Fourth of July DUIs in Pennsylvania | What to Know

Many people celebrate the Fourth of July with a barbecue and fireworks. Often, these events involve alcohol. While it is fine to celebrate the holiday with a few drinks, things can become incredibly dangerous if you make the decision to get behind the wheel afterward. Pennsylvania takes DUI offenses very seriously. Read on to learn more about DUI charges and the accompanying penalties.

What are the Penalties for a First-Offense DUI?

In Pennsylvania, DUI offenses are tiered. This means that your prior offenses will play a role when it comes to your penalties. If you are pulled over with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) between .08 and .09 percent, the penalties for a first-offense DUI are as follows:

  • Potential participation in the alcohol highway safety school
  • You may have to pay a $300 fine
  • You may face up to 6 months of probation
  • Your insurance premiums may spike due to points on your license–this is true for all DUI charges
  • You may have to participate in court-ordered treatment
  • You may receive an ungraded misdemeanor

What are the Penalties for a Second-Offense DUI?

If you are charged with a second DUI, you will now be treated as a repeat offender. As a result, you can incur even harsher penalties, including:

  • You may receive an ungraded misdemeanor
  • You may lose your license for up to 12 months
  • You may spend up to 6 months in jail
  • You may have to pay a $2,500 fine
  • You will have to participate in the alcohol highway safety school
  • You may have to install and use the ignition interlock device for 1 year, at your own cost
  • You may have to attend court-ordered treatment

What are the Penalties for a Third-Offense DUI?

A third DUI can have life-altering consequences, including:

  • You will lose your license for at least 12 months
  • You will receive a 2nd-degree misdemeanor
  • You may spend two years in jail
  • You may have to pay a $5,000 fine
  • Possible court-ordered treatment
  • The potential installation and use of the ignition interlock device for at least one year, at your own cost

If you are facing charges for a DUI in Pennsylvania, you will need the help of a dedicated criminal defense attorney. Reach out to our firm today to discuss your case.

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We understand that going through the legal system alone can be both confusing and highly stressful. That is why it is our job to help you through every step of the process ahead. For years, we have been helping clients throughout Lancaster County and its surrounding areas through a wide range of legal matters, including personal injury cases, criminal defense matters, family law issues, estate planning law matters, and more. If you need legal assistance, we are here to help. Contact Ilkhanoff & Silverstein today.

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