2nd Time DUI Lawyer in West Chester, PA

A 2nd Time DUI in West Chester can result in severe penalties. However, a DUI arrest is not a guilty verdict. You need to prepare to present a solid defense to avoid being convicted of driving under the influence (DUI).

The West Chester DUI attorney of DiCindio Law LLC is a former Chester County prosecutor. Since 2014, he has worked within the judicial system in Pennsylvania. His experience and knowledge of DUI laws allow him to develop winning DUI defense strategies. 

If you face DUI in Pennsylvania, contact our law office or call (610) 430-3535 to schedule a free consultation with our drunk driving defense lawyers in West Chester, PA.

How Our Criminal Defense Lawyers Can Help After a 2nd Time DUI Arrest in West Chester, PA

How Our Criminal Defense Lawyers Can Help After a 2nd Time DUI Arrest in West Chester, PA

You face harsher penalties for a second DUI conviction. The only way to avoid the penalties and a criminal record is to fight DUI charges. Our West Chester DUI defense attorneys give each case the attention and time necessary to determine the best way to help you achieve a positive outcome for your criminal case. 

When you hire DiCindio Law LLC to handle your DUI defense, you can expect us to:

  • Explain your civil rights and options for dealing with a 2nd-time DUI in Pennsylvania 
  • Investigate the circumstances of your DUI arrest to determine if police officers violated your civil rights
  • Review the evidence the state has proving you were driving under the influence, including the results of chemical tests
  • Aggressively fight to have the DUI charge dismissed or reduced
  • Discuss the terms of proposed DUI plea deals to help you decide whether you want to proceed to trial or accept the plea bargain

Our legal team works to get you the best possible result for your case. We take steps to protect your legal rights and best interests. If the evidence against you supports a DUI conviction, we aggressively advocate on your behalf to avoid the harshest penalties for 2nd time DUI in West Chester, Pennsylvania.

Call us today to discuss your DUI charges. Your consultation with a West Chester criminal defense attorney is free. 

DUI Charges in Pennsylvania for 2nd Time DUI

Pennsylvania has three DUI offenses that police officers use to charge drunk drivers with a crime. The offenses are found in 38 Pa. CS §3802:

  • General Impairment of DUI is used when the driver has consumed alcoholic beverages that are sufficient to impair their ability to drive, OR a chemical test reveals a blood alcohol content (BAC) level between .08% and .099%
  • High rate of alcohol DUI is used when the driver has a BAC level between .10% and .159%
  • Highest rate of alcohol is used when the driver has a BAC level of .16% or higher

Challenging the results of chemical tests is a common DUI defense in Pennsylvania because the penalties for driving under the influence are directly related to your BAC level. In addition, medical conditions, police misconduct, procedural errors, and defective/malfunctioning machines can cause inaccurate results for breath and blood tests.

What Are the Penalties for a 2nd Time DUI Conviction in West Chester?

You could face harsher penalties if you are convicted of a second DUI charge. The following penalties assume no aggravating factors related to your DUI charges.

The Penalties for a Second Offense General Impairment DUI Conviction:

  • A fine of $300 to $2,500
  • Jail sentence of five days to six months
  • 12-month mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device
  • 12-month license suspension
  • Attendance at Alcohol Highway Safety School
  • Mandatory drug and alcohol assessment program and compliance with the recommended alcohol treatment plan

The judge may impose the high end of the fines and incarceration if factors justify an award of the harshest penalties.

The Penalties for a Second-Offense High BAC Level DUI Conviction:

  • A fine of $750 to $5,000
  • Mandatory jail sentence of 30 days with a maximum of six months in jail
  • 12-month mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device
  • 12-month driver’s license suspension
  • Attendance at Alcohol Highway Safety School
  • Mandatory drug and alcohol assessment program and compliance with the recommended alcohol treatment plan

The penalties for a conviction of high BAC DUI for the second time increase fines and jail time. The other penalties are the same.

The Penalties for a Second Offense Highest BAC Level DUI Conviction:

  • Charged as a first-degree misdemeanor
  • A fine of $1,500 to $5,000
  • Minimum 90 days incarceration with a maximum of six months
  • 12-month mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device
  • 18-month license suspension
  • Attendance at Alcohol Highway Safety School
  • Mandatory drug and alcohol assessment program and compliance with the recommended alcohol treatment plan

In addition to increasing the fines and jail time for a 2nd time, highest BAC level DUI conviction, the driver’s license suspension increases to 18 months from 12 months. 

If the driver is under 21 years of age, the penalties are enhanced for a DUI conviction under Pennsylvania’s Zero Tolerance Law. Also, commercial drivers and drivers with aggravating factors face more severe penalties for driving under the influence.

Contact Us to Schedule a Free Consultation with a West Chester 2nd Time DUI Lawyer 

The sooner we begin working on your case, the better your defense. Please reach out to our office today by phone or online to speak with a member of our legal team. Schedule your free consultation with an experienced West Chester 2nd time DUI attorney today.