Driving under the influence: Driving under the influence (DUI) Driving while intoxicated (DWI) and operating a motor vehicle under the influence (OUI). These are the common terms used to describe operating a motorized vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In Pennsylvania, driving while intoxicated is considered a misdemeanor and is subject to the state’s laws regarding driving while drunk.

DWI/DUI diversion rehabs in Pennsylvania are very familiar with the court-mandated treatment requirements that the courts have imposed for their court-ordered alcohol rehab centers. Some court-ordered DUI deferment programs will include alcohol evaluations and at the very least, alcohol and drug classes for first-time offenders. This can cost anywhere from $1000-2500 dollars with the fines, not including lawyer fees and bail.

If this is your second offense, getting involved in a treatment program for alcohol abuse will not only help your ongoing DWI-DUI case but benefit you as well. You should always enter into an alcohol treatment program knowing that there is a need for a change before something worse happens. Driving and Drinking can cost you your life or even worse someone else life. Treatment programs in Pennsylvania for criminal justice clients will work with the court system to handle all the requirements for treatment to be considered time served. Once all the financial consequences are paid by the defendant and community service is completed if any, Pennsylvania district courts may terminate the probation period. Driving under the influence can damage many people’s lives other than yourself. Getting treatment for your alcohol dependency can help you understand that the risks of drinking and driving heavily outweigh the rewards. Sometimes, all it takes is to talk to someone who has had the burden of having someone die due to their alcohol consumption and driving under the influence. Our counselors are ready to take your call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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DUI First-Offender and Diversion Programs

 For the first offense DUI, the mandatory minimum sentence is as follows: General Impairment: 1) Probation not to exceed six months; 2) $300 fine; 3) DUI classes; 4) drug and alcohol treatment, if ordered by the court. There is no mandatory jail time or loss of driver’s license for a first offense, or general impairment DUI.

The laws for DWI offenses are different in each state, and they allow for deferment programs in lieu of jail time. Some states, depending on the circumstances, will mandate treatment and community service. Some of these mandates can be handled while in treatment for alcohol abuse. Pennsylvania has a deferment program for first-time DWI offenders as long as there are no injuries, accidents, or drugs involved. If you have been arrested for your second DWI/DUI in Pennsylvania, it is highly recommended that you give us a call to find out your options for a deferment program instead of jail time. This will help with the possible consequences that the courts may impose on you. Drinking and driving can have serious outcomes including vehicular homicide, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and other very serious charges. When a minor is involved, there are more serious outcomes that the courts in Pennsylvania can impose on the offender. If there has been an accident or death due to drinking and driving there will be significant jail time imposed as well as the knowledge that your indulgence cost someone their life.

Drinking and driving penalties in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has a progressive Blood alcohol level law and subsequent penalties for higher BAC levels at the time of the drinking and driving infraction. The penalties for drinking and driving in Pennsylvania will include the mandatory minimums and the maximum sentencing for elevated BAC levels at the time of the infraction.

License suspension periods are progressive according to BAC levels and the time between convictions. A low BAC or .08 usually results in no suspension period of driving privileges. For those with a higher BAC level than .10, it can result in 12-18 months of license revocation. Habitual offenders will be suspended for 5 years with an added 2 years for consecutive DUI convictions.

First Offense: First-time DUI offenders in Pennsylvania can be sentenced to 6-month probation, $300 court fines, and be court-ordered to attend an alcohol driver’s safety course and or treatment for substance abuse. The Presiding Judge has the option to impose up to 150 hours of community service. BAC of .10 or higher will result in stiffer penalties jail terms for first-time offenders can be as long as 72 hours, fines up to $5,000, and 150 hours of community service.

Second Offense: 2nd DUI conviction in Pennsylvania and the courts have the option to use one or more of the penalties at their disposal. BAC between .08 and .10 and you will be sentenced to a mandatory 5 days in jail, fines ranging in cost from $300 up to $2,500, Treatment for substance abuse may be court-ordered along with alcohol driving safety awareness school. Community service is usually part of the sentence for up to 150 hours.
Bac levels above .10 will result in harsher penalties of up to 90 days in county jail and minimum court fines of no less than $1500-$5,000.

Third Offense: 3rd drinking and driving conviction will result in fines ranging from $500 up to $10,000. Treatment for alcohol dependency may be court-ordered, 10-90 day minimum stay in jail, and up to 150 hours of community service. the presiding judge may order comprehensive treatment for extended periods, and long-term alcohol treatment programs in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania has specific drinking and driving laws and penalties for people who have been convicted of a DUI/DWI. There are minimum and maximum fines and penalties that are at the discretion of the judge and prosecuting attorney depending on many different factors and circumstances surrounding the case.

Find Deferred Prosecution Rehabs Near Me

Please contact us by phone for immediate assistance. This is a necessary step in beginning the recovery process for yourself or for a loved one. Our addiction treatment specialists and staff have over 25 years of experience in helping people find effective and affordable treatment for all addictions. What you tell us is completely confidential. We are HIPAA compliant. We are here to answer your questions and to get you (or a loved one) into treatment today. For immediate intake, call us now.

1-800-513-5423

We can help you locate treatment for addiction in your area or anywhere in the country. To locate AA meetings, group meetings, 12-step programs, inpatient treatment, or outpatient services in your town give us a call. There are many options for drug rehab services in many cities in Pennsylvania.

Altoona, PA Alcoholism Rehabs
Erie, Pennsylvania Alcohol Addiction Treatment
Hampden, PA Drug & Alcohol Rehabilitation
Haverford, Pennsylvania Substance Abuse Treatment
Langhorne, PA 30/90-Day Treatment Centers
Laurel Run Pennsylvania Inpatient Alcohol Rehab Programs
Penn Hills, PA Treatment Centers for Addiction
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Detox Centers, and Rehab Facilities
Reading, PA Treatment Programs for Addiction 
Scranton, PA Rehab Centers 

Treatment for alcoholism in place of jail time in Pennsylvania is a very common outcome for those seeking help to end their addictions. If you have an open DWI case in Pennsylvania, call us and we can help you locate a deferment program in your county that works with DUI and DWI offenders. We can help you find the best rehab center for alcohol misuse today. Addiction No More ® is an Addiction Treatment Center locator service. For immediate service, please call one of our counselors 24/7.



Sources
Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition
DUI Court
.08 DUI Legislation

Erik Epp – Content Author