Arrest For Dui In Pennsylvania
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With the first offense, there usually is no license suspension. However, second and third offenses result in a 12-month license suspension. You will also be required to an ignition interlock device. This device requires drivers to perform a breathalyzer test before they start their car.
DUI offenders are to be released promptly following arrest unless: 1) they pose a danger to themselves or others; or 2) the arresting officer has reasonable grounds to believe they will not appear in court as required. Upon release, a criminal complaint shall be filed within 5 days.
The 5-day rule is a procedural guideline requiring law enforcement to file a criminal complaint within five days of releasing someone arrested for DUI. While it's an important rule, it's not a magic wand that can automatically get your charges dismissed if it's missed.
NEW LAW (EFFECTIVE NOVEMBER 9, 2022) The new law mandates that any newly imposed DUI sentences be imposed consecutively if the individual has two or more prior offenses (with one exception noted below). This addition will be added as § 3804(c. 2) under to the existing “Penalties” part of the law.
DUI ARRESTS IN PENNSYLVANIA If the officer has probable cause, the officer will place the driver under arrest for DUI. The driver is taken into custody, processed, fingerprinted, asked to submit to an official blood alcohol content (BAC) test, and released a few hours later or the next morning.
If the bodily alcohol content is . 16 or higher, 72 hours in jail is required. However, jail time is not mandatory for a first DUI in PA if the bodily alcohol content is general or less than . 10.
Fines range from $300 to $1,000. If you had more alcohol in your system at the time of your first DUI arrest, the penalties go up. For example, for high BAC charges you can end up with a fine of $1,000 to $5,000, up to six months in prison and the loss of your driver's license for 12 months.
If you don't have prior convictions, a general-impairment Pennsylvania DUI conviction carries a $300 fine, up to six months probation, alcohol highway safety school, and substance-abuse treatment if ordered.
1st Offense DUI: A misdemeanor, six months probation, and a $300 fine; 2nd Offense DUI: A misdemeanor, five days to six months in jail, a $300 -$2500 fine, and a one-year license suspension; 3rd Offense DUI: 2nd-degree misdemeanor, ten days to two years in prison, a $500 -$5,000 fine, and a one-year license suspension.
The punishment for a first DUI varies by state but often includes fines, license suspension, probation, mandatory alcohol education, and possibly community service. Jail time is rare for first offenses but may apply in cases of high blood alcohol content or accidents.
