Many Pennsylvanians arrested for DUI are confused when they see that they are charged with two DUI offenses at the same time. Unfortunately, however, Pennsylvania law allows drivers to be charged with two counts of DUI simultaneously, and the different DUI charges are independent of each other. In fact, in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, people are almost always charged with multiple DUI charges. There are several ways in which a DUI can be charged.
Commonwealth will charge the Respondent with everything it can at the beginning of the case rather than trying to add it later. Even if someone is not initially charged with multiple DUIs, the district attorney's office will almost certainly add these additional DUI charges later in the process. For example, if you are charged with an alcohol-based crime, it's not uncommon to be charged with all alcohol-related DUIs. Kellis must calm his concerns by thoroughly preparing his case and taking an aggressive stance to defend his rights against pending DUI charges.
If you have been convicted of two previous DUIs in the past 10 years, the next offense could become your third conviction. The Commonwealth will always ask the Court to impose a sentence for the DUI offense that incurs the harshest punishment. DUI penalties are categorized and dictated based on the driver's blood alcohol content (BAC) and previous crime history. Under Pennsylvania's three-tier system for DUI offenses and penalties, the first level is General Impairment, within which the sub-offenses (charges) of Unable to Operate Safely and Per Se BAC of.
Because of this, you need the help of an experienced defense attorney in DUI cases, especially if you have a previous DUI conviction on your file. The consequences of a second DUI conviction that may result from a plea agreement or being convicted after a trial differ depending on the facts of the case. The ARD program provides automatic expungement of a DUI after the defendant successfully completes the program. No matter the reason for your arrest, you have the right to hire an experienced DUI lawyer in Pennsylvania to defend your rights.
That would mean all three levels, as well as a DUI charge unable to drive safely, totaling four counts. The specific components of the new law and changes to the old law affecting DUI drivers are described below.
