• Home
  • About
    • William D. Thompson
  • Practice Areas
    • Criminal Defense
    • DUI
    • Drug Crimes
    • Domestic Violence
    • Sex Crimes
    • Violent Crimes
    • Assault
    • Theft Crimes
    • White Collar Crimes
    • Traffic Offenses
    • Immigration
    • Personal Injury
    • Diversionary Court Program
  • Testimonials
  • Blog
  • Contact
Thompson Law | A Criminal Defense Firm
Thompson Law | A Criminal Defense Firm
  • Home
  • About
    • William D. Thompson
  • Practice Areas
    • Criminal Defense
    • DUI
    • Drug Crimes
    • Domestic Violence
    • Sex Crimes
    • Violent Crimes
    • Assault
    • Theft Crimes
    • White Collar Crimes
    • Traffic Offenses
    • Immigration
    • Personal Injury
    • Diversionary Court Program
  • Testimonials
  • Blog
  • Contact
Free Consultation – Se Habla Español
CALL 24/7 – 570-846-2819
Thompson Law | A Criminal Defense Firm
  • Home
  • About
    • William D. Thompson
  • Practice Areas
    • Criminal Defense
    • DUI
    • Drug Crimes
    • Domestic Violence
    • Sex Crimes
    • Violent Crimes
    • Assault
    • Theft Crimes
    • White Collar Crimes
    • Traffic Offenses
    • Immigration
    • Personal Injury
    • Diversionary Court Program
  • Testimonials
  • Blog
  • Contact
Named A Top 100 Trial Lawyer
By The National Trial Lawyers
  1. Home
  2.  — 
  3. DUI
  4.  — 
  5. I just got my first DUI – what can happen to me?

I just got my first DUI – what can happen to me?

On Behalf of Thompson Law | Jul 1, 2021 | DUI

Being charged with a DUI in Pennsylvania can have a significant impact on your life, even if it is the first time you have been charged. Even with a first offense, you could be facing jail time, fines, a loss of your driving privileges and mandatory classes designed to keep you from committing the offense again.

Over the legal limit

It is likely you were charged with a DUI because your blood alcohol content was at or over .08. Prior to 2003, if your BAC was over .10 you would be charged with a DUI, but the levels were lowered in order to prevent drunk driving accidents. Your BAC may have been determined using a Breathalyzer or a blood test. In Pennsylvania, you give implied consent to submit to a BAC test if you are suspected of drunk driving. If you refuse, your license will be suspended.

Tiered approach to enforcement

Pennsylvania also uses a tiered approach to the enforcement of DUI arrests. If your BAC was lower than 0.99 but higher than .08, your first offense will be treated as an ungraded misdemeanor. You could face up to six months’ probation and a $300 fine for your first offense. You may also be required to attend alcohol safety school or treatment if the court deems it necessary. If your BAC was below .159 but over .10, it is still considered an ungraded misdemeanor. However, your license will be suspended for 12 months, you could spend 48 hours to six months in prison, your fine could be between $500 and $5,000 for your first offense. You may also be required to attend alcohol safety courses as well as treatment.

Highest penalties

Even if you have never been arrested for DUI before, if your BAC is higher than .16, the penalties are severe. It is still an ungraded misdemeanor, and you may still have to attend alcohol safety school or submit to treatment. However, the fines are between $1,000 and $5,000 and you could spend as little as 72 hours in prison or up to six months. Your license will be suspended for six months. There is no question that if you are charged with a DUI with a high BAC, you need to talk to an attorney who has experience in DUI cases.

Getting a DUI can have a negative impact on many aspects of your life and, if you are arrested with a high BAC, you could face high fines and prison time. Hiring an attorney regardless of your BAC is critical in order to protect your rights under the law.

Recent Posts

  • Is it a felony to misuse prescription drugs in Pennsylvania?
  • Your rights and qualifications in Veterans Court
  • What happens to first-time DUI offenders in Scranton, Pennsylvania?
  • 3 collateral consequences of pleading guilty to domestic violence
  • Do DUI arrests increase during warmer weather?

Categories

  • Assault
  • Criminal Defense
  • Domestic Violence
  • Drug Crimes
  • DUI
  • Family Law
  • Homicide
  • Personal Injury
  • Theft Crimes
  • Traffic Offenses
  • Veterans Court Program

Archives

RSS Feed

Subscribe To This Blog’s Feed

Thompson Law provides the one-on-one attention your case deserves.

Request Your Free Consultation Now – Available 24/7

Thompson Law | A Criminal Defense Firm

Contact Us

Telephone

570-846-2819

Fax

570-587-3847

Address

604 North State St
Suite 1
Clarks Summit, PA 18411
Clarks Summit Office

  • Follow
  • Follow
  • Follow

© 2025 Thompson Law • All Rights Reserved

Disclaimer | Site Map | Privacy Policy | Business Development Solutions by FindLaw

Review The Firm
Review The Firm

© 2025 Thompson Law • All Rights Reserved

Disclaimer | Site Map | Privacy Policy | Business Development Solutions by FindLaw

 570-846-2819
 Email