purchase, george & murphey.
purchase, george & murphey.
Everyone makes mistakes in life. Unfortunately, some mistakes are punished more severely than others. A DUI violation in Pennsylvania is the kind of mistake that can haunt you for a very long time. Perhaps you were out with friends and had one drink too many without realizing it. Or perhaps you were coming home from happy hour after work. Regardless of the circumstances, Pennsylvania imposes harsh penalties on drunk driving offenders – even first-time offenders. The reality is that a person convicted of driving while under the influence of alcohol can face the loss of their driver’s license, heavy fines, and even jail time. That’s why it is imperative that you talk to a skilled PA DUI defense attorney as soon as possible.
If this was your first DUI offense, you may not be familiar with how the Pennsylvania criminal justice system works. Purchase, George & Murphey, P.C. can help you navigate the legal system and avoid the most severe penalties for a DUI conviction. Our experienced DUI defense lawyers are prepared to represent clients in Erie County, including Erie, Millcreek, Harborcreek, and Fairview, Pennsylvania. Contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation about your first offense DUI case.
This form is fully confidential. We will safeguard your privacy and reputation. We will contact you within 24 hours. If you need immediate assistance, please call our office: 814.402.8826
The Ultimate Guide for Anyone Charged with DUI in Pennsylvania. Learn what happens next and how you can protect your family, your job, and your freedom.
Here is what you’ll learn about how to choose a DUI lawyer in Erie, Meadville, or Warren, Pennsylvania before you waste time calling anyone or missing work to drive across town for a “free consultation.”
The legal limit for blood alcohol content (BAC) in Pennsylvania is .08 percent. This is a very low threshold, which means that even a few drinks could put you over the legal limit. Additionally, keep in mind that you can actually be charged with a DUI in PA even if your BAC is below .08 percent. Pennsylvania law enforcement has discretion to arrest anyone who they believe is too impaired to safely operate a motor vehicle. On the other end of the spectrum, anyone caught driving with an extremely high BAC – above .10 percent – will face enhanced penalties.
The good news is that first-time DUI offenders are usually able to avoid the most severe penalties. Those penalties vary, based on the motorist’s BAC:
Most first-time offenders who are charged with General Impairment wind up being sentenced to six (6) months of probation, fined $300, ordered to perform 150 hours of community service, and required to attend Alcohol Highway Safety School. However, a first offense DUI involving a High BAC carries much harsher penalties that include up to six (6) months in jail, driver’s license suspension for one year, and between $500 and $5,000 in fines.
Additionally, keep in mind that a first offense DUI conviction will stay on your permanent record – and it is a criminal charge, which means you will have a criminal record. Beyond that, if you commit a second DUI offense anytime within 10 years of your first DUI offense, you will be subject to enhanced penalties that include up to five (5) years in prison.
Many PA DUI cases are fact-specific and turn on a single circumstance of the police traffic stop or arrest. If you’ve been charged with a first offense DUI, second offense DUI, or Breath Test Refusal in Pennsylvania, you need an experienced Erie DUI lawyer from Purchase, George & Murphey, P.C. on your side and challenging the evidence. Call us directly to speak with a member of our legal team about your case, or fill out the convenient online contact form to arrange a visit to one of our offices in Erie, Meadville, or North East, PA.
★★★★★
"Professional, honest, hard-working and made the entire process a lot less stressful."
Gregory F., July 2021 / Former Client
★★★★★
"We really appreciate Tim taking the time to consult with us. He was very professional and had great advice. We really appreciate it."
Leonid K., May 2021 / Former Client
Although we take great pride in our excellent case results, our greatest satisfaction comes from the kind words shared by our clients. Read what others say about us here.
