Pennsylvania now has a tougher DAI drunk driving law

In 2004, Pennsylvania enacted stringent laws for Driving Under the Influence (DUI), which is now referred to as Driving after Imbibing (DAI). Some of the more substantive changes are:

  • Lowering the legal limit for alcohol in the system from .10 to.08 percent blood-alcohol
  • A .08 percent or above blood-alcohol level, at the time of a test, is sufficient evidence for a conviction
  • Adopted zero tolerance for any illegal drugs in your system, including prescription drugs not prescribed to you
  • Stiffer penalties, including more jail time, longer Driver’s License suspensions, and higher fines

Norristown, Pennsylvania Drunk Driving Defense Attorney

If you are looking for an experienced DUI / DAI lawyer to aggressively represent you, and who will stand up for your rights, please do not hesitate to call me immediately at 610-239-8870 or contact me through this website. I offer a free initial consultation.

Criminal charges can become more serious for repeat DUI / DAI offenders

Did you know that under Pennsylvania law, repeat offenses may be charged as gross misdemeanors or felonies? Contact Basil D. Beck III, your Norristown DUI lawyer, proudly serving West Chester, Doylestown, Media and Norristown PA. I offer a free initial consultation.

Another consequence being convicted of DUI / DAI drunk driving is higher insurance rates. According to Insure.com, “higher rates and…policy cancellation or non-renewal,” are possible consequences of having a DUI / DAI conviction.

What to do if you have received a letter from PENNDOT

If you have received a letter from PENNDOT, after being charged with a DUI / DAI offense, you only have 30 DAYS from the mailing date of the letter in which to respond! You need to speak with an attorney right away. Please do not hesitate to call me immediately at 610-239-8870. I offer a free initial consultation.

Why Consult a DUI Lawyer?

Depending on your driving record and the circumstances surrounding your arrest, hiring an experienced DUI lawyer can increase your chances for avoiding jail and having your license suspended or revoked. Additionally, it may be possible to have the charges against you either reduced or expunged from your record — saving you a substantial amount of money in increased insurance premiums. While I can’t guarantee that I will be able to have your charges reduced or dismissed, working with an attorney who understands the criminal court system and how to work effectively with judges can make a difference.

DUI / DAI Links

The penalties for DUI / Drunk Driving/ Driving Under the Influence in PA are set forth in the following chart:

First Offense (DUI / Drunk Driving)

Blood Alcohol Content 0.08 – .099% 0.10 – .159% 0.16% and above
Minimum Sentence n/a 2 days 3 days
Maximum Sentence n/a 6 months 6 months
License Suspension n/a 12 months 12 months

Second Offense (DUI / Drunk Driving)

Blood Alcohol Content 0.08 – .099% 0.10 – .159% 0.16% and above
Minimum Sentence 5 days 30 days 90 days
Maximum Sentence 6 months 6 months 5 years
License Suspension 12 months 12 months 12 months

Third Offense (DUI / Drunk Driving)

Blood Alcohol Content 0.08 – .099% 0.10 – .159% 0.16% and above
Minimum Sentence 10 days 90 days 1 year
Maximum Sentence 2 years 5 years 5 years
License Suspension 12 months 18 months 18 months

Fourth and Subsequent Offenses (DUI / Drunk Driving)

Blood Alcohol Content 0.08 – .099% 0.10 – .159% 0.16% and above
Minimum Sentence 10 days 1 year 1 year
Maximum Sentence 2 years 5 years 5 years
License Suspension 12 months 18 months 18 months