Spivak Law Firm

Based in Pittsburgh, PA

412-344-4900

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DUI Penalties in Pennsylvania

Penalties for a DUI are mainly determined by 2 factors:

  •  (1) Blood Alcohol Content (BAC)
  •  (2) Prior DUI Convictions

In Pennsylvania, the legal BAC limit is .08 percent. Penalties for a DUI grow more severe with increased BAC levels. Pennsylvania has three levels for punishing people convicted of DUI.

People convicted of driving under the influence of illegal drugs or controlled substances are automatically placed in Level 3 – the highest BAC category with the harshest penalties.

Higher penalties may apply in certain situations involving people under 21, commercial drivers, and school bus or vehicle drivers. Additionally, there may be higher penalties for drivers involved in an accident that injures someone or causes property damage.

If you’ve been arrested on DUI charges or need help getting your license restored, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.

Level 1 Penalties (BAC.08 to .099 or undetermined)
Level 2 Penalties (BAC .10 to .159)
Level 3 Penalties (BAC .16 and higher, illegal drugs or controlled substances)

Level 1 Penalties (BAC.08 to .099 or undetermined)

  • First DUI:
    • 6 months of probation
    • $300 fine
    • Drug and alcohol assessment and treatment
    • Alcohol highway safety school
  • Second DUI:
    • 5 days to 6 months in jail
    • $300 to $2,500 fine
    • 12 month license suspension
    • 1 year of ignition interlock device at driver’s expense
    • Drug and alcohol assessment and treatment
    • Alcohol highway safety school
  • Third DUI:
    • 10 days to 2 years in jail
    • $500 to $5,000 fine
    • 12 month license suspension
    • 1 year of ignition interlock device at driver’s expense
    • Drug and alcohol assessment and treatment
    • Alcohol highway safety school

Level 2 Penalties (BAC .10 to .159)

  • First DUI
    • 48 hours to 6 months in jail
    • $500 to $5,000 fine
    • 12 month license suspension
    • Eligible for occupational limited license after 2 months license suspension
    • Drug and alcohol assessment and treatment
    • Alcohol highway safety school
  • Second DUI
    • 30 days to 6 months in jail
    • $750 to $5,000 fine
    • 12 month license suspension
    • 1 year of ignition interlock device at driver’s expense
    • Drug and alcohol assessment and treatment
    • Alcohol highway safety school
  • Third DUI
    • 90 days to 5 years in jail
    • $1,500 to $10,000 fine
    • 18 month license suspension
    • 1 year of ignition interlock device at driver’s expense
    • Drug and alcohol assessment and treatment
    • Alcohol highway safety school
  • Fourth DUI
    • 1 year to 5 years in prison
    • $1,500 to $10,000 fine
    • 18 month license suspension
    • 1 year of ignition interlock device at driver’s expense
    • Drug and alcohol assessment and treatment
    • Alcohol highway safety school

Level 3 Penalties (BAC .16 and higher, illegal drugs or controlled substances)

  • First DUI
    • 72 hours to 6 months in jail
    • $1,000 to $5,000 fine
    • 12 month license suspension
    • Drug and alcohol assessment and treatment
    • Alcohol highway safety school
  • Second DUI
    • 90 days to 5 years in prison
    • $1,500 to $10,000 fine
    • 18 month license suspension
    • 1 year of ignition interlock device at driver’s expense
    • Drug and alcohol assessment and treatment
    • Alcohol highway safety school
  • Third DUI
    • 1 to 5 years in prison
    • $2,500 to $10,000 fine
    • 18 month license suspension
    • 1 year of ignition interlock device at driver’s expense
    • Drug and alcohol assessment and treatment
    • Alcohol highway safety school

Contact Our Pittsburgh Law Firm Today

Call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390. Our Pittsburgh office is open during normal business hours, as well as evenings and weekends by appointment.

Spivak Law Firm represents clients in Pittsburgh and all surrounding counties, including: Allegheny County, Beaver County, Butler County, Washington County and Westmoreland County. We accept cases in Armstrong County, Clarion County, Crawford County, Fayette County, Greene County, Indiana County, Lawrence County, Mercer County, Somerset County and Venango County.