DUI Charges

Have you been charged with a DUI? Being charged with a DUI can be nerve racking. But you are entitled to legal information and assistance when it comes to handling your DUI charges. 

Under PA state law, DUI charges are divided into three tiers based on the blood alcohol content (BAC) found in a person's system. These tiers range from "general impairment" at a BAC of 0.08 - 0.10 to a "high rate" at 0.10 - 0.159 to the "highest rate" over 0.160. The sentencing for your case will depend on your BAC and the number of past offenses you have on your record. 

DUI Laws in Pittsburgh

DUI laws can vary state-by-state. It’s important to familiarize yourself with PA laws, whether you are a resident or a visitor. Pittsburgh lawyer Robert Disney gives you a quick rundown of everything you need to know about DUI charges in the city of Pittsburgh. 

The Three Levels of DUI

Under PA law, there are three levels of DUI you need to know about:

• General Impairment
• High BAC
• Highest BAC

Within these levels are different penalties that can be applied, which are sorted by the number of previous offenses someone has. Even if drivers did not have the highest BAC, they can still be subject to the penalties in this category if they are a minor, commercial driver, school vehicle driver, or involved in an accident that causes serious property damage or injures someone. 

Punishments for Driving Under the Influence

Punishments for DUI’s can vary in severity depending on your BAC levels, number of past offenses, and the damages that you have caused. Some possible punishments include:

• $500 to $10,000 fine
• 10 days to 2 years in prison
• License suspensions
• 1 year ignition interlock before reinstating your license 
• Treatment for alcohol problems
• Mandatory enrollment in highway safety school

The higher the BAC levels and number of past offenses you have, the more severe your penalties will be. If you refuse breath or chemical testing, you are subject to receiving the highest BAC category penalties. This is because PA has an “implied consent law” that requires drivers to submit to these tests when they are suspected of operating a vehicle under the influence. 

But while these penalties are strict, they are also designed to help you with an alcohol problem you may be struggling with. The ultimate goal is to prevent future cases of drunk driving while also getting you the help you need. 

If you or someone you know has been charged with a DUI, call or text Robert Disney at 412-999-5765 today to schedule a case consultation and learn more about your legal options.