When you are driving home after a night out, being stopped by the police can mean serious criminal charges. If you have a previous drunk driving conviction on your record, the consequences of this stop could put your finances and freedom at risk.
Pennsylvania law takes charges of driving under the influence (DUI) very seriously, and repeat drunk driving charges put you at risk of even more severe penalties.
Severe consequences begin with your second DUI.
After your first DUI, you face stricter fines and longer sentences. A second DUI can result in fines of at least $300, one-year license suspension and between 5 days and six months in jail. Drivers could be required to complete court-ordered treatment and will be necessary to have an ignition interlock device installed in their car for at least one year.
If this drunk driving leads to death, that vehicular homicide comes with a required prison sentence of five years.
Your third DUI will put you in prison for at least half a year.
If you have two prior DUI convictions, you will pay at between $500 and $5000 in fines and spend up to two years in jail. Vehicular homicide with two prior DUI convictions will result in a minimum of seven years of jail time.
Your fourth DUI will be punished even more severely.
If you have three or more previous DUIs, the authorities can charge you with a felony instead of a misdemeanor.
With so much on the line, it is essential to have an experienced lawyer by your side when you face DUI charges. Your attorney can help you fight back against these charges and protect your rights and freedom.
