Anytime a driver is suspected and stopped on suspicion of drunk driving, they should take it seriously. Consequences can be quite severe and life-changing, depending on the number of occurrences and the degree of the DUI. There could be heavy fines, suspension or revocation of driver’s licenses, as well as jail time. There may even be a requirement for an ignition interlock device. The arrested party should hire an experienced attorney. A DUI law firm in Lancaster County, PA helps clients who are charged with drunk driving offenses. Here are some of the penalties that arrested parties may face.
When a law enforcement officer stops a person on suspicion of drunk driving, and that person refuses to take a chemical test, an ignition interlock device will automatically be placed on the vehicle. For a first offense, there will be a $300 fine. For the second offense, the person can get up to six months in jail, a fine of up to $2,500, a license suspension of 12 months, and the ignition interlock device for the period of the restricted license.
The blood alcohol content level in Pennsylvania is .08 percent for those over the age of 21. For those under 21, the limit is .02 percent. Unlike other states, Pennsylvania does not allow a plea bargain for what is called a “wet reckless” conviction. If the person who is stopped has a blood alcohol content level of .16 percent or over, and it is the third offense, that could mean up to five years in prison, in addition to a $2,500 fine. The driver’s license will be suspended for 18 months. These are things that obviously would be handled better in the hands of a competent attorney.
The Law Office of Melissa R. Montgomery has been providing legal solutions to clients in the Lancaster County, Pennsylvania are for more than 15 years. In addition to helping clients with DUI problems, they also practice in the areas of family law and criminal law. If any driver is stopped on the suspect of driving drunk and needs a DUI law firm in Lancaster County, PA, they can reach these attorneys at visit us to website.
