DUI Law in PA
On Sunday, February 2, the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers will square off in Miami for a very super football game. As you argue with your friends over pizza toppings and seating arrangements (why does Mike always get the good chair?), take a moment to refresh your knowledge of DUI law in PA.
Beware of DUI checkpoints
That first Sunday in February is one of the biggest drinking days of the year. According to statistics, drunk driving incidents increase by approximately 22% on game day. In fact, more alcohol-related accidents and DUI-related injuries occur on the day of this major football event than on any other day of the year, aside from New Year’s Eve. With increased drivers on the road, police forces throughout the Commonwealth have been trained to crack down on potential drunk drivers during and after the game, even setting up sobriety checkpoints in pre-approved locations.
BAC levels and DUI determinations
In Pennsylvania, one is prohibited from driving, operating, or having actual physical control of a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any controlled substance, 75 Pa. C.S.A. S. 3802. Though the definition may seem straightforward on its face, the intricacies involved in DUI law in PA create important distinctions. Initially, a driver is considered “under the influence” of drugs or alcohol if they are rendered incapable of safe driving. For alcohol-related offenses, this can be determined through one’s blood-alcohol content (BAC) level and considered a “per se” DUI if one’s BAC exceeds a certain threshold. This bypasses the need to show any actual impairment or outward signs of intoxication obtained through field sobriety tests.
Alcohol-related offenses are further divided into separate tiers for persons over 21 if one’s BAC is:
(1) at least .08%, but less than .10%,
(2) at least .10% but less than .16%[1], or
(3) higher than .16%.
Logically, the penalties associated with each tier increases as one’s BAC increases, as do the penalties for multiple DUI offenses. Factors such as the use of a commercial vehicle, property damage, or injury/death also play a role in assessing consequences such as fines, license suspension, and jail time.
Refusing a BAC Test
Additionally, those who refuse take a BAC test, blood test, or chemical test can automatically face a minimum 12-month license suspension, and the prosecution will nonetheless have the opportunity to prove its case by demonstrating other outward factors suggestive of drunk driving with the already provided presumption of intoxication. In such cases, the Defendant will thereafter be subject to the highest BAC category penalties if they are unable to overcome this presumption.
Drug-related DUIs
As to drug-related DUIs, while driving with any amount of an illegal substance is clearly forbidden, it is of note that an individual under the influence of any drug or combination of drugs which impairs the individual’s ability to safely drive, operate or be in actual physical control of the movement of the vehicle can be subject to a DUI charge. Simply put, even an individual using legally prescribed drugs can be held liable if it is held that the Defendant was unable to drive safely.
How to avoid a DUI
If you do choose to go out, and more so, if you choose to go out and drink, we implore that you first plan to arrange a safe way home. While our criminal defense team at Gross McGinley takes pride in knowing DUI law in PA providing defense strategies and thorough representation for our clients, we would much rather see you turn your buddy’s house into a one-night hotel, Also consider grabbing an Uber home if you opt to drink during this Sunday’s game. What’s a $20 Uber ride compared to potential fines, court dates, missed work, drug/alcohol assessments, and license suspensions? It’s simply a risk not worth taking.
Personally, I try to avoid game day parties altogether. I’d rather sit alone in my basement than be badgered all night by some guy I barely know to rate his buffalo chicken dip and guess the secret ingredient that he really wants to share, but I don’t care enough to inquire further. It tastes fine, James, now please leave me alone forever.
Besides, some people want to listen to the game’s analysis, while others are solely interested in the commercials and halftime show. This typically results in a back and forth shushing match throughout. And just when we finally achieve perfect silence to watch the anticipated Bud Light ad in unison, James shouts out that his secret ingredient is honey and we all lose our minds. Who brought this guy?
Gross McGinley collectively wishes the public a super football celebration. And be careful with that buffalo chicken dip. It’s a 6/10 at best.
[1] Persons under 21-years old also automatically fall into this category-at minimum-if they have a BAC of at least .02.
Attorney Robert Campbell is a member of the firm’s Medical Malpractice Defense Group, as well as Criminal Defense team. A PR professional and up-and-coming litigator, Bob is skilled at crafting words and thoughts into well-structured narratives, backed up with citations and evidence. He helps communicate his clients’ stories in a compelling manner.
