In the Keystone State, DUI laws are taking very seriously. In fact, this state of “Brotherly Love” has some of the toughest DUI laws in the entire nation. With the advent of grass-roots programs like MADD (mothers against drunk driving), DUI laws are only continuing to get stricter. That’s why, if you’ve been charged with drunk driving, you need Pennsylvania lawyers that specialize in DUI defense.
Pennsylvania DUI Penalties
After you’ve been arrested for a DUI, you know you will have to face your charge in court. A Pennsylvania judge may sentence you up to 5 years in prison or up to 6 months of probation. Upon conviction, you can face a fine of $300 to $10,000 and may have to go to alcohol treatment. The judge may also order the installation of an ignition interlock device in your car. Installed at your expense, this machine requires you to breathe into it alcohol-free before it will start your car.
Your Administrative License Case
You’re probably familiar with the criminal case for a DUI, but you will also face a completely separate case. This is a civil suit where the department of motor vehicles seeks to suspend your driver’s license. If you refused to take a chemical test or failed your test, your license could be suspended for up to 18 months.
Your BAC Level
When your blood alcohol content has reached .08%, you are considered DUI in Pennsylvania. If your BAC is over 1.0%, expect even harsher penalties. In order to measure your BAC level, police will ask you to submit to a chemical test. These are blood, breath or urine. Breath tests are administered by police and blood and urine tests must be conducted by qualified medical professionals at a hospital.
Zero Tolerance
Drivers who are under 21 cannot have any BAC level while driving. If so, they face harsh penalties and will be charged with DUI.
Field Sobriety Tests
Pennsylvania police often use these three field sobriety tests: HGN (horizontal gaze nystagums), the Walk and Turn and the One Leg Stand. Each test checks for symptoms usually associated with alcohol consumption (ie: involuntary eye jerking, loss of balance, inability to follow instruction).
If you’ve been charged with a DUI and live in Pennsylvania, contact a qualified DUI defense attorney today!