Drunk Driving Laws in York, PA
Drunk Driving Charges
Charges of drunk driving in York and throughout the state of Pennsylvania are viewed seriously. Anyone arrested, regardless of the level of Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) faces potentially extensive punishment, even for a first offense. Penalties include the following:
- Up to six months in jail
- Fines ranging from $300 to $5,000
- License suspension from two to twelve months
- Completion of a state-approved alcohol highway safety program
- Attendance at Pennsylvania DUI school
- Up to 150 hours of community service
- Juvenile charges and parental notification of the offender is under 18
Of course, a second offense of York drunk driving adds to the list of penalties, including the following:
- Potentially higher fines
- 18 months of license suspension, regardless of BA
- One year of required use of an ignition interlock device once driving privileges resume
In addition to court-ordered penalties, anyone convicted of DUI faces as much as tripled insurance rates once they are allowed to drive again, and potentially extending for the rest of the time they drive.
DUI charges in York or York County can apply to the use of substances besides alcohol, including illegal or even legal drugs in some cases. Pennsylvania takes drug use very seriously and is one of a few states that has a "per se" law pertaining to driving under the influence of drugs. This means that anyone arrested when they have been driving and test for any measurable amount of specified drugs in their systems, punishment will be issued as if they had the highest BAC levels.
Drunk driving legal assistance in York
Anyone who has been arrested for DUI in York or York County needs to recognize that the laws are very complex. Experienced York drunk driving lawyers know the details of local laws and the criminal process. They can provide the most solid defense possible in many ways:
- Protecting your rights after arrest
- Finding evidence and mitigating circumstances that could potentially reduce penalties
- Providing access to valuable resources, including treatment programs that put offenders on the right path and may be favorably viewed by the courts in terms of sentencing
The Dethlefs-Pykosh Law Group, LLC offers attorneys with the specialized local understanding of Pennsylvania’s DUI laws needed to provide a strong defense. The drunk driving attorneys are dedicated to ensuring that your DUI first, second or third offense, DUI stop or DUI penalty case is resolved as quickly and smoothly as possible. Contact us if you or a family member ever faces these serious charges. Call at (717) 303-3754 for a free consultation.