If you drive a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration level at or above 0.08%, you could face charges for DUI. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, a DUI conviction can result in fines, ordered treatment, license suspension and even jail time.
There are also three levels of DUI in Pennsylvania: General Impairment, High BAC and Highest BAC. The higher the level, the more severe the resulting consequences.
1. General Impairment
You could face charges for General Impairment if you drive with a BAC level of 0.08% to 0.099%. This charge is an ungraded misdemeanor unless you have two or more DUI convictions on your record. Consequences range from six months of probation to up to 10 years in prison along with fines, ordered treatment and the requirement to use an ignition interlock.
2. High BAC
A High BAC involves situations where your BAC level ranges from 0.10% to 0.159%. If you have two or more convictions that fall under the High BAC category, you face consequences for a first-degree misdemeanor. Like with General Impairment, you face license suspension but with fines of up to $10,000 and prison time.
3. Highest BAC
You could face a conviction under the Highest BAC category if your BAC level reaches 0.16% or higher. For a first offense, this charge is an ungraded misdemeanor with the requirement to pay a fine of up to $5,000 and spend up to 6 months in prison. For two or more prior DUI offenses, this is a first-degree misdemeanor with a fine of up to $10,000 and one to five years of prison time.