Second DUI in Bucks County

In Bucks County in 2017, there were more than 2,200 adults and 30 juveniles arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.  Statewide in that same year, 293 roadway fatalities were the result of drunk driving. There was also an average of 18 people each day that were injured as a result of an alcohol-related vehicle accident.

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or a Controlled Substance (§3802)

Individuals are prohibited from driving, operating, or otherwise maintaining control of the movement of a vehicle after ingesting an amount of alcohol that renders them incapable of doing so safely. This also applies to those with a blood alcohol concentration that exceeds .08%.

Levels (Tiers) of Alcohol Concentration (BAC)

Level

Concentration

General Impairment

.08 to .099%

High Rate

.10 to .159%

Highest Rate

.16% or more

For All Minors

.02% or more

Understanding “Drugged Driving”

Motorists are also prohibited from driving, operating, or otherwise controlling a motor vehicle when their blood contains the following:

  • Controlled substances classified as Schedule I, II or III that are not prescribed by a physician
  • Any metabolites or derivatives of scheduled controlled substances
  • Any combination of alcohol and drugs that hinders the ability to safely operate a vehicle
  • Substances that are deemed as being “solvent or noxious”

Grading of DUI Offenses in Pennsylvania (§3803)

First-time DUI offenders are charged with an upgraded misdemeanor offense that is punishable by up to six months of probation and a $300 fine. These offenders are also required to complete classes regarding alcohol safety and may be subject to treatment for drugs and alcohol.

Those with one prior DUI conviction are charged with an upgraded misdemeanor that is punishable by a maximum of six months of imprisonment and up to a $2,500 fine. These second-time offenders also will have their driving privileges suspended for 12 months. They are also required to complete classes regarding alcohol safety and may be subject to treatment for drugs and alcohol. Offenders are also required to maintain an ignition interlock device in their vehicle for one year.

Drivers with two prior DUI convictions are charged with a second-degree misdemeanor that is punishable by a maximum of two years of imprisonment and up to a $5,000 fine. These third-time offenders also will have their driving privileges suspended for 12 months. They are likely to be ordered to complete a treatment program for drugs and alcohol and are required to maintain an ignition interlock device in their vehicle for one year.

Drivers with three or more prior DUI convictions will be charged with a third-degree felony offense. A prior DUI offense is defined as any conviction within the prior 10 years. The penalties outlined above apply to those who had a BAC in the “general” level of impairment. These penalties continue to increase in severity when the BAC level is within the “high” and “highest” levels.

Ignition Interlock Devices

These devices are installed in vehicles and require the driver to submit a breath sample before the ignition will engage. If the device detects the presence of alcohol, the ignition will not work. The offender is responsible for fees to cover the installation and rental costs of the equipment.

Effective Legal Representation for DUI Offenses in Pennsylvania

Being convicted on DUI charges can result in penalties such as incarceration, fines, probation, and more. Individuals with prior convictions for DUI may have enhanced penalties imposed and incur various collateral consequences. Our Criminal Law Team consists of attorneys with many years of experience defending clients in these cases. Contact the office today for a case consultation at 888-535-3686.

Contact Us Today!

The LLF Law Firm Team has decades of experience successfully resolving clients' criminal charges in Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania counties. If you are having any uncertainties about what the future may hold for you or a loved one, contact the LLF Law Firm today! Our Criminal Defense Team will go above and beyond the needs of any client, and will fight until the final bell rings.

This website was created only for general information purposes. It is not intended to be construed as legal advice for any situation. Only a direct consultation with a licensed Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York attorney can provide you with formal legal counsel based on the unique details surrounding your situation. The pages on this website may contain links and contact information for third party organizations - the Lento Law Firm does not necessarily endorse these organizations nor the materials contained on their website. In Pennsylvania, Attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout Pennsylvania's 67 counties, including, but not limited to Philadelphia, Allegheny, Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Chester, Dauphin, Delaware, Lancaster, Lehigh, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton, Schuylkill, and York County. In New Jersey, attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout New Jersey's 21 counties: Atlantic, Bergen, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Essex, Gloucester, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Salem, Somerset, Sussex, Union, and Warren County, In New York, Attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout New York's 62 counties. Outside of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York, unless attorney Joseph D. Lento is admitted pro hac vice if needed, his assistance may not constitute legal advice or the practice of law. The decision to hire an attorney in Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania counties, New Jersey, New York, or nationwide should not be made solely on the strength of an advertisement. We invite you to contact the Lento Law Firm directly to inquire about our specific qualifications and experience. Communicating with the Lento Law Firm by email, phone, or fax does not create an attorney-client relationship. The Lento Law Firm will serve as your official legal counsel upon a formal agreement from both parties. Any information sent to the Lento Law Firm before an attorney-client relationship is made is done on a non-confidential basis.

Menu