Driving After Imbibing

Harsher DAI Laws in Pennsylvania

Effective February 1, 2004, Pennsylvania changed the law for driving under the influence. The DAI law change brought harsher penalties to those convicted for drunk driving. Along with a reduction of the legal limit, the DAI law change brought a new three-tiered system of penalties for higher BAC levels. Driving after imbibing (DAI), as the new drunk driving offense is referred to, can have serious consequences. If you have incurred charges for drunk driving, an experienced defense attorney can help you understand and protect your rights.

Contact the drunk driving defense lawyers at MyPhillyLawyer.com, sponsored by Silvers, Langsam & Weitzman, P.C., for aggressive representation after a DAI/DUI arrest.

Changes Imposed by New DAI Laws

  • Reduction of legal limit: The legal limit was reduced from .10 to .08
  • Tiered penalty system: Under the old DUI laws, there was one drunk driving offense and penalties were not linked to the BAC levels. Under the new DAI laws, there are three levels of penalties tied to different BAC levels — higher BAC levels result in aggravated penalties (.08 - .099; .10 - .159; .16 and higher).
  • More severe penalties: Under the old DUI laws, individuals convicted for DUI faced a minimum fine of $300 and 12 month license suspension — regardless of offense — and a jail term ranging from a minimum of 48 hours to one year (first offense through fourth offense). While jail terms have remained the same for BAC levels of .10, fines and license suspension terms have both been significantly increased. Additionally, penalties have been broken down based upon first offense, second offense, third offense, or fourth offense or higher. Learn more about DUI/DAI Penalties.

Pennsylvania has joined the nationwide push to reduce the legal limit from .10 to .08 and along with the DAI law change came stricter penalties for individuals convicted. Therefore, now, more than ever, it is important to have an aggressive advocate on your side. If you have been pulled over for drunk driving and now face DAI charges, you need an experienced defense lawyer to fight for your rights and freedom.

The attorneys at MyPhillyLawyer.com are seasoned trial lawyers with a commitment to client success. We evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of your case as well as the prosecution's case and develop your defense strategy based on your specific case.

Contact us to learn more about how our DUI/DAI defense attorneys can help.