The Lookback Period for Priorability in Pennsylvania DUI Cases

Pennsylvania has a 10-year "lookback" period for prior DUI convictions, meaning that if you're arrested for driving under the influence within 10 years of a prior DUI conviction, you can receive harsher consequences than you would for a first-time driving under the influence conviction. If more than 10 years have passed since your earlier DUI arrest, your current case will be treated as a first-time driving under the influence charge, as long as you have not had any other convictions anywhere..

Prior driving under the influence convictions can impact every aspect of your current Pennsylvania DUI charge. A prior drunk driving conviction within 10 years means longer driver's license suspensions, higher fines, and the possibility of more jail or prison time. A skilled Pennsylvania DUI lawyer from Levow & Associates will do everything possible to safeguard your rights and protect you from the consequences of a multiple-DUI charge.

Even one prior driving under the influence conviction can substantially increase the punishment you face in your Pennsylvania DUI case. For example, if you're charged with a first-time general-impairment Pennsylvania DUI charge (where your blood alcohol content is alleged to be .08 to .999 percent), you won't face any jail time, but a single prior driving under the influence conviction within the past 10 years means you can be sentenced to five days to six months in jail if convicted.

If you have prior driving under the influence convictions within the past 10 years, your Pennsylvania DUI lawyer may make a motion to strike any priors from the record. If the court grants the motion, your punishment on your current Pennsylvania DUI case can't be enhanced by your prior conviction.

Pennsylvania DUI laws are harsher than ever before, especially for individuals with prior driving under the influence convictions within the past 10 years. A knowledgeable Pennsylvania DUI lawyer from Levow & Associates will take every available action to safeguard your rights and seek to protect you from the consequences of a multiple driving under the influence charge.