If you have been arrested for a DUI in Pittsburgh, PA, you are most likely going to need a proven attorney to defend your rights. Receiving a DUI Pennsylvania can also be referred to as drunk driving, driving while impaired (DWI) or the new driving after imbibing (DAI). DUI laws in PA are can be severe and your only hope can be a criminal defense attorney that specializes in DUI cases.

There are two types of cases that come after receiving a DUI. The first case takes place through the criminal court, they can assign multiple penalties including fines, jail, loss of driving privileges, mandatory alcohol programs, and more. The second case involves the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, this is the one that can suspend driving privileges.

If you happen to be pulled over on suspicion of drunk driving, you have the right to refuse the breath, blood or urine test, however doing so will automatically result in a one year loss of driving privileges. This is because under Pennsylvania law, if you hold an operator’s (driver’s) license and are in physical control of a motor vehicle, you are deemed to have given implied consent to chemical tests.

If caught, the PA DUI laws specify that your punishment will be related to how much alcohol is in your system. The lowest level is enacted when you’re caught with a blood alcohol level (BAC) of .08 to .099. The intermediate level is .1 to .159. Anything over .16 is punished at the most severe level.

Additionally, the PA DUI laws provide for different punishments based on whether this is your first drunk driving arrest. Each subsequent arrest brings with it more severe penalties. The DUI arrests are calculated within the last 10 years. On a first time DUI, you do not have the right to a jury trial.

Last, when you get arrested for a DUI you can very likely face jail time, a license suspension, probation, community service, alcohol classes, and many fines and fees. Have a great lawyer on your side will drastically reduce these penalties and will allow you to get the best deal possible. Sometimes they can even get you out of the DUI all together and that is by far your best option.