Driving under the influence (DUI) is an offense that can result in serious legal consequences. If you operate a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs, you may face fines, license suspension, and even jail time. However, the severity of the punishment depends on the gravity of the offense. In West Chester, PA, being charged with DUI raises a lot of concerns, one of which is whether it is a felony or not. Lets delve into the legal implications of DUI charges in West Chester, PA, and find out whether the offense is a felony or not.
DUI is a criminal offense in Pennsylvania, and the state has established strict policies to combat drunk driving. In West Chester, PA, DUI charges are categorized based on the level of impairment and the number of times an offender has been charged. The degree of the offense varies from General Impairment, High Impairment, to Highest Impairment. A General Impairment DUI is charged if a driver has a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of 0.08% up to 0.099%. A High Impairment DUI falls under the category when a driver has a BAC level of 0.10% to 0.159%. Finally, a DUI charge is considered a Highest Impairment DUI when a driver’s BAC level is 0.16% or more.
The punishment for DUI in West Chester, PA, depends largely on the number of prior convictions. If an offender is charged with DUI for the first time, they will receive a fine ranging from $300 to $500 and undergo a safety program enforced by the court. The offender’s license will be suspended for 12 months. Second-time DUI offenders may face a minimum jail time of five days, a max fine of $2,500, and license suspension for 18 months. Third-time offenders face the most severe punishment, where they can face a minimum jail time of ten days, a max fine of $5,000, and license suspension for 18 months.
In West Chester, PA, the classification of DUI charges does not include a felony designation. The maximum punishment for DUI in West Chester, PA, is fixed as a misdemeanor with no opportunity of upgrading the offense to a felony. Even if an offender causes a fatal accident, they can still face felony charges for homicide by vehicle while the DUI charge remains a misdemeanor. The only way that a DUI charge would be elevated to a felony is if the offender had prior felony convictions.
In conclusion, DUI charges in West Chester, Pennsylvania, fall under the category of misdemeanor crimes. While a DUI offense is a severe crime that endangers the safety of drivers and pedestrians, it is still classified as a misdemeanor in West Chester. The legal system recognizes that while DUI offenses must be punished severely, people charged with DUI should not be seen as irredeemable criminals. However, the penalties for DUI offenses in West Chester, PA are severe, and anyone charged with a DUI should hire an experienced DUI attorney to help navigate through the legal process. It is always better to keep yourself informed about the laws and regulations surrounding DUI in your city to avoid running into conflicts with the law.
You need more than just one good DUI lawyer. You need the best. You need a team of experienced DUI lawyers fighting for you. Contact Lee Ciccarelli, and his team of West Chester, Pennsylvania DUI lawyers.
Watch out. There’s a lot of former prosecutors boasting about their experience: experience putting people just like you behind bars. Instead, look to Lee Ciccarelli and his team with nearly 100 years of experience fighting for clients facing the penalties of a DUI.
Contact Chester County DUI Defense Attorney
It may be possible to fight your Pennsylvania DUI charge and win, but you’ll never know if you plead guilty without first exploring your options. Ciccarelli Law Offices can review your case to determine whether the local Pennsylvania district attorney’s case has weaknesses that are open to challenge. We will prepare each case as though it is going to trial to insure preparation and thorough understanding and will take the case to trial if you are not satisfied with the resolution that is offered. We strive to be zealous advocates and always try to obtain the best results for our clients.
We are based in West Chester PA (Chester County) in Suburban Philadelphia and represent individuals charged with Drunk Driving, DUI, Driving After Imbibing cases Throughout Pennsylvania including but not limited to Philadelphia, Lancaster, Allentown, Oxford Exton Phoenixville Parkesburg Malvern Coatesville Lionville Chesterbrook Devon Newtown Square Glen Mills Pottstown Downingtown Kennett Square King of Prussia Paoli and beyond.
You deserve a West Chester Pennsylvania DUI lawyer that is available when you need him, treats you with respect, and protects your rights vigorously. For more information or to schedule an appointment with an experienced Pennsylvania DUI Attorney at Ciccarelli Law Offices, by contacting us at (610) 692-8700 or toll free at (877) 529-2422.