The Look-Back Period for Priorability

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 Zachary B. Cooper, Attorney at Law, P.C. 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.

Under certain circumstances, a person convicted of a DUI in Pennsylvania may be able to file a PCRA (Post Conviction Relief Act) and attempt to re-open and fight a prior case, as if it just happened. The PCRA must be filed within one year (with some exceptions) of the final disposition of the case and is further limited to certain grounds for appeal. If you have prior driving under the influence convictions within the past year, please contact us to learn more about this and to see if a PCRA is an option for you.

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 Zachary B. Cooper, Attorney at Law, P.C. 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.