Patrick K. Nightingale

Also complex in Pennsylvania DUI law is the complicated penalty scheme and fines based on the driver's blood alcohol content (BAC). The legal limit for individual alcohol content in Pennsylvania is.08%. Usually, if one is above this limit, they fail the alcohol test. Moreover, the fine the persons are charged depends on whether the test or the blood test. If the individual is at a "-08 to.099% BAC, they will be charged $300. For those with blood alcohol of -.10 to.159% the charges will be $300 to $500. If the person's blood alcohol content is above.16%, then they may face a maximum penalty for refusal to submit to a blood test or a DUI with instances of controlled substances. In conclusion, an individual under arrest due to impaired driving, or being arrested with a DUI in Pennsylvania is the start of a lengthy, arduous criminal justice journey. Usually, one may be subject to fines of $1000, $5000, $10,000, or even more in addition to the fines. Penalties may also increase due to the driver's blood alcohol content and impairment due to controlled substances. Further, the arrested individual may subject to driver's license suspension and other heavy penalties, including, but not limited to, mandatory alcohol education programs, license revocation, and jail.