DUI (Driving Under the Influence) is a serious crime. Because drugs and alcohol lower people’s inhibitions and lessen logical thinking, reaction times, and vision, intoxicated driving can lead to an accident causing serious injuries and even death. Because of the potential consequences of driving under the influence, the penalties for a conviction are severe. An individual who is convicted of their third DUI in Pennsylvania will face a slew of consequences including losing their license for a period. If you are facing intoxicated driving charges reach out to a York County, PA DUI attorney to acquire skilled representation during your case.
What Are the Penalties for a Third DUI in PA?
The penalties that an individual will incur for a third DUI conviction in Pennsylvania will vary depending on the specific details of their situation. Actual sentencing will depend on the individual’s prior criminal history, age, level of intoxication, whether or not damage or injury was caused, etc.
The standard consequences of a third DUI are as follows.
For a BAC (blood alcohol content) of 0.08 to 0.099:
- Second-degree misdemeanor
- Fines ranging from $500 to $5,000
- Jail time of 10 days to 2 years
- License revocation
- Required use of an IID (ignition interlock device) for 1 year
- Court-ordered substance abuse treatment
- Mandatory completion of an alcohol safety class
For a BAC of 0.1 to 0.159:
- First-degree misdemeanor
- Fines ranging from $1,500 to $10,000
- Jail time of 90 days to 5 years
- License revocation
- Required use of an IID (ignition interlock device) for 1 year
- Court-ordered substance abuse treatment
- Mandatory completion of an alcohol safety class
For a BAC of 0.16 or higher:
- Third-degree felony
- Fines ranging from $2,500 to $15,000
- Jail time of 1 to 7 years
- License revocation
- Required use of an IID (ignition interlock device) for 1 year
- Court-ordered substance abuse treatment
- Mandatory completion of an alcohol safety class
How Long Will I Lose My License For After a Third DUI?
The length of time your license is revoked depends on the degree of charge you are facing. A second-degree misdemeanor will result in the loss of your license for 1 year while a first-degree misdemeanor and third-degree felony will result in a loss of 18 months. The length of time may vary depending on the circumstances of your case.
What Defenses Can I Use During My DUI Case?
Because a third DUI conviction can have such lasting effects on your life it is important to acquire the help of a skilled attorney. Your lawyer may be able to negotiate a lesser charge but if not the following defenses may work depending on your situation.
- The traffic stop was unlawful
- The field sobriety tests were invalid
- Question the accuracy of the breathalyzer test
- The officer who administered the breathalyzer was not qualified
Depending on the circumstances of your arrest the above or more may work in your favor. Speak with a skilled DUI attorney for more information and to begin developing a strong defense.
