DUI Attorney in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Driving under the influence is an offense that can be described using a variety of different acronyms. However, the most accurate legal term is Operating a Vehicle Impaired, or DUI. If you live in Pennsylvania or the surrounding areas, you have likely heard several other terms used to describe this specific violation, including:

• Driving under the influence (DUI)
• Driving with an Unlawful BAC Level (DUBAL)
• Driving while impaired (DWI)
• Operating a Motor Vehicle Impaired (OMVI)

In situations where a driver involved in an accident is under the legal drinking age of 21, the crime is officially classified as Operating a Vehicle After Underage Consumption, or OVUAC.

Regardless of what the specific crime is called, the consequences of an DUI or OVUAC conviction can be life-altering and severe. A person charged with a DUI may be ordered to pay heavy fines, serve time in jail, have their license suspended, and be required to install an ignition interlock device in their car. If you are located in Allegheny County and have been charged with a DUI, you need to contact Logue Law Group immediately. Our dedicated Pittsburgh DUI lawyer will thoroughly investigate every factor of your situation and build a strong defense on your behalf. We are widely considered one of the premier groups for criminal defense in the region.

Penalties for DWI in Pennsylvania

Generally, there are three main factors that determine the severity of DWI charges and the resulting penalties in Pennsylvania:

• If the individual has prior offenses on their record.
• The driver’s Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) level.
• Whether the driver refused to submit to chemical testing.

Without the assistance of a qualified legal professional, a conviction can lead to the following penalties based on the specific circumstances of the arrest:

• First DUI in Six Years (BAC 0.08 to 0.17): This is categorized as a first-degree misdemeanor. It can result in a minimum of three days of imprisonment, mandatory participation in a Driver Intervention Program (DIP), up to six months in jail, a license suspension of up to three years, and fines reaching $1,075.
• First DUI in Six Years (BAC > 0.17 or Test Refusal): This is also a first-degree misdemeanor but carries harsher penalties. It may result in a minimum of six days in jail and three days of DIP, up to six months of imprisonment, a license suspension of up to three years, fines of $1,075, and the compulsory use of restricted license plates. You may also need to install an ignition interlock device to avoid further proceedings.
• First OVUAC in One Year: This fourth-degree misdemeanor can result in up to thirty days of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250, and a license suspension lasting two years.
• Second OVUAC in One Year: As a third-degree misdemeanor, this charge can lead to up to sixty days of imprisonment, a fine of up to $500, and a license suspension for five years. It is vital to seek counsel from a Pittsburgh criminal lawyer to navigate these charges.
• Second DUI in Six Years (Refusal or BAC > 0.17): A first-degree misdemeanor resulting in a minimum imprisonment of twenty days (or ten days in jail plus thirty-six days of house arrest with HAEM/CAM), up to six months imprisonment, a five-year license suspension, mandatory restricted license plates, installation of an ignition interlock device (compulsory for alcohol-related, optional for drug-related), a driving prohibition for ninety days, and up to $1,625 in fines.
• Third DWI in Six Years (BAC 0.08 to 0.17): An unclassified misdemeanor resulting in minimum imprisonment of thirty days (or fifteen days in jail plus fifty-five days of house arrest), up to one year of imprisonment, a ten-year license suspension, compulsory restricted license plates, installation of an ignition interlock device, fines up to $2,750, and forfeiture of your vehicle.
• Third DUI in Six Years (Refusal or BAC > 0.17): An unclassified misdemeanor resulting in minimum imprisonment of sixty days (or thirty days in jail plus one hundred and ten days of house arrest), up to one year of jail time, a ten-year license suspension, compulsory restricted license plates, ignition interlock device installation, and vehicle forfeiture. Fines can reach up to $2,750.
• Fourth or Fifth DUI in Six Years / Sixth DWI in 20 Years (BAC 0.08 to 0.17): A fourth-degree felony. Penalties include a minimum of 60 days to one year of local incarceration (or 60 days in jail with an option of an additional 6 to 30 months), fines up to $10,500, possible lifetime license suspension, compulsory restricted plates, ignition interlock device, and vehicle forfeiture.
• Fourth or Fifth DWI in Six Years / Sixth DUI in 20 Years (Refusal or BAC > 0.17): A fourth-degree felony involving a minimum of one hundred and twenty days up to one year of local imprisonment (or sixty days in prison with an option of an additional six to thirty months), possible lifetime license suspension, compulsory restricted plates, and up to $10,500 in fines. You must use an ignition interlock device to avoid proceedings or vehicle forfeiture.
• Second Felony DUI (BAC 0.08 to 0.17): A third-degree felony resulting in a minimum of sixty days in prison (up to five years), probable lifetime license suspension, compulsory restricted plates, and up to $10,500 in penalties. An experienced Pittsburgh DUI lawyer can explain how ignition interlock devices may help avoid vehicle forfeiture.
• Second Felony DWI (Refusal or BAC > 0.17): A third-degree felony resulting in a minimum of sixty days in prison (up to five years), probable lifetime license suspension, compulsory restricted plates, installation of an ignition interlock device (required if alcohol-related, optional if drug-related), up to $10,500 in fines, and the possibility of vehicle forfeiture.

How We Can Help in Defense Against Your DWI Charges

If you choose to hire a knowledgeable Pittsburgh criminal lawyer, they can assist you in fighting to reduce your charges or potentially having them dismissed entirely based on several legal grounds, including:

• The vehicle was stopped unlawfully without reasonable cause or probable suspicion.
• Miranda Warnings were not read before custodial interrogation.
• Field sobriety tests or chemical tests were administered improperly.
• Failures occurred in the planning and execution of a sobriety checkpoint.
• Inaccurate breath test results.
• Errors regarding blood testing procedures.
• No valid reason existed for the arrest.
• Factors unrelated to alcohol created false signs of intoxication.
• Procedural errors were committed by the police officer.

DUI Offenses We Handle in Pittsburgh

Logue Law Group possesses years of experience in handling a wide variety of DUI cases in Allegheny County, including the following:

• DUI First Offense: Whether it is the very first DUI charge you have ever received, or simply the first one in the ten years since your last incident, you will be charged with a first DUI. The legal limit for adults is 0.08 percent.
• DUI Second Offense: Receiving a second DUI charge within ten years comes with much harsher penalties, including longer driver’s license suspensions, higher fines, and longer jail sentences. While this is a misdemeanor, you can still fight it to get charges dropped or reduced.
• DUI Third Offense: If you end up with a third DUI charge within a ten-year period, the penalties become even more serious than a second DUI. Potential penalties include drug or alcohol rehabilitation and house arrest. You may also be required to use restricted license plates on your vehicle and face incarceration.
• Physical Control of a Vehicle: Laws state that a person under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or a combination of the two cannot be in physical control of a vehicle. For instance, you cannot hold the keys while sitting in the front seat if you are impaired. This misdemeanor carries penalties that are not quite as severe as a first DUI charge. A skilled Pittsburgh DUI lawyer can help you navigate this specific charge.
• OVUAC (Underage DUI): The BAC level at which a person under age 21 is considered impaired is just 0.02 percent. This low limit exists because minors are not allowed to consume alcohol legally. Although this is a misdemeanor, it can negatively impact your future, including educational and career opportunities.
• Felony DUI: While most DUI charges are misdemeanors, a third DUI within ten years or a fifth within twenty years is considered a felony offense. Depending on your BAC level at arrest and previous charges, it could be filed as a third- or fourth-degree felony.
• DUID (Driving under the Influence of Drugs): Having drugs in your system when stopped by police can lead to a DUID charge. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medications, as well as LSD, marijuana, crack, heroin, opioid painkillers, and other drugs.
• Aggravated Vehicular Assault: If you cause an accident while intoxicated that results in someone being injured, you will be charged with Aggravated Vehicular Assault. This felony charge carries a mandatory prison sentence.
• Aggravated Vehicular Homicide: If another person dies as a result of your drinking and driving, you will be charged with vehicular manslaughter, also known as Aggravated Vehicular Homicide. Because this is a felony, it comes with a mandatory prison sentence.
• DUI Out-of-State: Sometimes, visitors or workers from other states find themselves facing DUI charges here in Pennsylvania. These are often difficult for the defendant because they live elsewhere. However, Logue Law Group is ready to represent them in court, easing their burden.
• Intoxicated Boating: You can be arrested while operating a boat. The same charges and penalties apply in boating situations as they do with vehicles.

Being charged with a DUI is incredibly stressful. Sean Logue and his colleagues at Logue Law Group are highly trained in DUI defense and can ease your way through the process. Contact a Pittsburgh criminal lawyer contact us today by calling 412-387-6901. for assistance.