What To Do After A DUI Or DWI Arrest
It doesn’t take much to be charged with drunk driving in Pennsylvania. A blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 is enough to get you arrested. If you are under age 21, it only takes a BAC of .02 to be charged with underage drinking. In either case, you are facing significant penalties.
It is important to act quickly in response to a DUI/DWI-related charge, so do not wait to get a skilled Wyomissing DUI and DWI lawyer on your side right away. Our law firm defends clients charged with drunk driving in all of the Lehigh Valley. The sooner you call us, the sooner we can begin to work toward the most favorable possible resolution.
Get Help With Drunk Driving Charges
Many people feel embarrassed when charged with drunk driving. We do not judge you. We help you. No matter what questions you may have, our experienced attorneys can get you the answers you are looking for. A drunk driving charge does not have to be the end of the world, but there are serious consequences — so you need to be sure you have a serious defense to this alleged crime.
We can discuss the penalties for first-time offenders and the punishments for those with previous offenses. Our attorneys will explain the options available for your defense, including analysis of the processes and procedures carried out during your arrest.
Pennsylvania’s Tiered BAC Penalty System
Pennsylvania DUI law follows a three-tier BAC penalty structure, and the level assigned to your case can greatly affect the penalties you face.
The three tiers are:
- General Impairment: .08% – .099%
- High BAC: .10% – .159%
- Highest BAC: .16% and above
Each tier carries increasingly serious consequences, including larger fines, possible jail time, longer license suspensions and mandatory alcohol treatment or education programs. Prior DUI convictions can also increase the severity of the penalties. Our attorneys carefully review BAC evidence, testing procedures and the circumstances of the stop and arrest to identify possible defenses.
Understanding which tier applies is one of the first steps in evaluating the risks and building a strong defense strategy.
Implied Consent Law And Breathalyzer Or Blood Test Refusal
Pennsylvania’s implied consent law means that by driving in the state, you are deemed to have consented to chemical testing if lawfully arrested for suspected DUI.
Refusing a breathalyzer or blood test can trigger automatic civil penalties, even separate from the criminal DUI charge. For a first refusal, this often includes a 12-month driver’s license suspension, and repeat refusals can lead to even longer suspension periods.
Because these penalties can arise independently of the court case, it is important to understand that refusal can complicate both your criminal defense and your driving privileges.
Will You Lose Your Driver’s License After A DUI Arrest In Pennsylvania?
License suspension is one of the most immediate concerns after a DUI arrest. In Pennsylvania, this issue often involves both the criminal case and a separate PennDOT civil suspension process.
This means your license may be suspended even while the DUI charge is still pending in court. The duration of any suspension depends on factors such as your BAC tier, prior DUI history and whether you refused chemical testing.
Our attorneys help clients understand this distinction early so they can make informed decisions about their defense and their ability to continue driving. Acting quickly after an arrest can be critical to protecting both your license and your defense options moving forward.
We Are On Your Side
To schedule a free consultation with one of our criminal defense attorneys, please call Rowe Law Offices, P.C., at 610-816-0935 or 866-232-1913. You can also reach us via email.
