Third Offense DUI

Driving under the influence is considered a severe offense in the state of Pennsylvania. The state of PA has imposed harsh penalties for convicted drunk drivers to deter individuals from driving while intoxicated. While the first and second DUI offenses already have heavy penalties, including jail time and license suspension, a third offense DUI in Erie PA is charged as a felony. 

Drunk drivers who had two DUI charges prior in the past ten years are looking at higher fines, imprisonment, and additional penalties. Not to mention, they have to pay for any damages incurred, legal fees, and other penalties if their case involves injury, an accident, or death.

Car insurance providers often drop drivers convicted of a third offense DUI in PA. Public criminal records also permanently reflect all of past DUI charges. The consequences can directly impact the driver’s personal and professional life if any future employers and landlords decide to look up these public records.

The court requires third-time offenders to buy and install an ignition interlock device (IID) on their cars. Usually priced around $1,000 or more, this device only starts the car after testing the driver’s BAC. The offender has to cover the expenses for the IID.

Charges of 3rd DUI in PA come with steep penalties and extended time in prison. The state of Pennsylvania classifies DUI penalties per the blood alcohol content (BAC) levels detected during the arrest. The higher the detected BAC levels are, the graver the penalties for the felony.

Drivers with a BAC between 0.08% to 0.10% face second-degree misdemeanor charges. This offense entails a minimum of ten days and a maximum of two years in prison. They will get their driver’s license suspended for 12 months. They will also have to pay $500 to $5,000 in fines.

Individuals with a BAC of 0.10% to 0.159% get charged with a first-degree misdemeanor. Facing an 18-month license suspension, one to five years of incarceration, and $1,500 to $10,000 in fines, they need to hire capable attorneys to handle their case, set up a proper defense, get a fair trial, and hopefully lessen the penalties. 

For offenders with a detected BAC of 0.16% and higher, they will also face charges of a first-degree misdemeanor.

Convicted drunk drivers must enroll themselves in Alcohol Highway Safety School and complete the curriculum. Not only do they have to submit themselves for drug and alcohol treatment, but they must also pay for the expensive ignition interlock device and have that installed in their vehicle for a minimum of one year.

Most people charged with DUI often see a rise in their insurance premiums. They will also have a hard time obtaining a professional license in some situations.

Facing DUI charges is not as straightforward as people might think. The state of PA enforces strict laws when it comes to driving under the influence. Once you step inside the car to drive while intoxicated, you endanger not only yourself but other people as well. Poor decisions come with a steep price. These negative consequences can significantly impact or even change your life forever.

Hire an experienced DUI attorney expert in handling DUI cases to represent you in court. They make sure that you get a fair trial and reduce charges when possible. You don’t have to do this alone. Call an attorney today.