DUI Lawyer in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, DUI (Driving Under the Influence) is a serious offense, and the state has stringent laws in place to combat it. If you’ve been pulled over for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, it’s normal to feel confusion, fear, and intense uncertainty. You may be tempted to handle this situation on your own—but that wouldn’t be your wisest choice.

The consequences of a DUI conviction can be severe and long-lasting. These can include hefty fines, license suspension, mandatory alcohol education programs, and even jail time. It’s essential to seek out a skilled and compassionate criminal defense attorney who can guide you through this process and work tirelessly toward a favorable result. 

What you're feeling after a DUI arrest in Pennsylvania is completely normal—but it's important to remember that you're not alone. I'm Natalie Snyder, a criminal defense attorney based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and I'm here to help you uphold your rights and protect your future.

If you live anywhere in Pittsburgh or elsewhere in Pennsylvania, including Allegheny County, Butler County, Washington County, and Westmoreland County, reach out to me to set up a consultation. 

Understanding DUI in Pennsylvania 

In Pennsylvania, a DUI—Driving Under the Influence—occurs when a driver operates a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs. The state uses a tiered approach to DUI enforcement, which means penalties vary based on factors such as your blood alcohol content (BAC) at the time of arrest, whether you're a repeat offender, and whether there were any injuries or property damage. 

Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) in DUI Charges 

Your BAC is a crucial factor in determining the severity of your DUI charges. In Pennsylvania, the legal limit is 0.08%. However, penalties increase with higher BAC levels. It's also important to note that even if your BAC is below the legal limit, you can still be charged with a DUI if your driving ability is impaired. 

Possible Penalties for a DUI Conviction

A DUI conviction carries serious consequences that can impact every aspect of your life—from your finances and employment prospects to your personal relationships and reputation. In Pennsylvania, the penalties for a DUI conviction vary significantly based on the driver's BAC level at the time of the arrest, and the number of previous offenses. Let’s take a closer look at potential consequences of a DUI conviction in Pennsylvania: 

• For a first-time offender with a BAC of 0.08% to 0.099%, penalties may include up to 6 months of probation, a $300 fine, mandatory attendance at an alcohol highway safety school, and treatment when ordered. For a BAC of 0.10% to 0.159%, a first offense can result in 48 hours to 6 months of prison, a $500 to $5,000 fine, a 12-month license suspension, mandatory alcohol highway safety school, and treatment when ordered.  
   

• There are increased penalties for high BAC. If the BAC is 0.16% or higher, or if the individual refused testing, the penalties become severe, even for a first-time offender. They can include 72 hours to 6 months in prison, a $1,000 to $5,000 fine, a 12-month license suspension, mandatory alcohol highway safety school, and treatment when ordered. 
   

• For repeat offenders, penalties escalate further. A second offense with a BAC of 0.08% to 0.099% can result in 5 days to 6 months in prison, a $300 to $2,500 fine, a 12-month license suspension, mandatory alcohol highway safety school, and treatment. This escalates for BAC levels of 0.10% to 0.159%, and further for 0.16% and above. 

It's important to understand that these are just general guidelines. Each case is unique, and many factors can influence the exact penalties imposed in a DUI case. 

Sobriety Tests & Your Rights in Pennsylvania

When you're pulled over by a law enforcement officer on suspicion of DUI in Pennsylvania, you may be asked to perform a series of sobriety tests, also known as ‘field sobriety tests.’ These tests are designed to assess your physical and cognitive abilities, providing officers with a measure of your impairment. Common sobriety tests include the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) test, the walk-and-turn test, and the one-leg stand test. 

While these tests are widely used, it's important to understand that they are not infallible. Many factors can influence your performance on these tests, including physical health conditions, nervousness, or uneven road surfaces. 

In Pennsylvania, you are not legally obligated to comply with field sobriety tests. You have the right to refuse these tests without penalty. In fact, it’s typically in your best interest to politely refuse these kinds of tests.

In contrast to field sobriety tests, the chemical test (breathalyzer, blood, or urine test) falls under Pennsylvania’s ‘implied consent’ law. This law states that by operating a vehicle in the state of Pennsylvania, you have implicitly consented to chemical testing if lawfully arrested for a suspected DUI. Refusal to comply with a chemical test can result in an automatic suspension of your driver's license and can be used against you in court.

If you've been charged with a DUI, remember: you have the right to legal representation. If you're unsure about your rights or need assistance navigating the legal process, don't hesitate to seek the help of an experienced criminal defense lawyer.