Understanding Blood Alcohol Content Levels and DUI Charges In Harrisburg, PA
With the current pandemic situation, the government has enforced strict DUI laws within the state of Pennsylvania. This is true even for drivers being charged for DUI for the first time without any prior record of DUI. Drivers will inevitably require the services of a DUI Attorney Harrisburg PA to help successfully represent them in a court of law for defense.
In Pennsylvania, a DUI conviction depends on the Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) level reported at the time of the arrest. Drivers can face serious penalties with possible time in prison after being convicted of a DUI. Keep reading to find out the legal BAC in the state of Pennsylvania and the repercussions for drivers for having a BAC above the legal limit.
What Is The Legal Blood Alcohol Content Level For Drivers In Pennsylvania?
The legal BAC level for a majority of the drivers in Pennsylvania is 0.08%. But the regulations can be even more strict for drivers depending on their license type and age.
Drivers Under 18:
It is illegal for a driver under the age of 18 to have any trace of alcohol in their BAC. Such a driver can expect to face charges in a juvenile court system in Pennsylvania.
Drivers Under 21:
It is illegal for a driver under the age of 21 to have a BAC of 0.01%. Any driver who is found to be driving with a BAC of this level or higher will inevitably be illegal because these drivers are below the drinking age. Drivers might additionally face a charge of underage drinking because Pennsylvania takes underage drinking charges seriously.
Commercial Drivers:
It is illegal for a driver with a commercial license to have a BAC of 0.04% or higher. Commercial drivers are expected to maintain this level of BAC because of the responsibility of driving a commercial vehicle.
Repeat Offenders:
In Pennsylvania, drivers can expect to receive recognition for any repeat offenses within the last 10 years. This means that any prior warrants, or DUI or DWI convictions that occurred within the last 10 years can affect the legal BAC level that will be appropriate in your case.
The Consequences Of The First DUI Offense & Repeat Offenders
Besides the age limitations, the penalties handed down to DUI offenders will be based on their previous records.
First DUI Offense
The following are some of the consequences first-time DUI offenders can expect.
- Compulsory attendance at Alcohol Highway Safety School
- Possible fines of up to $300
- Ungraded misdemeanor charge
- 6 months of probation
- Drivers who refuse the BAC test may be required to install an ignition interlock device (IID) and face a possible license suspension
- Undergoing medical treatment if necessary
DUI Charges In Harrisburg PA: Second DUI Offense
The following are some of the consequences second-time DUI offenders can expect.
- Compulsory attendance at Alcohol Highway Safety School
- Possible fines from $300 to $2,500 (for extremely high BAC level can go up to $7,500)
- Ungraded misdemeanor charge
- Suspended license for a maximum of a year
- Possible imprisonment from 5 days to 6 months
- Compulsory installation of an ignition interlock device for one year
- Undergoing medical treatment if necessary
DUI Charges In Harrisburg PA: Third DUI Offense
The following are some of the consequences third-time DUI offenders can expect.
- Possible fines from $500 to $5,000
- Second-degree misdemeanor charge
- Suspended license for at least a year
- Imprisonment from 10 days to 2 years
- Compulsory installation of an ignition interlock device for at least a year
- Undergoing medical treatment if necessary
Drivers that accumulate more than three convictions in 10 years can expect higher fines and stricter punishments based on their BAC.
