Butler DUI Lawyer

Criminal charges can have severe implications for your life moving forward. When you have received a drunk driving citation, a Butler DUI lawyer could help you navigate the criminal justice process and advocate for a fair outcome.

The seasoned criminal defense attorneys at Benjamin Levine Law have experience on both sides of the criminal justice system and could provide you with expert representation. Call today to schedule an initial consultation.

Understanding State Legal Limits

Under the Pennsylvania Statutes, Section 3802, a driver is generally impaired with a BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) between 0.08 and 0.10. A driver is impaired with a high rate of alcohol if their BAC is between 0.10 and 0.16; and the highest rate of alcohol if their BAC is over 0.16. The potential penalties for a DUI are different depending on the tier and the number of prior convictions.

The issue with this is that alcohol does not affect everybody in the same way, and one person can have a different BAC from another person. Body weight, age, gender, and other variables could result in a lower BAC for one person compared to someone else, even if they have the same number and type of drinks.

While BAC is the determining factor for a DUI, there are still limitations and challenges to its usage. An experienced attorney could help those accused of driving under the influence in Butler fight back against their charges.

Potential Consequences of a DUI Conviction

Pennsylvania’s DUI laws impose strict penalties that vary based on blood alcohol content (BAC), prior offenses, and other criminal history. Even a first-time DUI can carry serious legal and financial consequences, and penalties increase substantially for repeat offenders.

First-Time DUI Offenses

The penalties for a first DUI conviction depend on the driver’s BAC level:

  • General Impairment (BAC: .08% – .099%)
    • 6 months of probation
    • $300 fine
    • Mandatory alcohol highway safety school
  • High BAC (BAC: .10% – .159%)
    • Mandatory 2 days to 6 months in jail
    • Fine up to $5,000
    • Mandatory 12-month license suspension
  • Highest BAC (BAC: .16% and above or controlled substances present)
    • Mandatory 3 days to 6 months in jail
    • Fine up to $5,000
    • Mandatory 12-month license suspension

Penalties for Repeat DUI Offenses

For individuals with prior DUI convictions, the penalties escalate significantly:

  • Second DUI Offense
    • High BAC: Ungraded misdemeanor, mandatory 30 days to 6 months in jail, fines up to $10,000, and a 12-month license suspension
    • Highest BAC: First-degree misdemeanor, mandatory 90 days to 5 years in jail, and a 18-month license suspension
  • Third DUI Offense
    • High BAC: First-degree misdemeanor, mandatory 90 days to 5 years in jail, and 18-month license suspension
    • Highest BAC: Third-degree felony, 1 to 7 years in prison, and 18-month license suspension

If aggravating factors exist—such as causing injury, driving with a minor in the vehicle, or refusing a chemical test—the offense may be charged as a felony, increasing the risk of longer prison sentences and higher fines.

Why You Need an Experienced DUI Attorney

The complexity of Pennsylvania’s DUI laws and the severity of the penalties make it critical to have a skilled Butler County DUI defense attorney on your side. An attorney can:

  • Challenge the legality of the traffic stop and breathalyzer results
  • Negotiate for reduced charges or alternative sentencing options
  • Fight for the best possible outcome based on the details of your case

If you’ve been charged with a DUI in Butler County, don’t navigate the legal system alone. Contact Benjamin Levine Law today for a consultation and aggressive defense.

When a DUI is for Other Substances

A DUI is commonly associated with alcohol consumption, but it is important to be aware that it also applies to any substance that affects the ability to drive, such as psychedelic drugs. Some legal drugs could have adverse effects if mixed with alcohol and have the same effect as several drinks.

Unlike alcohol, drug testing for DUI is more complex which can mean there is room to build a strong defense. A seasoned DUI lawyer could help challenge these accusations in Butler.

Contact a DUI Attorney in Butler for Representation

Even a first-time DUI charge could result in life-long consequences. If you have been pulled over for driving under the influence, a Butler DUI lawyer could provide thorough representation in court.

Talk to the well-versed attorneys at Benjamin Levine Law about your case to understand your rights and start building a solid defense.