If you’re dealing with your first driving under the influence (DUI) offense, questions might be crowding your mind. Will I lose my license? Am I getting a charge? Will I go to jail?
In Pennsylvania, a first DUI offense under general impairment is an ungraded misdemeanor. This basic DUI refers to having a .08 to .099% Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) level or undetermined BAC.
Know the consequences
First offenders won’t get prison time and a license suspension, just up to six months of probation. They must pay a fine worth $300 and attend an alcohol highway safety school. They also need to receive treatment if they get an order for it.
Penalties for higher BAC
If the DUI is High BAC (.10 to .159% level) with no prior offense, the prison sentence is 48 hours to 6 months. The license suspension is 12 months long and the fine is $500 to $5,000.
For a first offense under Highest BAC (.16% and above), the prison sentence is 72 hours to 6 months. In addition, the fine is $1,000 to $5,000. The penalties for Highest BAC also apply to first DUI offenses due to a controlled substance.
Challenge the arrest
When an offender is under arrest, it doesn’t mean they are guilty. You have the right to question how the arrest took place. You can also dispute the test methods and results.
Be more careful on the road
While dealing with your first DUI offense, you must be extra careful. A second basic DUI offense will merit more penalties like a license suspension, prison time and an ignition interlock.
Meanwhile, a third offense is a second-degree misdemeanor. It has stiffer penalties, including a prison sentence of two years at most.
Deal with the arrest head-on
Even if a first basic offense doesn’t yield criminal charges, having legal guidance can support you. It may lessen your worries by finding solutions and presenting options as you navigate your DUI ordeal.
