Driving under the influence (DUI) in Philadelphia is like playing with fire.

Convictions for driving under the influence charges can carry harsh penalties; however, as harsh as the punishments are, it seems as though many people are continuing to commit the same unintelligent and careless act. Because drunk driving can be fatal to the driver, passengers, and even uninvolved third parties near the scene, police forces in jurisdictions nationwide strive to catch offenders.

In the City of Philadelphia, DUI cases are unfortunately common. Depending upon a person’s BAC level, the punishment for a DUI conviction will differ. Another factor that goes into deciding the appropriate penalty for driving under the influence is how many offenses the person already has. For example, the first offense will be much less harsh than the second or third. It is important to remember, though, that the State of Pennsylvania provides strict laws and penalties when it comes to DUI arrests, and the City of Philadelphia is no different.

The first offense for a convicted drunk driver may include being charged with probation or up to 72 hours in jail, depending on the persons BAC level. Second or more offenses can result with five days to over a year in prison, along with thousands of dollars in fines, again depending upon how much alcohol was in the driver’s system. Many first time DUI offenders are eligible for an ARD program, but not always. It is important to note that these are not the only charges for which a person with a DUI must be prepared. The penalties, including fines and possible jail time, will become even harsher if the driver has caused an accident resulting in injury or death.

Drunk driving is a serious crime that comes with serious criminal charges. Many qualified DUI lawyers in Philadelphia are able to represent those facing DUI penalties. It is important to have an understanding of what will be involved when it comes to your arrest and how to be prepared to defend yourself.