DUI: You Really Cannot Afford It

By: Ashley E. Rundell, Esquire, Associate Attorney, Fiffik Law Group, P.C.

In Pennsylvania, if you have been arrested and charged with driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol (“DUI”), it can have significant consequences.

If you are convicted of a DUI, you face suspension of your driver’s license, substantial fines, and possible jailtime. The costs associated with a DUI conviction vary substantially based on a wide variety of factors, including blood alcohol content (“BAC”), number of previous DUI offenses, and the severity of any injuries or other damages.

Of the approximately 50,000 people arrested with DUI-related crimes in Pennsylvania each year, many will find themselves in big trouble with the court. The Pennsylvania Crimes Code allows for significant penalties for convictions in DUI cases, ranging from a simple $300 fine with brief probation up to five years in jail, with a $10,000 fine and 18-months suspension of your driver’s license.

DUI Penalties in Pennsylvania:

GENERAL IMPAIRMENT (BAC 0.08% to 0.099%)	HIGH BAC (BAC 0.10% to 0.159%)	HIGHEST BAC (0.16%+ or Controlled Substance)
1st Offense: 6 months of probation $300 fine Mandatory alcohol highway safety school Drug and alcohol treatment	1st Offense: 1 year license suspension Up to 6 months in prison Up to $5,000 in fines Mandatory alcohol highway safety school Drug and alcohol treatment	1st Offense: 1 year license suspension Up to 6 months in prison Up to $5,000 in fines Mandatory alcohol highway safety school Drug and alcohol treatment
2nd Offense: 1 year license suspension Up to 6 months in prison Up to $2,500 in fines Mandatory alcohol highway safety school Drug and alcohol treatment Ignition Interlock system for 1 year	2nd Offense: Automatic 1 year license suspension Up to 6 months in prison Up to $5,000 in fines Mandatory alcohol highway safety school Drug and alcohol treatment Ignition Interlock system for 1 year	2nd Offense: 1st degree misdemeanor charge Automatic license suspension for 18 months Up to 5 years in prison Up to $10,000 in fines Mandatory alcohol highway safety school Drug and alcohol treatment Ignition Interlock system for 1 year
3rd Offense: 2nd degree misdemeanor charge 1 year license suspension Up to 2 years in prison Up to $5,000 in fines Drug and alcohol treatment Ignition Interlock system for 1 year	3rd Offense: 1st degree misdemeanor charge Automatic license suspension for 18 months Up to 5 years in prison Up to $10,000 in fines Drug and alcohol treatment Ignition Interlock system for 1 year	3rd Offense (and subsequent offenses): 1st degree misdemeanor charge Automatic license suspension for 18 months Up to 5 years in prison Up to $10,000 in fines Drug and alcohol treatment Ignition Interlock system for 1 year
	4th Offense (and all subsequent offenses): 1st degree misdemeanor charge Automatic license suspension for 18 months Up to 5 years in prison Up to $10,000 in fines Drug and alcohol treatment Ignition Interlock system for 1 year

In most instances, retaining an attorney can greatly reduce the possible consequences that follow a DUI-related arrest or even to avoid a conviction altogether. By hiring an experienced attorney with Fiffik Law Group, P.C., you will have an effective advocate every step of the way after being charged with a DUI.