Defending Against DUI Charges
Pennsylvania has imposed harsh penalties for DUI arrests in the state. If you have been arrested or charged with a DUI or a DWI in the counties of central and western Pennsylvania, call 814-983-0009 and speak with our attorney, Christopher E. Mohney, Esquire in DuBois to better understand what you are facing.
We can work to minimize the consequences of these serious charges and help prevent them from having a long-term effect on your future.
Pennsylvania DUI/DWI Penalties
In 2003, Pennsylvania introduced a multi-tiered system for punishing drunk driving offense, dependent on blood alcohol content (BAC) and the number of prior offenses.
The lowest tier, commonly referred to as General Impairment, applies to drivers with an undetermined BAC or a BAC of .08 to .099%. First-time offenders may face limited penalties, but depending on the number of prior DUI offenses, certain repeat offenders could face up to:
- 3rd Degree Felony
- A 18-month license suspension
- A mandatory minimum 10 days incarceration
- A period of incarceration of up to 7 years
- A fine of up to $15,000, with the mandatory minimum fine being determined by the number of prior offenses
The next tier, High BAC, applies to drivers with a BAC of .10 to .159%. Depending on the number of prior DUI offenses, a repeat offender under a High BAC charge could result in:
- 3rd Degree Felony
- A 18-month license suspension
- A mandatory minimum 10 days incarceration
- A period of incarceration of up to 7 years
- A fine of up to $15,000, with the mandatory minimum fine being determined by the number of prior offenses
Drivers with a BAC of .16% or more are subject to the harshest penalties imposed by the state. Depending on the number of prior DUI offenses, repeat offenders under Highest BAC could face:
- 3rd Degree Felony
- A 18-month license suspension
- A mandatory minimum 10 days incarceration
- A period of incarceration of up to 7 years
- A fine of up to $15,000, with the mandatory minimum fine being determined by the number of prior offenses
Depending on the number of prior DUI offenses, both high BAC and Highest BAC could result in up to 7 years of prison time and $15,000 in fines.
Across all tiers, those charged with a DUI or a DWI may be subject to 1 year of ignition interlock restriction, an alcohol highway safety training course and court-ordered treatment for alcohol abuse.
How Can An Attorney Help?
Our attorney Christopher E. Mohney formerly served as an assistant district attorney in Clearfield County. As a former prosecutor, he knows how to defend against the common arguments used by prosecutors in DUI cases.
Contact Us
Our firm will work closely with you on your case to determine the best possible approach to your defense. We serve clients throughout the counties of central and western Pennsylvania. Call our DuBois office at 814-983-0009 or use our online contact form.