On October 24, 2018, Senate Bill 961 was signed into law. This bill amended Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes and sharply increased the sentencing related to DUI charges for repeat DUI offenders.
So What Changed?
This new law affects repeat DUI offenders’ charges. Here’s the breakdown:
- An impaired driver who causes a fatal accident will face a minimum of five years in prison — a jump from the previous three years — if they have a previous DUI conviction.
- If they have two or more prior DUI convictions, the minimum term for a driver who caused a fatal accident is now seven years.
While this part of the law only affects drivers who cause fatalities, there were some changes to the part of the law that influences the charges against 3rd or 4th-time offenders. These are:
- 3rd-time offenders…
Will be charged with a felony if their blood alcohol content (BAC) tests at .16 percent or higher.
- 4th-time offenders…
Will be charged with a felony with alcohol in their system, despite their BAC level.
These are massive changes for Pennsylvanians and can significantly impact the life of all people affected by drunk driving.
What to Do When You Need DUI Defense
If you’ve been charged with a DUI offense, it is now more important than ever to seek the counsel of a DUI attorney in Bucks County, PA and the surrounding areas.
Contact Keith J. Williams for DUI defense before you plead guilty to a DUI charge. He will protect your rights and work to take your case to trial or negotiate a resolution with the district attorney’s office. Our services are affordable and aim to avoid or minimize the penalties associated with your DUI charge.
How We Can Help
We’ll aggressively advocate for your rights. We implement the best DUI defense strategies including carefully reviewing evidence, police reports, and even police conduct. Police conduct can include testing methods and will answer questions like:
- Did the officer properly use the breathalyzer test?
- Was blood evidence handled properly?
- Was there probable cause for you to be pulled over?
- Were your constitutional rights violated?
Contact a Strategic DUI Attorney in Doylestown, PA Today!
With new laws in place for drunk and drugged driving, having the proper defense can help limit your sentencing. When you’re choosing a DUI lawyer, choose one with proven results. Choose Keith J. Williams.
