Most people agree that driving is an integral part of their lives. Unless a person is fortunate enough to live in a city with a reliable public transportation system, most people need to drive to get to work, run errands or visit friends and loved ones. Therefore, should one lose their driver’s license, life could become very difficult quickly.
One reason a person’s driver’s license could be suspended is if they were convicted of drunk driving. A DUI conviction carries with it numerous additional penalties, including fines and prison time. These penalties, when combined with the suspension of one’s driver’s license could affect a person’s future. The length of time one’s license will be suspended is based on the person’s blood alcohol content level and whether it is a person’s first or subsequent offense.
If a person’s BAC is under 0.10 percent and the person is not able to drive safely, under certain circumstances their license will not be suspended if it is their first offense. However, if it is their second or subsequent DUI conviction, their license will be suspended for one year.
If a person’s BAC is equal to or greater than 0.10 percent but less than 0.16 percent and it is the person’s first or second DUI conviction, then their license will be suspended for one year. If it is a person’s third or subsequent DUI conviction, their license will be suspended for 18 months.
Finally, if a person’s BAC is equal to or greater than 0.16 percent and it is the person’s first DUI conviction, then their license will be suspended for 12 months. If it is a person’s second or subsequent DUI conviction, their license will be suspended for 18 months.
Losing one’s driver’s license due to a drunk driving conviction is a situation no one in Pennsylvania wants to find themselves in. When charged with DUI, it is important to present a strong defense. For example, a person could challenge the results of a field sobriety test. One could also challenge the accuracy of a breath test. The legality of the traffic stop could also be called into question. In the end, a strong DUI defense is necessary if a person charged with drunk driving wants to see the charges reduced or dropped altogether.
