DUI of Drugs – Pittsburgh Lawyers

Information on DUI of Drugs – Laws and Penalties in Pennsylvania

Protect your future and your record by knowing what you should do if you have been arrested for a DUI of drugs or driving under the influence of a controlled substance.

In PA, hefty fines, license suspension, and possible jail time are just a few of the DUI penalties you may face if convicted of Driving Under the Influence of Drugs/Controlled Substances.

In Pennsylvania, convictions of Driving under the influence of a controlled substance are punished very harshly.

A first-time conviction for DUI Drugs can include a prison sentence of up to six months, a 12-month license suspension, and a fine of up to $5,000.

If there are subsequent offenses, the penalties will sharply increase.

Being arrested while Driving Under the Influence of drugs, whether it is marijuana, cocaine, or prescription medication, is a criminal offense and, if you are convicted, it will result in serious fines, penalties, a criminal record, possible jail time, and a lot of stress.

Our number one goal: Your DUI charges reduced or dismissed.

Call Ketchel Law today: 412-456-1221 for a free consultation.

Each individual case is different and by knowing your rights, understanding the procedures you face, and speaking with an attorney to know if your Constitutional rights have been violated, you will increase your chances of having fines and sentencing reduced or eliminated. Many DUI charges based upon a controlled substance can be won.

An arrest is not a conviction.

Justin J. Ketchel is an experienced Pittsburgh, PA DUI attorney—he is here to help you know and understand your rights and the charges you may be facing. Call him today for a free phone or in-person legal consultation.

Learn more about Hiring a DUI Lawyer in PA.

Arrested for DUI Drugs in PA—What Happens Next?

There are several factors to investigate when fighting a DUI Controlled Substance arrest, including speaking with witnesses, determining how the arrest was conducted, and whether the officers who made the arrest followed procedures.

The very first thing you should do is to call an attorney. Yes, we understand that an arrest is an uncomfortable topic, but the longer you wait, the more difficult it will be to recall the events and to find possible witnesses for the detailed documentation needed to build a strong defense.

Attorney Ketchel listens to his client’s unique situations and finds the best possible solutions. Our firm thoroughly understands the county-by-county differences in the enforcement of Pennsylvania’s DUI laws, and we apply our extensive knowledge to building the strongest case possible.

Our number one goal: Your DUI charges reduced or dismissed.

Call Ketchel Law today: 412-456-1221 for a free consultation.

When you are arrested for DUI Controlled Substance, the arresting officer must establish that there was probable cause to prove the presence of drugs by his/her observations before placing you under arrest. Then, the prosecutor uses your blood samples to establish the presence of drugs in your bloodstream.

The mere possession of a controlled substance is not enough evidence for a DUI Controlled Substance conviction. If there were any missteps taken by the arresting officer, including not having reasonable suspicion to stop your vehicle, it could have a positive impact on the outcome of your sentencing or could result in the dismissal of your case altogether.

These are the kinds of things an experienced and detail-driven attorney can use to build your case and give you a strong defense.

If you are convicted of DUI Controlled Substance, it will be a permanent mark on your record and is something that many employers and college enrollment recruiters will never understand, even if you have an otherwise spotless record.

If you have been arrested for DUI Controlled Substance, it is important that you first speak to a DUI attorney who can offer advice. Call DUI attorney Justin J. Ketchel for a free consultation.

Penalties for Conviction of a DUI Drugs/Controlled Substance

The Pennsylvania Vehicle Code provides strict guidelines for operating a motor vehicle in Pennsylvania and minimum and maximum sentencing (fines, license suspension, jail time, probation, and other restrictions) for violations of those guidelines in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

The minimum fine for a conviction of a first offense DUI Controlled Substance is $1,000 and the maximum is $5,000, along with other sentencing penalties including a minimum of 72 hours imprisonment.

Sentencing in Pennsylvania for convicted individuals driving under the influence of a controlled substance is as follows:

First DUI of drugs conviction in PA:

  • Up to 6 months in jail and a misdemeanor;
  • Minimum $1,000 fine; maximum of $5,000;
  • One year driver’s license suspension;
  • Attend an alcohol highway safety school;
  • Drug & Alcohol assessment and compliance with all drug and alcohol treatment requirements.

Second DUI Drugs Conviction in PA:

  • Up to 5 years in prison and a misdemeanor;
  • Pay a minimum fine of $1,500; maximum of $10,000;
  • Eighteen-month driver’s license suspension and one-year ignition interlock;
  • Attend an alcohol highway safety school;
  • Drug & Alcohol assessment and compliance with all drug and alcohol treatment requirements.

Third DUI Drug Conviction in PA or Subsequent Charges:

  • A felony conviction;
  • Up to seven years in prison and a first-degree misdemeanor;
  • Pay a minimum fine of $2,500; a maximum of $15,000;
  • Eighteen-month driver’s license suspension and one-year ignition interlock;
  • Drug & Alcohol assessment and compliance with all drug and alcohol treatment requirements.

Call Ketchel Law now at 412-456-1221 for a free legal consultation.

If you have been charged with DUI Controlled Substance, call Pittsburgh DUI Attorney Justin J. Ketchel immediately at (412) 456-1221 so that I can begin working to defend your reputation and future. By calling me as soon as possible, a stronger defense can be built. 

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