DUI Arrests Over Labor Day Weekend

Labor Day is considered the unofficial end of the summer season. Many people mark the holiday weekend by going to the beach, barbecues, picnics, pool parties, or other events. A lot of people’s Labor Day weekend plans may also include consuming alcohol. Unfortunately, some people make the poor choice to get behind the wheel after having consumed too much alcohol. 

Law enforcement agencies often step up enforcement over the Labor Day holiday to help combat the prevalence of drunk drivers. If you are arrested for DUI this Labor Day weekend, you should understand your legal rights and options, as even a first-time DUI conviction can have serious impacts on your future. 

DUI Enforcement Efforts During Labor Day Weekend

Local law enforcement agencies will often undertake enhanced enforcement of DUI offenses over the Labor Day weekend. This includes having more officers patrolling to look out for drivers exhibiting behaviors consistent with drunk driving, such as swerving or the inability to keep pace with traffic. Police departments may also set up DUI checkpoints leading out of popular beach or bar areas to catch drivers who may be intoxicated. 

Penalties for a DUI Conviction

In Pennsylvania, the penalties imposed for a DUI conviction depend on the level of your blood alcohol content and whether you have prior convictions.

Under the general impairment statute (undetermined BAC or a BAC of .08 to .099 percent), penalties include:

• No prior DUIs: Up to six months’ probation, a $300 fine, requirement to attend alcohol highway safety school and to attend alcohol abuse treatment when ordered
• One prior DUI: 12-month license suspension and ignition interlock requirement, five days to six months jail time, a $300 to $2,500 fine, and requirement to attend alcohol highway safety school and to attend alcohol abuse treatment when ordered
• Two or more prior DUIs: 12-month license suspension and ignition interlock requirement, imprisonment of 10 days to two years, a $500 to $5,000 fine, and requirement to attend alcohol highway safety school and to attend alcohol abuse treatment when ordered

For high BAC (.10 to .159 percent), penalties include:

• No prior DUI offenses: 12-month license suspension, two days to six months jail time, a $500 to $5,000 fine, and requirement to attend alcohol highway safety school and to attend alcohol abuse treatment when ordered
• One prior DUI offense: 12-month license suspension and ignition interlock requirement, 30 days to six months jail time, a $750 to $5,000 fine, and requirement to attend alcohol highway safety school and to attend alcohol abuse treatment when ordered
• Two or more prior DUI offenses:18-month license suspension, one-year ignition interlock requirement, 90 days to five years’ incarceration, a $1,500 to $10,000 fine, and requirement to attend alcohol highway safety school and to attend alcohol abuse treatment when ordered

For highest BAC (.16 percent and higher) or intoxication by controlled substances, penalties include:

• No prior DUI offenses: 12-month license suspension, three days to six months jail time, a $1,000 to $5,000 fine, and requirement to attend alcohol highway safety school and to attend alcohol abuse treatment when ordered
• One prior DUI offense: 18-month license suspension, one-year ignition interlock requirement, 90 days to five years of incarceration, a $1,500 to $10,000 fine, and requirement to attend alcohol highway safety school and to attend alcohol abuse treatment when ordered
• Two or more prior DUI offenses: 18-month license suspension, one-year ignition interlock requirement, one to five years’ imprisonment, a $2,500 to $10,000 fine, and requirement to attend alcohol highway safety school and to attend alcohol abuse treatment when ordered

What to Do If You Have Been Stopped or Arrested for DUI?

If you are stopped or arrested for DUI, you should remember your rights and obligations under the law, including:

• Exercise your right to remain silent. If the officer asks you where you have been or if you have had anything to drink, you can respectfully decline to answer the question. You are not likely to talk your way out of a stop, and anything you say will only end up being used to arrest and prosecute you.
• You also have the right to refuse to submit to field sobriety tests or a handheld breathalyzer. Pennsylvania’s implied consent law only requires you to submit to a tabletop breathalyzer test at the police station once you have been placed under arrest for DUI.
• If you are placed under arrest, ask to speak to a lawyer as soon as possible.

Contact an Experienced Erie DWI Defense Attorney About Your Drunk Driving Charges in Pennsylvania

Have you been charged with a DWI or DUI offense in Pennsylvania? A drunk driving conviction could leave you with a permanent record, and it could result in your driver’s license being suspended for a very long time. That is why it is imperative that you speak with a qualified DWI defense lawyer about your case. The lawyers at Purchase, George & Murphey, P.C. represent clients charged with drunk driving, breath test refusal, and related offenses in Millcreek, Harbor Creek, Fairview, Meadville, and throughout Pennsylvania. Call (814) 833-7100 or fill out our confidential online form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office located at 2525 W. 26th St., Erie, P.A. 16506, in addition to offices located in Meadville and North East.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.