What to Expect with a First DUI Offense in PA
A DUI offense in Pennsylvania happens when someone is caught driving with a blood alcohol concentration at or above 0.08% or under the influence of drugs. Even though it’s technically a misdemeanor, it’s still a serious charge that can affect your license, insurance, and daily life. For first-time offenders, a DUI can bring a mix of anxiety, regret, and uncertainty as you face questions about court, fines, and your driving record.
You do have options and ways to handle a first DUI. At Ethen Ostroff Law, we help first-time offenders understand their choices, including whether the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program could apply. The program can lower penalties and sometimes even help keep your record clean. In this article, we’ll explain what a first DUI offense in PA is like, the potential consequences, and what you can do to secure your driving privileges and record.
First DUI Offense in PA
In Pennsylvania, a “first-time DUI” means you haven’t had a prior DUI conviction in the last 10 years. It also means there’s no earlier DUI on your record before sentencing for your current case.
The state looks at your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) when you’re arrested:
- 0.08% or higher for most adult drivers
- 0.02% or higher if you’re under 21
- 0.04% or higher if you’re driving a commercial vehicle
Pennsylvania uses a tier system for a first DUI, based on your BAC:
- Tier 1 (General Impairment): 0.08% to under 0.10%
- Tier 2 (High BAC): 0.10% to under 0.16%
- Tier 3 (Highest BAC): 0.16% or higher (this tier brings the toughest penalties, even for a first offense)

Penalties for 1st DUI Offense in Pennsylvania
Getting pulled over for suspected drinking and driving is a lot to deal with, especially if it’s your first time. In most cases, you’ll be asked to do a field sobriety test, and if the officer believes there’s probable cause, you’ll be arrested, processed, and asked to take a blood, breath, or urine test before being released later that day or the next morning.
Pennsylvania is what’s called an “implied consent” state, which means if you’re arrested for DUI, you’re required to submit to one of these tests. Refusing could result in an automatic license suspension.
When it comes to penalties, Pennsylvania uses a tiered system based on your BAC and the circumstances of your arrest. Here’s what that looks like as of mid-2025:
BAC Level | Offense Grade | Jail Time | License Suspension | Fines | Other Requirements |
General Impairment (0.08% – 0.099%) | Ungraded Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months probation (no jail required) | None | $300 | Alcohol Highway Safety School; treatment if ordered |
High BAC (0.10% – 0.159%) | Ungraded Misdemeanor | 48 hours to 6 months | 12 months | $500 – $5,000 | Alcohol Highway Safety School; treatment if ordered |
Highest BAC (0.16%+, refusal, or drugs) | Ungraded Misdemeanor | 72 hours to 6 months | 12 months | $1,000 – $5,000 | Alcohol Highway Safety School; treatment if ordered |
Extra penalties can apply if:
- There were minors in the vehicle
- The DUI caused an accident with injuries or property damage
- The driver didn’t have a valid license
For a first DUI, jail time usually isn’t required unless your BAC is higher or other aggravating factors are involved. Many first-time offenders face probation instead, along with alcohol education programs. In some cases, you may also need to install an ignition interlock device for a year.
Life Impact of a First DUI Conviction in Pennsylvania
For most people facing a first, non-violent DUI, jail time usually isn’t the first outcome. But that doesn’t mean it ends when you leave the courtroom.
A conviction can bring issues like:
- Losing your license for a few months up to 2 years, depending on your BAC and if you qualify for ARD
- Court costs and fees that can run into the thousands
- Required alcohol highway safety classes
- An ignition interlock device in some situations
- Probation or community supervision instead of jail time
- A criminal record that can affect work, housing, or certain licenses
And that’s just the legal side. A DUI can also bump up your car insurance for years, make it harder to get a job, and carry a reputation that sticks. Even one DUI can follow you around, which is why it’s so important to deal with it right away.
Alternatives to a First-Time DUI Conviction
A DUI arrest is stressful, but if it’s your first, you may have options that keep it off your record. What’s available depends on your blood alcohol level and your record, but here are a few possibilities:
The ARD Program
Many first-time offenders qualify for ARD. You must complete requirements like classes, treatment, or community service instead of a conviction. Once you finish, the charge can be dismissed and your record cleared.
Drug Court
In some places, you might be eligible for drug court. It’s more hands-on, with regular check-ins, testing, and treatment. The focus is on recovery instead of punishment.
Alcohol or Drug Treatment
Judges often look at whether you’ve taken steps to address the issue. Enroll in a treatment program to show responsibility and, in some cases, to reduce or replace harsher penalties.
If you’ve been charged with DUI, it’s important to talk with a Pennsylvania DUI lawyer right away. At Ethen Ostroff Law, we help first-time DUI clients in Pennsylvania determine the best option for their case.
ARD Program for First-Time DUI Offenders
Pennsylvania’s ARD Program is one of the best chances a first-time DUI offender can get. Instead of a conviction, it gives people a way to step out of the regular criminal system and follow a more rehabilitative path.
Here’s how it works: instead of being convicted, you agree to meet certain conditions set by the court for a set period of time. If you complete everything successfully, the DUI charge gets dismissed and later expunged (erased) from your public record.
For those facing their first legal trouble, this can be a huge relief. It keeps them out of jail and protects their record, career, and future opportunities.
Who Usually Gets Into ARD?
- People facing their first DUI arrest (no prior or serious record).
- The incident didn’t involve injuries, deaths, or a weapon.
- No kids under 14 were in the car at the time.
- The person is ready to follow the court’s rules and deadlines.
What the Program Usually Involves
- Around 6–12 months on probation.
- Taking alcohol highway safety classes.
- Doing some community service hours.
- A short license suspension (anywhere from none up to 60 days, depending on BAC).
- Paying court costs, fees, and restitution.
When ARD Isn't an Option for a First DUI
Not everyone qualifies for ARD. Some first DUI offenses automatically make you ineligible, such as:
- You’ve had a DUI before, or you’ve already gone through ARD for DUI in the past 15 years.
- The DUI caused a crash that seriously injured someone else.
- You left the scene of a crash where another car was occupied.
- There was a child under 14 in your car at the time of the arrest.
- You were driving without insurance and already had suspensions for that in the past.
- Your actions during the DUI put others in serious danger.
- You’ve had certain criminal convictions (felonies or serious charges) within the last 10 years.
- You were driving without a valid license.
Cases involving drugs, very high BAC levels (0.16% or more), or refusing chemical testing are often looked at more closely, and sometimes those drivers aren’t approved for ARD.
At the end of the day, ARD is never automatic. Each county has its own approach, and the district attorney or judge makes the final call.
DUI ARD Process in Pennsylvania
If you’re looking into ARD after a first DUI offense in PA, here’s what usually happens:
Apply at Your Preliminary Hearing
You’ll need to request an ARD at your preliminary hearing. This also means waiving the hearing itself, the formal arraignment, and the filing of formal charges.
Review by the District Attorney
The DA’s office reviews your application to see if you qualify. If approved, you’ll get a hearing date in the Court of Common Pleas, usually within a month or two. If denied, your case moves forward like a regular DUI case.
Complete a CRN Evaluation
Everyone entering ARD must go through a Court Reporting Network (CRN) evaluation. It’s a screening that looks at your alcohol or substance use and determines if treatment or classes are needed.
Agree to the Conditions
If accepted, you’ll need to follow certain rules during your probation, such as:
- Attending alcohol highway safety school or treatment sessions
- Submitting to drug and alcohol testing
- Completing community service
- Paying fines, fees, and restitution
Attend Your ARD Hearing
You must appear in court on the scheduled date to officially enter the program. Missing it could mean losing your spot in ARD and facing regular DUI prosecution.
Complete the Program
If you stick to the conditions, your DUI charge gets dismissed. You can also file to have the arrest and ARD record expunged, though PennDOT may still keep the DUI noted on your driving history.
The main things to keep in mind: apply early, stay on top of deadlines, follow the program rules, and don’t miss your hearing. Let a PA DUI attorney guide you through the process to make it a lot less stressful and avoid mistakes that could get you kicked out of ARD.
Expungement of a First DUI Offense
If you complete the ARD program, you may be able to clear your record through expungement. This removes the DUI from public view and gives you a fresh start.
After finishing ARD, the District Attorney’s office will close your case. In some counties, like Bucks County, expungement happens automatically. In others, you’ll get instructions on how to file. Most of the time, you’ll need to fill out paperwork, get it notarized, and submit it to the court for a judge’s approval.
A first DUI offense in PA is usually cleared through ARD, but expungement may also be possible if:
- Your charges were dismissed, or you were found not guilty.
- Your DUI was a summary offense with a very low BAC (0.08%–0.099%), and you’ve stayed arrest-free for five years.
- You are 70 or older and have gone at least 10 years without new charges.
- You received a pardon from the Governor.
DUI convictions outside of ARD are much harder to expunge, and only those exceptions above may qualify.
If your record is expunged, it’s removed from public access. Law enforcement and a few agencies may still see it, but it won’t appear on standard background checks.
Since each county handles expungement differently, it’s important to make sure the process is handled the right way so nothing stays on your record.
How We Handle First-Time DUI Charges in Pennsylvania
A first DUI offense in PA is serious. However, it doesn’t have to define your future. At Ethen Ostroff Law, we look at your case from every angle and focus on keeping the impact as small as possible.
Here’s what we usually cover when handling a 1st DUI offense in Pennsylvania:
ARD Program
If you qualify, ARD can keep you out of jail and give you the chance to clear your record later. We’ll handle the paperwork, keep track of deadlines, and deal with county rules that can get tricky.
Looking At the Stop and Arrest
We go through how the police handled things. If they didn’t follow the rules or the testing wasn’t done right, we push to have that evidence tossed.
Other Options If ARD Isn’t Available
Not everyone gets into ARD. If that’s the case, we look at other ways to cut down penalties, like probation or house arrest, so you’re not stuck with the worst outcome.
Expungement
Even if your case ends with ARD or dismissal, your record isn’t automatically cleared. We help with the expungement process, so the arrest doesn’t keep showing up.
Life Outside Court
A DUI affects more than your case. Your license, your job, and even family obligations can be on the line. We help with limited license applications and deal with employers or licensing boards when needed.
At the end of the day, our job is to protect your record and make sure one mistake doesn’t follow you around forever.
Why Choose a Pennsylvania DUI Lawyer at Ethen Ostroff Law?
Choosing a DUI lawyer in PA isn’t only about who has the most experience. It’s about finding someone you can actually trust. You want a lawyer who listens, explains things clearly, and cares about what happens in your life. That’s how we handle every PA first DUI case.
Here’s how our DUI lawyers in PA stand out:
We Focus on First-Time, Non-Violent Offenses.
Our DUI defense practice is built around helping people who are new to the system. You’ll be treated with respect and given real guidance, not lumped in with repeat or violent offenders.
You Get a Full Team Working for You.
Some firms leave you waiting around for answers. With us, you’ll have a whole team making sure your defense moves forward, and you’ll always know where things stand.
No Judgment.
We don’t focus on blame. We focus on protecting your record, your job, and your future.
Clients Trust Us.
We’ve earned more than 1,800 five-star reviews because we take care of our clients. DUI defense may be newer for us, but the way we treat people hasn’t changed.
We Stay with You After Court.
We don’t disappear once your case is over. We’ll help you with ARD requirements, file for expungement, and guide you if questions come up with employers or licensing boards.
We Know County Courts.
Local knowledge matters. We understand how prosecutors and judges handle these cases. We use that insight to keep your case on track.
One mistake should not follow you forever. Our team has your back from the moment you call us until your record is cleared.
Frequently Asked Questions: First DUI in Pennsylvania
What happens when you get a DUI for the first-time in PA?
For a first DUI offense in PA, your penalties depend on your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at the time of arrest. The higher your BAC, the more likely you’ll face license suspension, fines, and possible jail time. Many first-time offenders may qualify for Pennsylvania’s ARD program, which can help avoid jail and even lead to expungement.
What is the new DUI law in Pennsylvania?
In 2025, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that completing the ARD program no longer counts as a prior DUI for sentencing. This means if you completed ARD before, a new DUI offense will be treated like your first. Penalties for repeat offenders, however, have gotten tougher, especially for high BAC or injury cases.
Will I go to jail for first DUI in PA?
Jail isn’t always mandatory for a 1st DUI offense in Pennsylvania, especially if your BAC is just over the legal limit. Higher BAC levels, refusing a chemical test, or having aggravating factors like minors in the car increase the chance of jail time. The ARD program can help many first offenders avoid jail entirely.
Do you lose your license immediately after a DUI in PA?
In most cases, you won’t lose your license right away after a DUI in PA 1st offense. License suspension usually starts after conviction, unless you refused a chemical test, which triggers an immediate suspension. You’ll typically get a short window to request a hearing or apply for limited driving privileges.
What is the most common sentence for a first DUI?
For many first DUI offenses in Pennsylvania, the most common sentence is probation, a fine, and mandatory alcohol safety classes. Jail is usually only required for higher BAC levels or certain circumstances. The ARD program can reduce these penalties and help keep your record clean.
What is the most likely outcome for a first-time DUI?
The outcome depends on your BAC and the details of your case, but most PA first DUI cases end with probation, fines, and classes rather than jail. Higher BAC levels or aggravating factors can mean harsher penalties. With a PA DUI attorney, you may be able to qualify for ARD or negotiate a better result.
Do I need a lawyer for first DUI in PA?
You’re not required to hire a lawyer, but having a Pennsylvania DUI lawyer can make a big impact on your case. A lawyer can spot weaknesses in the evidence, guide you toward ARD, and work to reduce penalties. Without one, you risk making mistakes that could hurt your record and driving privileges.
How much does a DUI lawyer cost in PA?
For a first DUI offense in Pennsylvania, legal fees typically range from about $1,000 to $5,000. The cost depends on your case complexity and the lawyer’s experience. While it’s an investment, a skilled DUI lawyer in PA can often save you far more in reduced fines, penalties, and long-term costs.
Can a DUI be dismissed in PA?
Yes, a DUI can be dismissed in Pennsylvania if your lawyer successfully challenges the evidence, the stop, or testing procedures. Completing the ARD program can also result in dismissal and expungement. Having an experienced PA DUI attorney gives you the best chance at this outcome.