Top-Rated DUI Defense Attorney in Pittsburgh, PA
A DUI arrest can be traumatic and life-changing for many people. It can also be very scary, extremely embarrassing, and can feel like a living nightmare.
This is especially true if you were arrested or charged after a DUI accident with injuries or damages. You could lose your driver’s license and not be able to get to work or pick your kids up from school.
You could be sentenced to prison, placed under house arrest, and have a permanent mark on your record — affecting job applications, college admissions, and other important life functions. Having aggressive and experienced Pittsburgh DUI lawyers to fight for your rights, negotiate with the prosecution, and thoroughly investigate your case is the best way to increase your chances of having your charges reduced or dropped.
DUI vs. DWI
Driving while intoxicated (DWI) and driving under the influence (DUI) are terms that are generally used interchangeably. However, DWI may refer to someone operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated. DUI, however, may indicate that a vehicle was operated while under the influence of illegal drugs, prescription drugs, and/or alcohol.
While DUI in Pennsylvania includes both drugs and alcohol, determining the influence of drugs isn’t always easy. A breathalyzer can tell police if you exceed the legal blood alcohol limit but cannot tell if you are high on drugs. So, if the police suspect drug use, they may summon a trained officer to identify the signs.
If the signs point to a high likelihood of drug use, you may be asked to submit to a blood test to confirm or refute the suspicion. And the presence of any drugs, including legal ones, can lead to a criminal charge. DUI charges in Pennsylvania could be brought against you if a painkiller impairs your driving judgment. If a prescribed drug’s label says not to operate heavy machinery while using it and you are caught driving with the prescription in your system, a DUI charge may result.
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Can I Lose My Driver’s License Under Pennsylvania DUI Law?
A driver’s license is a privilege and not a right that gives many people the freedom to travel, and no one wants to lose their freedom. In Pennsylvania, sentencing for a DUI / DWI is very tough. Depending on your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) level and the circumstances in which the events unfolded, you could face losing your license for up to 18 months or even permanently if it is not your first offense.
The sentencing range for a first-time DUI for a driver with a BAC level of .10% to .159% includes a one-year license suspension and a fine of up to $5,000, among other penalties.
A second DUI occurring within 10 years of the first, even with the lowest level of BAC (.08% – .099%), leads to a mandatory one-year license suspension, a maximum of six months in prison, and a fine of up to $2,500, among other penalties.
If you were arrested for DUI of a Controlled Substance or prescription medication, your license could be suspended for up to a year, and you could spend up to six months in jail.
If you are a minor, were driving a commercial vehicle or school bus, refused to take a field sobriety test, were involved in an accident with injuries, or had minors in your vehicle, the fines and penalties increase.