Out of State DUI Offenses Pennsylvania
What makes the United States legal system complicated is the varying laws that each state actively enforces. Therefore when a person makes unlawful choices, it is possible that the law they are familiar with does not apply the same way where the offense took place.
The parameters are different, so it goes without saying that the penalties can also differ. When a person is not careful, they could end up in even bigger trouble. With federal and state governments cracking down on individuals driving while impaired, it was inevitable that an out-of-state DUI charge would come into effect.
DUI Charges for Non-Pennsylvania Residents
Individuals who live outside the state of PA but find themselves charged with a DUI must know how to handle the situation correctly. Just like any other charge, they are processed and handled in the state where it was received. Regardless of which state a person resides in, a DUI conviction in Pennsylvania can affect a person’s driving privileges.
As a quick recap, a DUI charge for a person over the age of 21 usually happens when the individual has a blood alcohol content level beyond 0.08 percent. Those who are below the age of 21, however, are subject to a 0.02 percent BAC. A DUI charge in Pennsylvania could entail DMV hearings in both the home state and PA, making it a complicated situation.
DUI Penalties
There is no separate administrative process in the state of Pennsylvania for the handling of an accused driver’s license, as opposed to how other states handle it. Under the law, a person’s driving privileges can be suspended due to a DUI conviction.
Here are the other penalties a person should expect:
- Fines that can range from $300 to $5,000
- Jail time can be anywhere between five days to two years
- A 12-month driver’s license suspension
- The implementation of an interlock ignition device (plus the cost of it)
First-time DUI offenders have the least penalties. This can still change if the charge involves an accident or injuries. Similarly, when a BAC is found to be over 0.10 percent, extreme DUI penalties can also be applied.
How an Out of State DUI Arrest Can Impact a Person in Pennsylvania
The law states that no police officer in Pennsylvania can suspend an out-of-state driver’s license. On the contrary, a person’s privileges in the state itself can be suspended. This means a person arrested on a DUI charge cannot drive a car in the state they are convicted in.
It will be necessary for the accused individual to make court appearances to defend their DUI charges. The best way to ensure that anyone charged with a DUI is defended in court properly is to hire a reputable DUI defense attorney. Preferably one who is familiar with out-of-state DUI charges.
Getting the Right Help
In the event that an individual is proven guilty of the DUI charge, the court will then report their conviction to the person’s home state. This can result in the suspension of the license issued in the person’s home state.
No matter where a person resides, the accused can choose to hire legal representation from Pennsylvania to further ascertain that their defense is fully knowledgeable of PA laws.
Have you been charged with an out-of-state DUI in Pennsylvania? Contact a Panighetti Law now.
