It is illegal to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or any other controlled substance. If you have been charged with driving under the influence, you may be asking yourself, do I need an attorney? Should I fight the charges and can I afford to?
You can’t afford not to.
The average cost of a driving under the influence (DUI) in Pennsylvania (and many other states) can reach nearly $10,000. But the repercussions may influence more than just your finances. Penalties can include:
- Court fees
- Legal bills
- Court-ordered DUI classes
- Probation or prison sentence
- Loss or demotion of employment
- Decline in credit rating
- Inability to travel out of the country
- Loss of driver’s license
- Increased car insurance cost
- Eviction from a rental property
- Loss of pilot’s license
- Ignition Interlock Device installation on your vehicle
- Impounded or towed car
- Inability to rent a vehicle
- Delay or denial of green card application for citizenship
First Conviction
Generally, the first conviction of a driving under the influence in Pennsylvania will carry with it:
- Six months of probation or three days to six months in prison
- $300 to $5,000 in fines
- Mandatory highway safety school completion
- Drug and alcohol treatment
- 12month to 18-month driver’s license suspension and possible installation of an Ignition Interlock System.
Many of these penalties will depend on the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) you were found to have and whether or not you are a minor. The legal limit in most states is .08%, however, individuals under the age of 21 with a BAC of .02% or greater will be treated with a no tolerance policy.
Second Conviction
If you are facing your second driving under the influence conviction in Pennsylvania, you may be sentenced to:
- Five days to five years in prison
- $300 to $10,000 in fines
- Mandatory highway safety school completion
- Drug and alcohol treatment
- 12 to 18 month license suspension and installation of an Ignition Interlock System
Fighting your second conviction of a DUI becomes increasingly more difficult, as your prior record no longer works in your favor. With a second conviction, you are likely to receive maximum sentencing without an attorney negotiating on your behalf.
Third Conviction
If this is your third DUI conviction in Pennsylvania, the fines and penalties are much more severe, and include:
- Ten days to five years in prison
- $500 to $10,000 in fines
- Drug and alcohol treatment
- 12 to 18-month license suspension and installation of an Ignition Interlock System
There is little tolerance for individuals charged with a third DUI conviction, and now more than ever, you will need the expertise of an attorney trained in DUI law to help you navigate the legal process.
Why Fight Back?
The repercussions of a DUI charge are complex and can be challenging to understand. Choosing to forego proper representation leaves you with a high risk of receiving the maximum penalty. The more convictions you’ve had, the higher the stakes.
With the help of an experienced attorney, your DUI report and prior records will be thoroughly reviewed in preparation for building a solid defense case. From there, lawyers who are skilled in plea and sentence bargaining will stand by your side as you traverse the legal implications of your violation.
Don’t sit back and let a DUI charge drive your future.
Image Credit: 911 Bail Bonds Las Vegas
