Full question:
I had two DUIs in the past. I was 17 and 19 years of age. I am now 27 and was charged with a 3rd DUI. It's been over seven years since my last DUI and I fall under the old clause. What's going to happen? Will this be like my first DUI? Can they bring up the one from when I was 17? What kind of fines/jail time am I looking at?
- Category: Criminal
- Date:
- State: Pennsylvania
Answer:
If you are charged with a third DUI in Pennsylvania, the penalties can be severe. Since you have two prior offenses, your current charge will be treated as a third offense, not a first. The law states that any DUI convictions within ten years count as prior offenses (75 Pa.C.S.A. § 3806). Therefore, your previous DUIs, including the one from when you were 17, can be considered.
The penalties for a third DUI offense include:
- Imprisonment for a minimum of ten days, which could be longer depending on the circumstances.
- Fines ranging from five hundred to five thousand dollars.
- Mandatory attendance at an alcohol highway safety school.
- Compliance with drug and alcohol treatment requirements.
In addition, your driving privileges will likely be suspended. It's crucial to consult with a legal professional who can provide guidance specific to your situation.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.