Cranberry Township DUI Lawyer

Being charged with a DUI offense can have severe implications for your future. You could face jail time, penalties, and social stigma. Based on the specifics of your case, a Cranberry Township DUI lawyer could help develop a solid defense.

Do not hesitate to contact an experienced and highly skilled criminal defense attorney with Benjamin Levine Law today. Our seasoned legal team could help decrease the severity of potential penalties or get your charges dropped altogether.

Defending Against DUI Charges

A DUI charge can have serious consequences, including fines, license suspension, jail time, and a lasting impact on your reputation. Even a first-time offense can carry significant penalties, while repeat offenses or aggravating factors—such as accidents or high blood alcohol content (BAC) levels—can lead to even harsher punishments.

At Benjamin Levine Law, we understand the stakes and are committed to protecting your rights. Our experienced Cranberry Township DUI defense attorneys will examine every detail of your case, from the traffic stop to the breathalyzer results, to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence. Whether it’s negotiating reduced penalties or fighting for a full dismissal, we will work tirelessly to secure the best possible outcome for you.

If you’re facing DUI charges, don’t wait—contact Benjamin Levine Law today to get the defense you deserve.

Understanding State DUI Laws

Driving under the influence (DUI) in Pennsylvania is a serious offense with penalties that vary based on Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) levels and prior offenses. The state categorizes DUI offenses into three tiers, each with specific BAC ranges and associated consequences.

DUI Tiers and BAC Levels:

  1. General Impairment: BAC of 0.08% to 0.099%
  2. High BAC:BAC of 0.10% to 0.159%
  3. Highest BAC:BAC of 0.16% and above

Penalties by Tier and Offense:

First Offense:

  • General Impairment:
    • Probation up to 6 months
    • Fine: $300
    • Mandatory attendance at Alcohol Highway Safety School
    • Possible treatment programs
  • High BAC:
    • License suspension: 12 months
    • Imprisonment: 48 hours to 6 months
    • Fine: $500 to $5,000
    • Mandatory Alcohol Highway Safety School
    • Possible treatment programs
  • Highest BAC:
    • License suspension: 12 months
    • Imprisonment: 72 hours to 6 months
    • Fine: $1,000 to $5,000
    • Mandatory Alcohol Highway Safety School
    • Possible treatment programs

Second Offense:

  • General Impairment:
    • License suspension: 12 months
    • Imprisonment: 5 days to 6 months
    • Fine: $300 to $2,500
    • Mandatory Alcohol Highway Safety School
    • One-year ignition interlock
    • Possible treatment programs
  • High BAC:
    • License suspension: 12 months
    • Imprisonment: 30 days to 6 months
    • Fine: $750 to $5,000
    • Mandatory Alcohol Highway Safety School
    • One-year ignition interlock
    • Possible treatment programs
  • Highest BAC:
    • License suspension: 18 months
    • Imprisonment: 90 days to 5 years
    • Fine: $1,500 to $10,000
    • Mandatory Alcohol Highway Safety School
    • One-year ignition interlock
    • Possible treatment programs

Third and Subsequent Offenses:

  • General Impairment:
    • License suspension: 12 months
    • Imprisonment: 10 days to 2 years
    • Fine: $500 to $5,000
    • One-year ignition interlock
    • Possible treatment programs
  • High BAC:
    • License suspension: 18 months
    • Imprisonment: 90 days to 5 years
    • Fine: $1,500 to $10,000
    • One-year ignition interlock
    • Possible treatment programs
  • Highest BAC:
    • License suspension: 18 months
    • Imprisonment: 1 to 5 years
    • Fine: $2,500 to $10,000
    • One-year ignition interlock
    • Possible treatment programs

License Suspension Details:

  • First Offense:
    • General Impairment: No suspension
    • High BAC: 12 months
    • Highest BAC: 12 months
  • Second Offense:
    • General Impairment: 12 months
    • High BAC: 12 months
    • Highest BAC: 18 months
  • Third and Subsequent Offenses:
    • General Impairment: 12 months
    • High BAC: 18 months
    • Highest BAC: 18 months

Should You Refuse a Breath Test?

If you are pulled over for suspected DUI in Pennsylvania, you may wonder whether refusing a breathalyzer test is a good idea. Under Pennsylvania’s Implied Consent Law, all drivers agree to submit to chemical testing (breath, blood, or urine) when suspected of DUI. Refusing a breath test can lead to immediate license suspension and other severe consequences—regardless of whether you were actually impaired.

Consequences of Refusing a Breath Test:

  • Automatic License Suspension – Refusing a breath test triggers a 12-month license suspension for a first offense and 18 months for subsequent refusals. This is separate from any DUI penalties.
  • Enhanced Penalties – Even if you avoid a DUI conviction, refusal can lead to fines, mandatory alcohol treatment, and an ignition interlock requirement.
  • Use Against You in Court – Prosecutors can argue that your refusal indicates guilt, which may be used as evidence in a DUI case.
  • Ignition Interlock Requirement – If convicted of DUI after refusing a test, you may be required to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle.

When Might Refusing Make Sense?

In some cases, refusing a test may limit the evidence against you, but it also comes with guaranteed penalties. If your BAC is likely very high, you may already face the most severe DUI consequences, meaning refusal might not make your situation worse. However, every case is different, and the right choice depends on the circumstances, so you should discuss this decision with a qualified attorney.

Bottom Line:

Refusing a breath test in Pennsylvania often leads to immediate and automatic penalties, regardless of the outcome of your DUI case. If you’re facing DUI or refusal-related charges, consult with an experienced DUI attorney to understand your options and protect your rights.

ARD for First-Time Offenders

Pennsylvania’s Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program offers first-time, non-violent offenders a chance to avoid a criminal conviction. Instead of jail time, participants complete probation, community service, and treatment programs as required by the court.

For DUI cases, ARD can reduce or eliminate a license suspension, and successful completion allows for expungement of the charges. However, eligibility depends on factors like prior offenses, case details, and compliance with program conditions.

If you qualify, ARD can provide a second chance by keeping your record clean. Consult a DUI attorney to determine if ARD is right for you.

Call a Cranberry Township DUI Attorney Today

There is a stigma associated with DUI offenses that can impact people well beyond the criminal law. It can result in you losing your job, adverse custody decisions, and more. With so much on the line, it is essential not to try to resolve these charges on your own.

A Cranberry Township DUI lawyer could help. Schedule a consultation with a hardworking and well-versed attorney from Benjamin Levine Law today to learn more.