A Third DUI Offense in Pennsylvania

Information on a Third DUI Charge in PA

Recent court ruling could overturn DUI cases. Learn more or

Call Ketchel Law today to see how your case might be affected: 412-456-1221

What happens if you are charged with a third DUI or subsequent DUI offense?

A conviction of a third DUI can have very serious repercussions, as you are most likely aware. The first-time offender’s program (ARD) that many people complete after a first DUI arrest in PA is most likely no longer an option.

A second DUI in PA means that a first offense, even if you went through ARD is counted. So a conviction of a third DUI in PA or subsequent DUI conviction means jail time, heavy fines, and loss of license, all of which will have a devastating effect on numerous aspects of your life. 

Regardless of your BAC, a third DUI conviction will result in a mandatory period of imprisonment. 

That’s why it is important to fight against the charges and present a strong case. Having the right DUI Lawyer by your side can make a big difference in how long you are sentenced to jail, or if you are convicted. 

An arrest is not a conviction. Your charges are still worth fighting.

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

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

FIGHTING THIRD DUI CHARGES—IT IS POSSIBLE

Clients often ask if there is any hope that their case can be won. After all, the police have evidence that you have already been arrested—it seems futile. Nothing could be further from the truth. An arrest is not a conviction.

At Ketchel Law, our greatest strength lies in critically analyzing and dissecting the details of a police officer’s report looking for weaknesses, neutralizing the police officer’s testimony, and questioning the testimony of any experts in regards to blood or breath testing.

We use our own experts to show why the blood or breath test reading was not accurate and we use the applicable case law to seek a full dismissal of your case when you were stopped without reasonable suspicion or arrested without probable cause.

In addition to fighting for a case dismissal, it is possible also to fight for a reduction in sentencing or push for a probationary program, like the Allegheny County DUI Court, in order to keep sentencing at a bare minimum and also help you seek treatment for alcohol or drugs, rather than a lot of time in jail. 

Attorney Justin Ketchel is an experienced Pittsburgh DUI Attorney who will tirelessly work to mount a successful defense to prevent the suspension of your license and keep you out of jail.

Don’t delay in contacting us for a free legal consultation. Call us now at 412-456-1221. Remember, the prosecutor’s case has already started before you even have an opportunity to begin your defense.

CONSEQUENCES/PENALTIES OF MULTIPLE DUI CONVICTIONS

If you are convicted of a third DUI or subsequent DUI offense in PA, you will be facing substantial penalties including:

  • A felony conviction;
  • Mandatory: One to Seven Years in Prison;
  • License suspension, 18 MONTHS;
  • Fines, up to $15,000;
  • MANDATORY 1-year Ignition Interlock;
  • SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER insurance premiums;
  • Inability to OBTAIN INSURANCE COVERAGE.

For these reasons alone, you must have an experienced and aggressive criminal defense trial attorney available to prepare a rigorous defense of any DUI charges. You are facing serious charges and at this level, the stakes are much higher.

Don’t wait—call Justin Ketchel now at 412-456-1221 for a free consultation.

HOW A PITTSBURGH DUI LAWYER CAN HELP

Fighting your DUI charges to get the best possible outcome should not be left to chance in the courtroom. There are plenty of options an experienced and aggressive DUI lawyer can pursue, even if a full case dismissal is not possible.

One possibility for third-time DUI offenders is the Allegheny County DUI Treatment Court Program. This program gives people who have been charged with DUI three times in a ten-year period a chance to stay out of jail through an intensive treatment program. The goal of the program is to put an end to addictive behavior (alcohol and drugs) so people can live their lives outside of jail and within normal constructs of society.

A qualified DUI attorney in Allegheny County can help you with forms and processing to enter the program, which goes through the District Attorney’s office and the Court of Common Pleas to determine if you are eligible and qualify.

Not every option may be the right one for you and your family, but our attorneys can help you fight for your best option and help you to stay out of jail.

Attorney Ketchel’s extensive experience as a former public defender and a criminal defense attorney gives him a distinct advantage when handling DUI cases.

We will do everything we can to minimize your expenses. You are never charged for phone calls or emails and your initial consultation is always free. We understand what you are going through and will tirelessly fight on your behalf to ensure that your arrest has a minimal impact on every aspect of your life.

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

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

We take your case seriously and are committed to providing quality legal advice.

Learn More About DUI Laws in Pennsylvania: