Facing a Second DUI Charge in Dauphin County? Here’s What You Need to Know

Facing a second DUI charge in Dauphin County can have significant consequences that affect every aspect of your life. At The McShane Firm, we are dedicated to providing the experienced legal defense you need to fight back effectively.


Penalties for Second DUI Offenses

General Impairment

Criteria:

  • BAC between 0.08% and 0.099%
  • No property damage or injury
  • Incapable of safe driving

Penalties:

  • 5 days to 6 months in prison
  • 12-month license suspension (interlock eligible after 6 months)
  • Fines from $300 to $2,500
  • Surcharges and court fees not less than $300
  • Treatment when ordered
  • DUI (MOP) School
  • 1-year interlock

High Impairment

Criteria:

  • BAC between 0.10% and 0.159%
  • Minor BAC of 0.02% to 0.159%
  • General BAC with an accident or injury
  • School bus driver BAC of 0.02% to 0.159%
  • Commercial vehicle BAC of 0.04% to 0.159%

Penalties:

  • 30 days to 6 months in prison
  • 12-month license suspension (interlock eligible after 6 months)
  • Fines from $750 to $5,000
  • Surcharges and court fees not less than $400
  • Treatment when ordered
  • DUI (MOP) School
  • 1-year interlock

Highest Impairment

Criteria:

  • BAC of 0.16% or higher
  • Controlled substance DUI
  • Refusal to submit to a breath test or valid search warrant for blood

Penalties:

  • Misdemeanor of the first degree
  • 90 days to 5 years in prison
  • 18-month license suspension (interlock eligible after 9 months)
  • Fines from $1,500 to $10,000
  • Surcharges and court fees not less than $700
  • Treatment when ordered
  • DUI (MOP) School
  • 1-year interlock

Additional Considerations

Any DUI conviction is a permanent mark on your criminal record, visible to future employers, landlords, and your insurance company. A second DUI often leads to higher insurance rates or being dropped by your provider. You will also be required to use an ignition interlock device, which can cost around $1,000.

If your DUI involved an injury, accident, or death, you may face additional penalties and civil liability for damages.

Why Choose The McShane Firm?

At The McShane Firm, we specialize in DUI defense and understand the intricacies of Pennsylvania’s DUI laws. Our experienced attorneys will fight to protect your rights and minimize the impact of a second DUI charge on your life.

Take Action Now

At The McShane Firm, we are here to protect your rights and help you build the best possible defense against a second DUI charge in Dauphin County. Call us today at (717) 657-3900 for a free consultation and let us fight for you.

Our Clients are entitled to a Bill of Rights which states:

  • Our clients have the right to expect, we will be proactive in communication. You will hear it from us first. We will return all phone calls, texts and emails promptly.
  • Our clients have the right to expect plain speaking, straight shooting. No B. S.
  • Our clients have the right to expect us to do it right the first time, every time.
  • Our clients have the right to expect us to be on time and professionally prepared for all court appearances, and all meetings.
  • Our clients have the right to expect that they will be fully informed at all times.

This is our promise to you. Call today to get us on your side: (717) 657-3900.

PA DUI attorney Justin J. McShane is the President/CEO of The McShane Firm, LLC - Pennsylvania's top criminal law and DUI law firm. He is the highest rated DUI attorney in PA as rated by Avvo.com. Justin McShane is a double Board certified attorney. He is the first and so far the only Pennsylvania attorney to achieve American Bar Association recognized board certification in DUI defense from the National College for DUI Defense, Inc. He is also a Board Certified Criminal Trial Advocate by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, a Pennsylvania Supreme Court Approved Agency.