Drinking and driving is considered a very dangerous activity in Philadelphia. As such, if a person is caught driving under the influence, the penalties can be severe. Many people stop drinking and driving after a first DUI, but some people are caught drinking and driving on multiple occasions. These individuals are seen as an even bigger danger to the public, as they do not seem to learn from their previous mistakes. We previously discussed the penalties for first and second-time DUIs, but, as one might guess, the penalties are worse for someone who has had two or more prior DUIs.
As previously discussed, the Pennsylvania DUI statute uses three different BAC ranges in setting forth the consequences for a DUI conviction. The three ranges are a BAC of .08 – .099%, .10 – .159%, and .16% and above. Just as in the case of a first or second-time DUI, the penalties increase as a person’s BAC increases.
If you are convicted of DUI and your BAC measures between .08 and .099%, your license will be suspended for 12 months, you will be required to have an ignition interlock installed on your vehicle for a period of one year, you will have to serve between ten days and two years in jail and you must be pay a fine rangin from $500 – $5000. If your BAC is between .10 and .159%, your license would be suspended for 18 months, you will have an ignition interlock for one year, you will spend anywhere from 90 days to five years in jail and you will pay a fine ranging from $1,500 – $10,000. If your BAC is .16% or above, your driver’s license will be suspended for 18 months, you will have an ignition interlock for one year, you will have to spend at a minimum of one year and as much five years in jail and you will have to pay a fine ranging between $2,500 and $10,000.
On top of all of the other penalties, just like for first and second-time offenders, no matter what your BAC level is at the time of arrest, you will have to attend a highway safety class; the court also possibly could order you to complete alcohol treatment.
As one can see, the consequences of a DUI conviction can be very serious and greatly affect a person’s life. This is only meant to be general information, however, and is not legal advice. Consulting with an attorney may be beneficial if one is facing a DUI charge, particularly if you already have been convicted of two prior DUIs.
Source: Pennsylvania & Driver Vehicle Services, “.08 DUI Legislation,” accessed Nov. 2, 2014
