THREE TIERS of Chester County DUI Offenses 

The penalties imposed for an alcohol-related offense in Pennsylvania depend on the person’s blood alcohol content level and the number of prior offenses an offender has accumulated. Pennsylvania has a tiered system of penalties based on the blood alcohol content of an offender.

Tier one involves a blood alcohol content of 0.08% to 0.99%. The second tier is for offenders with a BAC level of .10% to .15% and the third tier deals with serious offenses with a BAC of 0.16% or more. A tier one first offense is considered an ungraded misdemeanor and will result in a maximum probation period of 6 months and a $300 fine. A tier two second offense has more serious consequences. There is a mandatory jail term of 48 hours up to 6 months and fines of $500 to $5,000. A tier three first offense has penalties of a twelve month license suspension period, a mandatory 72 hours in jail, and fines of $1,000 to $5,000.

A tier one second offense has penalties of a twelve month license suspension, twelve months of using an ignition interlock device, 5 mandatory days in jail, and fines of $300 to $2,500. A tier two second offense carries a mandatory 30 days of jail time, $750 to $5,000 in fines, twelve months of ignition interlock device use, and a twelve month driver’s license suspension. A tier three second offense carries penalties such as a mandatory 90 days in jail, fines of $1,500 to $10,000, 12 months of ignition interlock device use, and a 12 month license suspension period.

A tier one third offense will result in a mandatory 10 days in jail, fines of $500 to $5,000, a 12 month license suspension period, and 12 months of using an ignition interlock device. A tier two third offense carries penalties of a mandatory 90 days in prison, fines of $1,500 to $10,000, license suspension for 18 months, and use of an ignition interlock device for 12 months. A tier three third offense will result in a mandatory one year jail term, license suspension of 18 months, use of an ignition interlock device for 12 months, and fines of $2,500 to $10,000. A tier one fourth offense will result in penalties of a mandatory 10 day jail term, $500 to $5,000 in fines, 12 months of ignition interlock device usage, and a 12 month license suspension.

A tier two fourth offense will result in a mandatory one year of imprisonment, fines of $1,500 to $10,000, license suspension for 18 months, and use of an ignition interlock device for 12 months. A tier three fourth offense will result in a mandatory one year in jail, $2,500 to $10,000 in fines, 18 months of license suspension, and 12 months of ignition interlock device usage. Because these penalties are severe, it is important that you contact a Pennsylvania DUI lawyer immediately to be sure that you have the best chance of defending yourself against serious DUI charges.

If you're like many drivers arrested for Chester County Pennsylvania DUI, you may be tempted to plead guilty just to put the experience behind you. That's completely understandable, but you should know that there may be excellent reasons to fight your case. To learn more about aggressive defenses to DUI charges, please contact the Chester County Pennsylvania DUI attorneys at Ciccarelli Law Offices today for a free consultation.  

Gain the over 25 years of combined Criminal Law experience from the Ciccarelli Legal Team. 

Contact Lee Ciccarelli and the Ciccarelli Law Offices Criminal Defense Team to discuss your problem, to confidentially and professionally discuss the dui, drunk driving or driving while intoxicated charges, arrest, and legal issues facing you and your family.  We have an attorney on call 24/7. Contact us on line or by phone at (610) 692-8700 for a free consultation at one of our Chester County locations.