Defense Against First-Offense DUI Charges In Lackawanna County

Have you been charged with your first drunk driving offense? If so, contact Thompson Law to work with experienced DUI defense attorney William D. Thompson. He believes that the accused in these cases deserve to have their driving record asserted before the court and that every possible avenue towards a reduction or dismissal of their charge should be aggressively explored.

Penalties For A First-Time DUI Conviction

Unlike some other states, Pennsylvania has a hierarchy to classifying its DUI charges. Any driver who is found to have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% can be charged with drunk driving, but those found with higher BAC readings can subject to harsher penalties.

Penalties for a DUI involving a BAC of 0.08% to 0.099% can include:

• Fines up to $300
• 6 months of probation
• Alcohol safety school and substance abuse treatment

Penalties for a DUI involving a BAC of 0.10% to 0.159% can include:

• One-year license suspension
• Maximum of six months in jail (minimum of 48 hours)
• Maximum of $5,000 in fines (minimum of $500)
• Alcohol safety school and substance abuse treatment

Penalties for a DUI involving a BAC of over 0.16% can include:

• One-year license suspension
• Maximum of six months in jail (minimum of 72 hours)
• Maximum of $5,000 in fines (minimum of $1,000)
• Alcohol safety school and substance abuse treatment

Note that drivers who are found to be impaired due to controlled substances automatically fall into the most severe of these categories (BAC of 0.16% and higher). If you or a loved one has been charged, then a proactive approach to their defense is available. Scranton DUI attorney William D. Thompson is ready to assess your case and ensure that you receive every consideration you deserve.

Get Started With A Free Initial Consultation