First-Time Offender in Delaware County

Because driving under the influence (DUI) in Pennsylvania is one of the few crimes that can be committed by accident and without creating a victim, many upstanding people in the state and in Delaware County face criminal accusations for it at some point in their lives. First-time DUI offenders often have a clean background, and merely made a mistake or poor choice. Prosecutors in Delaware County recognize this and have some discretion to change how first time offenses are handled in the county.

Typical Penalties for First-Time DUI Offenses in Pennsylvania

The precise penalties that you can face for a first conviction of DUI in the state of Pennsylvania depend on a handful of factors. For example, the blood alcohol content (BAC) at the time of the arrest can alter the penalties you face, as can the fact that you were underage:

 

Sentence

Fines

License Suspension

Other Repercussions

BAC under 0.10

6 months of probation

$300

None, if you are eligible for ARD

Alcohol safety school

BAC from 0.10 to 0.16

Between 2 days and 6 months in jail

$500 - $5,000

1 year

Alcohol safety school

BAC over 0.16

Between 3 days and 6 months in jail

$1,000 - $5,000

1 year

Alcohol safety school

DUI charges for underage drinkers

Between 2 days and 6 months in jail

$500 - $5,000

1 year

Alcohol safety school

It is also important to note that Pennsylvania's zero tolerance policy for underage drinking means that drivers aged 20 or under can be convicted for DUI if they have a BAC at or above 0.02%, rather than the normal legal limit of 0.08%.

Diversion Program in Delaware County

First-time DUI offenders in Delaware County can use the county's diversion program, also called Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD).

ARD is open to individuals who do not have a criminal background and have been arrested for non-violent offenses like DUI.

If you are eligible to participate in ARD, you have to file the necessary paperwork at least fourteen days before your scheduled DUI arraignment. Acceptance to the program is made on a case-by-case basis. If accepted, you would have to complete the requirements of your particular program. For DUI cases, this typically involves:

  • Paying the ARD program fee, which is usually around $1,250, on the day of your hearing
  • Paying the supervisory fee for your probation, which is usually around $35 per month
  • Perform the allotted community service
  • Complete the terms of your probation

If you succeed, the DUI charge against you will be dismissed and expunged from your criminal record. If you fail to complete any of these requirements – even if the failure is a trivial one – your case will proceed to trial.

Delaware County DUI-Defense Team at LLF Law Firm

Our Criminal Law Team are DUI-defense attorneys for people who have been accused of drunk driving in Delaware County. Contact us online or by phone at 888-555-3686 if you have been arrested and charged with DUI. Having our legal representation can help you make the best decision for your future.

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.

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