If you are facing charges for driving under the influence (DUI) in Norristown, Pennsylvania, and wondering how you will get to work if you are no longer able to drive, choosing the right law firm to help you as you battle these charges can mean the difference between a difficult time ahead and one that could be much smoother.
A Norristown DUI lawyer at McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., can help build a defense to support your case and work to get the charges reduced or dropped. Call (610) 991-7219 to speak with a member of our team today.
What Constitutes a DUI Arrest in Norristown
When police arrest a driver on DUI charges in Pennsylvania, they believe the driver is under the influence of alcohol or another substance. They also believe the person is incapable of driving safely and could put others on the road at risk. Driving with a BAC (blood-alcohol concentration) of at least .08% or higher means you can be charged with a DUI under the law. For commercial drivers, the BAC level considered impaired under the law is even lower at .04% and bus drivers at .02%. The BAC is also .02% for drivers under 21 years of age.
Penalties You Could Face for a DUI in Norristown
The physical, emotional, and financial costs of a DUI can be steep. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 3,700 people died due to an alcohol-impaired driver in Pennsylvania between 2009 and 2018.
The penalties for a DUI conviction depend on the circumstances at the time of your arrest. Do you have any prior offenses in the past 10 years? Sentencing guidelines are based on the answer to that question and divided into three categories: general impairment, high rate, and highest rate.
General Impairment
DUIs that fall under this category mean you have a BAC of .08% but not higher than .10%. If this is your first offense, you will not have your license suspended. If this is your second or third offense, your license could be suspended for up to a year.
A first offense could end in a $300 fine. A second offense could cost you between $300 and $2,500. A third offense could mean a $500 up to a $5,000 fine.
You could face six months’ probation for a first offense. A second offense could mean five days to six months in jail. You could be behind bars anywhere from 10 days to two years if this is your third offense.
High-Rate DUI
You could face higher penalties if your BAC was .10% but not greater than .16%. You are also considered a high-rate DUI if your crash caused an accident resulting in property damage, injury, or death.
A first offense high-rate DUI can mean up to six months in jail, a yearlong suspension of your license, and between $500 and $5,000 in fines.
Under this category, a second offense means between one to six months behind bars, $750 to $5,000 in fines, and a 12-month suspension of your license.
A third offense can mean three months to five years in jail, up to $10,000 in fines, and an 18-month suspension of your driver’s license.
Highest Rate DUI
If you had a BAC of .16% or more, refused a Breathalyzer test (which violates Pennsylvania’s implied consent law), or had controlled substances in your system, your charges would fall under the highest rate DUI.
A first offense of this kind can mean a yearlong suspension of your license, up to $5,000 in fines, and six months in jail.
A second offense can mean between three months and five years in jail, up to $10,000 in fines, and an 18-month revocation of your license.
A third offense means between one and five years behind bars, up to $10,000 in fines, and an 18-month suspension of your license.
A Norristown DUI lawyer at McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., can help fight to reduce or have your charges dropped. You do not have to battle your DUI charges on your own. Call (610) 991-7219 today to discuss your case with a member of our team. The call is free and confidential.
What a Lawyer Can Do for You
When you are facing a DUI charge, that does not necessarily mean you will be convicted. An attorney can help you fight these charges by handling your DUI case from start to finish. A lawyer can:
- Investigate your case
- Determine if there are any challenges to beat the charges
- Gather evidence from the accident scene (photos, surveillance video)
- Speak to eyewitnesses who may back up your story
- Hire medical and accident reconstruction experts to testify on your behalf
- Keep you updated on your case as it progresses
In fact, once you sign with McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., you will always be able to reach your lawyer through email, text, phone, or social media. We will be there for you throughout your case.
Call McKenzie Law Firm, P.C. for Help Today
Being charged with a DUI can be devastating. Your future may seem uncertain as you look ahead to your career and supporting your family through this difficult time. A Norristown DUI lawyer at McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., can help you battle these charges. Firm founder David McKenzie is a former prosecutor with skills on both sides of a courtroom.
Call (610) 991-7219 to discuss your case with a team member today. The initial call is free and confidential.
