If you have been arrested or charged with a third offense of DUI, it’s time to hire legal representation to protect your rights through this case. Depending on the results of your first offense DUI and then your second defense DUI, you may be facing significant fines and penalties under PA law. As a direct result of this, having legal representation is nearly always recommended for a Chester County third offense DUI.
Third Offense DUI
Consider the Possible Outcomes of Third Offense DUI
Chester County officials take all driving under the influence claims seriously. They all come with high fines and the potential for jail time. That is no different here. A 3rd offense DUI in Chester County, PA, may include a first degree misdemeanor charge that is punishable with one to five years in jail. If convicted, you may face fines ranging from $2500 to $10,000. More so, you may lose your license for 18 months.
Because of how significant these potential penalties are, it is critical to do all you can to prove your case that you should not face conviction. If you cannot do that, your Chester County PA DUI attorney will work closely with you to try to reduce any fines you do have to pay. That may include trying to help you maintain your driving privileges and reduce or eliminate any jail time.
Third Offense Penalties and Grading:
| Tier: | Grading: | Penalties: | Fine: | License Suspension: | Other Penalties: |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tier 1: BAC %.08 - %.099 | Second Degree Misdemeanor (M2) | 10 Days to 2 Years Incarceration | $500 - $5,000 | 12 Month Suspension and 1 Year Ignition Interlock | Alcohol Highway Safety School or Other Treatment. |
| Tier 2: BAC % .10 - %.159 | First Degree Misdemeanor (M1) | 90 Days to 5 Years Incarceration | $1,500 - $10,000 | 18 Month Suspension and 1 Year Ignition Interlock | Alcohol Highway Safety School or Other Treatment. |
| Tier 3: BAC %.16 or Higher & Controlled Substance | First Degree Misdemeanor (M1) | 1 to 5 Years Incarceration | $2,500 - $10,000 | 18 Month Suspension and 1 Year Ignition Interlock | Alcohol Highway Safety School or Other Treatment. |
Felony DUI Offenses
In Pennsylvania you can now be charged with a felony DUI under Pennsylvania Act 153 of 2018. You may be charged with a felony DUI if you have three or more prior DUI convictions in the last ten years or if you have previously been convicted of a crime under section 3735 relating to homicide by vehicle while intoxicated to a degree that would render you unsafe to operate a motor vehicle. You will also be charged with a felony of the third degree for refusing a breath or chemical test if you have two or more prior convictions or if there is a minor in the car at the time of the arrest and the subject has two or more prior offenses.
Working with Our Team Is Essential
Our third offense DUI attorney in Chester County, PA, is available to help you right away. When you call our team, we’ll be able to provide you with fast, accurate information on what to do now and how to fight your charges properly. Work closely with our team to get the results you need in a challenging case like this. We work with those facing license suspension as well as ignition interlock requirements, among other needs. Call us now for the help you need.