Driving at the state of drunkenness is a criminal offence. By driving under the effect of intoxicating substances, you not only put yourself but also the lives of others under jeopardy. Pennsylvania is a state with strict laws when it comes to driving. One of the strict laws is the mandatory purchase of car insurance Philadelphia. As for the laws, offences like Driving under the Influence (DUI) and Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) are dealt with iron hands. The legal Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) in Pennsylvania is 0.08%. Philadelphia, being situated in this state, enforces the DUI and DWI laws of Pennsylvania. There are three phases off DUI offence. They are listed as follows.
• General Impairment Penalties (0.08%-0.099% BAC) – In this case, charges include ungraded or second degree misdemeanour, a few days to 2 years of prison time, a fine ranging from $300 to $5,000, one year ignition lock, alcohol highway safety school, and if required, treatment. You may face some or all of these penalties. Your prior DUI record is taken into account. Obviously, first time offenders get a lighter sentence.
• High BAC Penalties (0.10% to 0.159% BAC) – The punishments in this case includes ungraded to first degree misdemeanour, twelve to eighteen months of license suspension, 48 hours to 5 years in jail, $500 to $10,000 fine, alcohol highway safety school, a year of ignition lock, and treatment upon order. You may face some or all of these penalties depending on your BAC level and previous DUI records.
• Highest BAC Penalties (BAC of 0.16% and above) or Controlled Substances) – If you are charged with this offence, then you are heavily penalized. The penalties include ungraded to first degree misdemeanour, 72 hours to 5 years in prison, a hefty fine varying from $1,000 to $10,000, 1 year ignition lock, alcohol highway safety school, and treatment if needed. Based on your previous records, you face some or all of these sentences.
You must note that seriously injuring another party automatically worsens your charge. Failure to cooperate with the arresting officer(s), misbehavior and refusal of breath, urine and blood tests to measure your Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) will add to your problems. You always have the option of not answering and not taking the Field Sobriety Test before speaking to your attorney but you need to convey that politely. If not, you may end up with a suspended license or even be dragged to jail.
DUI and DWI convictions will definitely affect your driver’s record. As a result, you will have to pay more for your auto insurance in Philadelphia. For offenders, the premium rates can increase to a hefty amount or worse, your Philadelphia auto insurance company may refuse to insure you. The increment in the rates of auto insurance in Philadelphia depends on the degree of your offence and the number of times you have been convicted for the same reason.
Driving while drunk does not go hand in hand. If you have drunk too much, it is better to choose not to drive. Ask someone who is sober to give you a ride instead. Lead your life responsibly and safely.
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