for a free consultation at 412-557-7931.
Sentencing Under Pennsylvania DUI Law
Pennsylvania DUI laws are some of the most severe in the nation, containing mandatory sentences based on a three-tier system for blood alcohol content (BAC) levels in your system at the time of arrest. These tiers are:
- General impairment DUI (.08 to .099% BAC)
- High BAC DUI (.10 to .159% BAC)
- Highest BAC DUI (.16% or higher BAC, also applies to driving under the influence of drugs or for refusing to take alcohol tests)
First-Time DUI Offenses
If you are convicted for a first offense, you could potentially face imprisonment up to three days and also receive a driver’s license suspension of one year. Here are the standard penalties for a first-time DUI offense.
| Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) | License Suspension | Fines | Jail |
| BAC .08%-.099% | None For True First Offense | $300 | 6-month probation |
| BAC .1%-.159% | 12-month suspension | $500 | 48 hours |
| BAC 0.16% and above | 12-month suspension | $1,000 | 72 hours |
However, you may qualify for the ARD (accelerated rehabilitative disposition) program. If you are eligible and admitted into the program, you will not have to serve any jail time. Your driver’s license suspension will be for 30 days or 60 days (90 days for a minor), but NOT for one year. Call a Pennsylvania DUI lawyer from Joyce & Bittner for a free consultation that includes an ARD review at 412-557-7931. First-time DUI offenders can schedule an ARD review with a Pennsylvania DUI lawyer.
Second-Time DUI Offenses
A second DUI offense in a 10-year period can result in significant and UNEXPECTED penalties. Most people don’t realize that a conviction for a second drunk driving offense carries a jail sentence of at least 30 to 90 days depending on the blood alcohol content result. A second DUI conviction also carries a driver’s license suspension for a minimum of one year and can extend up to 18 months.
A second conviction also carries a fine of up to $5,000. If you are charged with a second DUI offense, you have some serious legal problems that can affect you and your driving privileges for years to come.
| Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) | License Suspension | Fines | Jail |
| BAC .08%-.099% | 12-month suspension | $300 | 5 days |
| BAC .1%-.159% | 12-month suspension | $750 | 30 days |
| BAC .16% and above | 18-month suspension | $1,500 | 90 days |
Because of the heavy punishments you potentially face for a second DUI offense, we highly suggest you seek legal help from an experienced Pennsylvania DUI lawyer. These penalties can significantly affect both your personal and professional life. Hiring an attorney can help provide you the best outcome to maintain your current lifestyle.
Third And Subsequent DUI Offenses
A third or subsequent DUI conviction in a 10-year period carries a jail term of at least 10 days and possibly a one-year mandatory minimum sentence in state prison. A third DUI conviction in a five-year period results in your driving privileges being revoked for five years. It also carries a fine of up to $10,000.
In addition, a new law as of 2019 makes it a felony to be convicted of DUI for:
- The third time with a blood alcohol level that is twice the legal limit
- The fourth time and subsequent offenses
This could lead to a prison sentence of at least one year and heavy fines and other penalties.
Get A Free Consultation From A Pennsylvania DUI Lawyer
You have the right to speak with an attorney as soon as it seems practical to do so. Once this opportunity arises, call a Pennsylvania DUI lawyer from Joyce & Bittner at 412-557-7931 or fill out our online form. In order to meet your legal needs, we always have an attorney available 24 hours a day to take your call. We can provide immediate advice on how to best handle your DUI situation.