Even a first DUI offense in Pennsylvania can have a significant impact on your life. Not only will a conviction result in a criminal record, but you will face a fine and have to participate in various programs as part of your punishment. Depending on the severity of the offense, you could even face a prison sentence.
It’s essential for anyone charged with a DUI in PA to understand their rights and the penalties they could face. Knowing what to expect from your first DUI can be the difference in coming out the other side with a criminal record or a clean slate.
General Impairment Penalties
A DUI charge of general impairment means your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was between 0.08 and 0.099 percent, or you were visibly impaired. The penalties you could face for a first-time DUI with general impairment include:
- Up to six months of probation
- A $300 fine
- Completion of an alcohol highway safety school
- Alcohol abuse treatment, if ordered
High BAC Penalties
A high BAC is between 0.10 and 0.159 percent. You can also face these penalties if your DUI involved an accident with property damage. The penalties you could face for a first-time DUI with a high BAC or accident include:
- A license suspension for one year
- Between 48 hours and six months in prison
- A fine of between $500 and $5,000
- An ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle for one year
- Completion of an alcohol highway safety school
- Alcohol abuse treatment, if ordered
Highest BAC Penalties
The highest BAC is 0.16 percent and above. You can also face penalties for the highest BAC if you have a controlled substance in your system. For a first-time DUI, the penalties for the highest BAC include:
- A license suspension for one year
- Between 72 hours and six months in prison
- A fine of between $1,000 and $5,000
- An ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle for one year
- Completion of an alcohol highway safety school
- Alcohol abuse treatment, if ordered
Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD)
Even if your first DUI offense is for general impairment with no risk of a prison sentence or license suspension, it can impact your employment and future job opportunities. For example, you may be unable to get a driving job, such as a truck, delivery, or school bus driver.
The good news is that most first-time offenders can enter Pennsylvania’s Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program. However, there are some requirements, such as having no misdemeanor or felony convictions within the last ten years. In this program, you waive your right to a trial and must complete specific requirements, such as completing an alcohol highway safety school.
At the end of the program, the court will dismiss your charges and likely expunge the offense from your record, leaving you with a clean slate.
DUI Defense Attorney in Erie, Pennsylvania
If you’re facing a first DUI offense in Erie, Pennsylvania, contact McCormick & Vilushis to speak with an experienced DUI defense attorney. We’ll review your case, explain the penalties you could face, and help you determine if participating in the ARD program is right for you.