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What Penalties Could I Face if Convicted of a DUI?

On Behalf of

Crouthamel Law Offices |

August 27, 2026

| Dui Defense

A DUI conviction in Pennsylvania can lead to probation or jail time, fines, and the loss of your driving privileges. You may also have to complete programs or treatment ordered by the court. The exact penalties depend on the DUI offense and whether you have prior DUI convictions. 

If you’re facing a DUI charge, not knowing which of those penalties could apply to you can make an already stressful situation harder. Crouthamel Law Offices handles DUI defense in Lehigh County, helping those facing charges understand what’s at stake. Here, we’ll explain how Pennsylvania determines DUI penalties and what those consequences can look like.

How Pennsylvania Determines DUI Penalties 

Pennsylvania divides alcohol-related DUIs into three main levels based on blood alcohol content (BAC): 

  • General impairment: 0.08% to 0.099% BAC
  • High BAC: 0.10% to 0.159% BAC
  • Highest BAC: 0.16% or higher

BAC isn’t the only thing that determines the penalty level. A general-impairment DUI involving a crash that causes injury, death, or property damage is subject to the high-BAC penalties. Highest-BAC penalties also apply to controlled-substance DUIs and to certain general-impairment cases involving a refusal to submit to chemical testing. 

Penalties for a DUI Conviction 

For a first offense, the penalties increase based on the DUI level:

  • General impairment: Up to six months of probation and a $300 fine. There’s no license suspension for a first offense in this category.
  • High BAC: 48 hours to six months in jail, a $500 to $5,000 fine, and a 12-month license suspension.
  • Highest BAC or controlled-substance DUI: 72 hours to six months in jail, a $1,000 to $5,000 fine, and a 12-month license suspension.

Prior DUI offenses bring higher penalties. For a second offense:

  • General impairment: Five days to six months in jail, a $300 to $2,500 fine, and a 12-month license suspension.
  • High BAC: 30 days to six months in jail, a $750 to $5,000 fine, and a 12-month license suspension.
  • Highest BAC or controlled-substance DUI: 90 days to five years in jail, a $1,500 to $10,000 fine, and an 18-month license suspension.

Depending on the offense, a DUI sentence can also require:

  • Alcohol Highway Safety School: A state-approved program covering substance use, DUI laws, and impaired-driving risks.
  • Drug and alcohol assessment and treatment: An evaluation determines whether treatment is needed and, if ordered, treatment becomes part of the sentence.
  • Ignition interlock: A device that requires a breath sample before you can start driving.
  • Community service: A judge can order up to 150 hours.
  • Victim impact panel: A court may require attendance at a program about the effects of impaired-driving crashes.

Pennsylvania has specific rules for determining what counts as a prior DUI offense, so a second DUI arrest isn’t necessarily treated as a second offense for sentencing.

Facing DUI Charges in Lehigh County?

Getting legal help early can give you a clearer picture of what you’re facing and how to respond. Crouthamel Law Offices can review the circumstances of your DUI arrest and determine what defenses are available based on the facts. Call 610-428-3386 or send us a message to discuss your case.