First Offense DUI in Pennsylvania

DUI cases are considered serious offenses in Pennsylvania. The severity of the charges an individual faces for a DUI crime often depends on the specific circumstances of the incident. While a first-offense DUI charge can be alarming, it doesn’t automatically mean your life is over. However, it’s crucial not to underestimate a first-offense DUI or treat it as a minor charge.

In Pennsylvania, a first-offense DUI is often graded as a misdemeanor. A common mistake many drivers make is assuming a first offense is a minor issue and simply paying the fine to move on. What they may not realize is that even though the initial charge might seem minor, a first-offense DUI conviction can have serious and lasting consequences. That’s why it is essential to hire a skilled Uniontown criminal lawyer who can build a strong defense and work towards acquitting the charges entirely.

If you are looking for a Uniontown DUI attorney to help you navigate a first-offense DUI case, consider contacting Logue Law Group. With a history of representing numerous clients, we have earned a reputation as one of the leading law firms in the state.

Penalties for First-Offense DUI Cases in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has a structured system of penalties for individuals who commit a DUI for the first time. It’s important to understand what you might be facing. As an experienced Uniontown DUI attorney, we can help you understand these complex penalties. Here’s a general overview:

 Fines and Jail Time

• If your Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) is .16% or higher, or if it is a drug-related DUI, you could face jail time ranging from 72 hours to 6 months.
• For BAC levels between .10% and .159%, a jail sentence of 48 hours to 6 months is possible. Fines in this tier typically range from $500 to $5,000.
• If your BAC is between .08% and .099%, there is generally no mandatory jail time for a first offense, but you could face up to 6 months of probation and a $300 fine.

 License Suspension

• For first-time offenders with a BAC between .10% and .159%, or for a drug-related DUI, a 12-month license suspension is mandatory. After a period, you may be eligible for an ignition interlock device.
• If your BAC is .16% or higher, the conviction carries a 12-month license suspension, and you will be required to have an ignition interlock device for at least one year after your license is restored. An experienced Uniontown criminal lawyer can help you navigate this process.
• If your BAC is between .08% and .099%, there is no license suspension for a first offense.

Other Consequences

When you are charged with a first-offense DUI, you might feel pressured to just pay the fine to resolve the situation quickly. However, paying the fine is the same as pleading guilty. This means the offense will appear on your criminal record, which can have more severe and far-reaching consequences than the initial penalty. For this reason, it is critical to seek legal representation to challenge the charges you face in Fayette County.

Contact a Uniontown DUI attorney

A first-offense DUI might be a mistake you did not intend to make, and it shouldn’t result in a lifetime of punishment. Visit us at Logue Law Group for help. Sean Logue has extensive experience working on DUI cases and a strong track record of achieving favorable outcomes for his clients. Come see us, and we will help you with your legal troubles, or call us 844.PITT.DUI for a free initial consultation.