Pennsylvania DUI Drugs Laws

A DUI Drugs (DUI-D) charge under Pennsylvania law can relate to many different types of legal and illegal drugs.  These include:

A DUI drugs charge is prosecuted at the “Highest Rate” tier which carries the strictest penalties.

Tier Description First Offense Second Offense Third Offense
Highest Rate Controlled substance DUI
  • Prison Sentence 3 days-6 months
  • 12 month license suspension
  • $1,000-$5,000 fine
 Misdemeanor of the first degree

  • Prison Sentence from 90 days-5 years
  • 18 month license suspension
  • $1,500-$10,000 fine
  • Interlock device for 1 year
 Misdemeanor of the first degree

  • Prison Sentence from 1-5 years
  • 18 month license suspension
  • $2,500-$10,000 fine
  • Interlock device for 1 year

While the penalties for a DUI-D are very severe, there are many difficulties prosecuting these cases. This is good for the accused, but only if he or she can find the right attorney who knows about these cases and pharmacology (pharmacokinetics, ad pharamcodynamics). Because of the many different substances that need to be covered as “illegal,” blood testing for these substance is many times is not conclusive, wrong or maybe misinterpreted.  However, many attorneys do not have the knowledge and training to be able to identify these problems.  They cannot successfully defend these cases.

Attorney McShane has lectured many times about DUI blood testing and DUI drugs and is considered by lawyers across the country as an expert in these fields.  Do not leave your case to an unqualified attorney.  Defend your rights and fight with The McShane Firm on your side.  Call 1-866-MCSHANE to schedule a free detailed consultation about your case.