How do penalties increase for people with multiple DUIs?

When people drink alcohol in Pennsylvania there are plenty of activities that are both fun and legal to do. However, driving one’s vehicle after drinking too much can result in being charged with a DUI. Being charged with a first DUI can result in license suspensions, fines, jail and other penalties depending on the circumstances. These penalties can have a big effect on people’s lives, but if people are later charged and convicted of multiple DUIs the penalties are even more severe.

Penalties for second DUI

If people are convicted of a second DUI the penalties will depend on drivers’ blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at the time of the offense:

• BAC between 0.08% – 0.099% – license suspension and ignition interlock for one year; between five days and six months in jail and a fine between $300 – $2,500.
• BAC between 0.10% – 0.159% – license suspension and ignition interlock for one year; between 30 days and six months in jail and a fine between $750 – $5,000.
• BAC 0.16% and above – 18-month license suspension and ignition interlock for at least one year; between 90 days and five years in jail and a fine between $1,500 and $10,000.

Penalties for third or more DUIs

If people are convicted of more than two DUIs, the following penalties may apply:

• BAC between 0.08% – 0.099% – license suspension and ignition interlock for one year; jail term between 10 days and two years and a fine between $500 and $5,000.
• BAC between 0.10 – 0.159 – license suspension for 18 months and one year of ignition interlock; jail term between 90 days to five years for a third DUI and between one year to five years for more than three DUIs; and a fine between $1,500 and $10,000.
• BAC 0.16% and above – 18-month license suspension and one year of ignition interlock; jail term between one year and five years; and a fine between $2,500 and $10,000.

These are serious consequences and can have major effects on people’s lives in Pennsylvania. However, people are innocent until proven guilty and will only face these harsh consequences if they are found guilty and convicted. There may be defenses available to people such as the validity of the stop. If the stop is not valid then the evidence will be suppressed and convictions become very unlikely. Experienced attorneys understand these defenses and may be able to help protect people’s rights.