Drug DUI (Driving Under the Influence of Controlled Substance)
If an individual is charged with a DUI offense from driving under the influence of any controlled substance, they can receive very harsh penalties if convicted. Pennsylvania law imposes the same category of punishments as drivers with the highest blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level.
Penalties for a drugged DUI conviction can include prison sentences, hefty fines, installation of an ignition interlock device, driver’s license suspension, a criminal record and/or required completion of alcohol or drug counseling.
West Chester Drug DUI Attorney
If you have been charged with a DUI from drugs in West Chester, PA, Michael J. Skinner of the Skinner Law Firm will listen to the details of your case and make every effort to help find mitigating factors or defenses that are applicable to your situation. Contact the Skinner Law Firm at (267) 388-3476 for a consultation about your alleged DUI offense today.
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Driving Under the Influence of Drugs in Pennsylvania
According to 75 Pa. Const. Stat. § 3802(d), an individual can be charged with the criminal offense of driving under the influence (DUI) if they have actual physical control of the movement of a vehicle in any of the following situations:
- The driver has any amount of the metabolite of a Schedule I, Schedule II, or Schedule IIIcontrolled substance in their blood.
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First DUI (no prior DUI convictions) While Impaired by Controlled Substances
A first DUI involving a controlled substance is considered a misdemeanor of the first degree under Pennsylvania law. If a driver is convicted of a first drugged DUI offense, the courts in West Chester, Chester County, PA, will typically impose the following penalties:
- Installation of an ignition interlock device for one year;
- Driver’s license suspension for 12 months;
- Minimum 72 hours in jail (although the court can impose up to 6 months in prison);
- Fines ranging from $1,000 to $5,000;
- Successful completion of an alcohol highway safety course; and/or
- Successful completion of alcohol or drug treatment.
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Second or Subsequent DUI (at least one prior DUI conviction) While Impaired by Controlled Substances
A second or subsequent DUI involving a controlled substance is also considered a misdemeanor of the first degree under Pennsylvania law. If an individual is convicted of a second or subsequent DUI drugs offense, the courts in West Chester, Chester County, PA, will usually impose the following punishments:
- Installation of an ignition interlock device for one year;
- Driver’s license suspension for 18 months;
- Prison sentence ranging from one to five years;
- A fine between $1,500 and $10,000;
- Successful completion of the alcohol highway safety course; and/or
- Successful completion of alcohol or drug treatment.
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Skinner Law Firm | DUI Controlled Substance Lawyer in Pennsylvania
Contact the Skinner Law Firm today for a consultation about your alleged driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs offense in Chester County, Pennsylvania, and the surrounding areas in Lancaster County, Montgomery County, and Delaware County. Michael J. Skinner is an experienced DUI attorney in West Chester who will make every effort to help you avoid the most serious punishments and consequences to your alleged offense. Contact the Skinner Law Firm at (267) 388-3476 for a consultation about your alleged DUI offense in Pennsylvania.