Scranton , Pennsylvania DUI Criminal Defense Lawyer

Being charged with DUI is a serious offense that can have major consequences, including loss of driving privileges, jail time, and monetary fines. It is important that anyone facing an DUI charge in Pennsylvania understand what challenges they will encounter. Seeking the legal advice of a competent and skilled DUI defense attorney will help you understand all of your rights and options.

DUI Penalties for First Time General Impairment Offenders

• Monetary Fines - In Scranton , Pennsylvania, fines for a first time DUI are $300.
• Jail Time - Pennsylvania does not require that the offender serve any jail time.
• Pennsylvania Driving Privileges and DUI - A first time DUI conviction will not result in the suspension of driving privileges.

DUI Penalties for First Time High BAC Offenders

• Driving Privileges and DUI - In Scranton , Pennsylvania, a first time DUI (driving under the influence) or DWI (driving while intoxicated) conviction (High BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) level) results in the revocation of driving privileges for 12 months.
• Monetary Fines - In Scranton , Pennsylvania, fines for a first time DUI are $500 to $5,000.
• Jail Time - A first time DUI (driving under the influence) or DWI (driving while intoxicated) offender faces at least 48 consecutive hours, up to 6 months jail time.

Pennsylvania DUI Penalties for First Time Highest BAC Offenders

• Pennsylvania Driving Privileges and DUI - In Scranton , Pennsylvania, a first time DUI - DWI conviction (High BAC) results in the revocation of driving privileges in Pennsylvania for 12 months.
• Jail Time - A first time DUI - DWI offender faces at least 72 consecutive hours, up to 6 months imprisonment.
• Monetary Fines - In Scranton , Pennsylvania, fines for a first time DUI are $1,000 to $5,000.
• Chemical Test Refusal - Refusing to submit to a test when requested by law enforcement will result in the suspension of driving privileges for 12 months. The penalties for refusal to submit to chemical testing are the same as those for the Highest BAC offenders. Pursuant to Pennsylvania law, an individual may request an Administrative Hearing from the Department of Transportation only in the event the offender refused chemical testing.
• Commercial Drivers - Commercial drivers are in violation of the DUI statute with a BAC (blood-alcohol concentration) of 0.04. A first time DUI - DWI conviction will result in the loss of the commercial driver's license for 1 year, while any subsequent DUI offenses will result in a lifetime loss of the commercial license in Pennsylvania.
• Alcohol Evaluation - Successful completion of a drug and alcohol assessment and program is required for reinstatement of driving privileges in Pennsylvania.

DUI Subsequent Offenses in Scranton , Pennsylvania

Pursuant to Pennsylvania law, penalties are increasingly more severe for any additional DUI violations. For this reason, a capable and professional criminal defense attorney can guide you through this emotional process. Please contact a Pennsylvania DWI for a free consultation.

Pennsylvania Interlock

Recently, Pennsylvania enacted Act 63 of 2000, the Ignition Interlock Act, which requires, in many instances, an interlock device to be placed upon the vehicle of a defendant who has been found guilty of a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) offense. This interlock system requires the defendant to blow into a device attached to the vehicle before he/she is able to drive the automobile.

Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD)

First time offenders are given a 30, 60, 90, 120, or 180 day license suspension. At the present time, ARD-related driver's license suspensions are handled by PennDOT (the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation). PennDOT will notify the defendant when and where to turn in his/her license when the suspension starts. The only suspension that the court handles is the 180-day ARD. It is the defendant's responsibility to complete all court-ordered treatment programs and to pay all court costs in full. When these have been completed, it is the defendant's responsibility to notify the Department of Court Records, Criminal Division to have his/her license restored.