Efforts to reduce the injuries, fatalities, and property damage that result from impaired driving continue at the federal, state, and local levels. Law enforcement has implemented strategies such as conducting roadway checkpoints, using saturation patrols, and specialized officer training in drug recognition. Pennsylvania is among the many states now that requires those convicted of impaired driving to have an ignition interlock device installed on their vehicle.
Lancaster County Accident Data
|
Crashes |
2016 |
2017 |
|
Total |
5,932 |
5,822 |
|
Involving Impaired Driver |
505 |
481 |
|
Involving Speeding |
183 |
201 |
|
Involving Distracted Driving |
1,049 |
965 |
Lancaster County DUI Central Court
All DUI cases are processed through the DUI Central Court. Those who promptly enter a guilty plea to a first-offense DUI are eligible for house arrest instead of jail time. First offenses have three classification tiers based on blood alcohol content (BAC). The first tier applies to those in the .08 to .099% range, with the others being .10 to .159% and .16% or greater.
Tier 1
- Drug and/or alcohol assessment and possible treatment
- Six months of probation
- $300 fine
Tier 2
- Drug and/or alcohol assessment and possible treatment
- Incarceration of between 48 hours and six months or possible house arrest
- Fine of between $500 and $5,000
Tier 3
- Drug and/or alcohol assessment and possible treatment
- Incarceration of between 72 hours and six months or possible house arrest
- Fine of between $1,000 and $5,000
Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) Option For First-Time DUI Offenders
Lancaster County has both DUI and non-DUI ARD programs. Applicants are reviewed to determine their appropriateness for this alternative or diversionary sentencing option where they ultimately may have their charges dismissed. A twelve-month community supervision (probationary) period is required that includes treatment for drug and alcohol abuse.
All court-imposed monetary penalties such as fines must be satisfied in addition to a $600 ARD initial program fee. The DUI ARD program imposes the following driver's license suspension periods and hours of community service:
|
ARD in Lancaster County |
License Suspension |
Community Service |
|
BAC: 0.08 - 0.099% |
n/a |
30 hours |
|
BAC: 0.10 - 0.159% |
30 days |
40 hours |
|
BAC: 0.16 - 0.199% |
60 days |
40 hours |
|
BAC: 0.20 - 0.239% |
60 days |
80 hours |
|
Unknown BAC / Refused Test |
60 days |
n/a |
|
Caused Bodily Injury or Property Damage |
60 days |
n/a |
|
Minors |
90 days |
30-80 hours based on BAC |
Implied Consent (Title 75 § 1547)
Vehicle operators in Pennsylvania are deemed to have consented to submit to chemical testing when reasonable suspicion exists. Drivers who refuse to test are subject to an automatic license suspension and fines.
Drugged Driving
The law prohibits drivers from operating a vehicle with a Schedule I controlled substance or its metabolites in their blood. It also prohibits driving with a Schedule II or III drug or their metabolites in their blood unless prescribed by a doctor.
Ignition Interlock
Certain offenders are required to install an ignition interlock device that requires them to provide a breath sample to start the car. This applies to first-time offenders with a high-level BAC or those who refuse to consent to chemical testing. Those in ARD programs are generally exempt from the requirement. The offender is responsible for the costs of leasing this equipment, which currently ranges from $900 to $1,300 annually.
DUI Defense Attorney in Lancaster County
It is critical that those charged with operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs secure experienced legal representation. Our Criminal Law Team will aggressively challenge the evidence and formulate a defense strategy that can deliver positive results. Contact our office today at (888) 535-3686 for a case evaluation.
