Multiple DUI Attorney In Harrisburg

Facing a 2nd, 3rd, or multiple DUI charges in Pennsylvania is very different from a first offense. The stakes are higher, the penalties are tougher, and it can feel like your past mistakes are now defining your future. If you are in this position, you may be wondering whether a multiple DUI attorney in Harrisburg can really help.

At The Dorward Law Firm, we focus our criminal defense practice on cases like yours. From our office in Harrisburg, we represent people across Central Pennsylvania who are dealing with repeat DUI charges and the fear of jail time, long license suspensions, and damage to their careers and families.

Our firm is led by attorney Shawn Dorward, who brings over a decade of criminal defense experience in Central Pennsylvania, along with advanced DUI-related training and certifications. We offer free consultations so you can talk through what happened and get clear information about your options before you make any decisions.

Protect your freedom and your driving privileges by hiring a Harrisburg multiple DUI lawyer who understands the technicalities of PA law—call us today at (717) 429-0411 or reach out online.

Understanding Multiple DUI Laws in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania's DUI statutes, particularly under 75 Pa. C.S.A. § 3802, are notoriously complex because they combine two factors: your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) level and the number of prior offenses you have had within a specific timeframe.

The 10-Year Lookback Period

In Pennsylvania, the courts use a "lookback" period of 10 years. This means that if you have a prior DUI conviction or participated in the ARD (Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition) program within the last decade, your new charge will be graded as a second or subsequent offense. 

It is important to note that the 10-year window is usually calculated from the date of the prior conviction or ARD acceptance to the date of the new arrest. If you are facing your third charge within this window, the grading of the crime can jump from a misdemeanor to a felony.

Tiered Offenses and Grading

The severity of your charge as a multiple offender depends on your BAC tier at the time of the arrest:

• Tier 1 (General Impairment): .08% to .099% BAC.
• Tier 2 (High Rate): .10% to .159% BAC, or involving a minor in the car, or a commercial vehicle.
• Tier 3 (Highest Rate): .16% BAC or higher, or involving controlled substances (drugs), or a refusal to submit to chemical testing.

A Harrisburg multiple DUI lawyer from our firm will carefully review the grading of your case. For example, a third offense at the highest tier is now classified as a Third-Degree Felony in Pennsylvania, which carries significantly higher maximum prison terms than a standard misdemeanor.

Penalties of Multiple DUI Convictions in Harrisburg

The penalties for a second or third DUI in Pennsylvania are mandatory, meaning the judge often has no choice but to sentence you to jail time if you are convicted.

Second DUI Conviction

General Impairment (.08–.099%)

• Jail: 5 days to 6 months
• Fine: $300–$2,500
• License Suspension: 12 months
• Other: Ignition interlock 1 year; school and treatment.

High/Highest Rate

• Jail: 30 days to 6 months (high) / 90 days to 5 years (highest)
• Fines: Up to $5,000 (high) / $10,000 (highest)
• License: 12–18 months suspension
• Other: Alcohol school, treatment, 1-year ignition interlock.

Third DUI Conviction

For third offenses, penalties become much harsher and may be charged as misdemeanors or felonies depending on circumstances:

• Jail: General impairment 10 days to 2 years; high/ highest 90 days to 5 years (felony if highest with certain aggravators).
• Fines: Up to $5,000–$10,000
• License Suspension: 12–18 months
• Other: Required school, treatment, 1-year IID.

Note: Under more recent law changes (e.g., Act 59 / Deana’s Law), a third or fourth DUI with refusal, high BAC, or drugs can be charged as a third-degree or second-degree felony, with even longer potential prison terms and higher fines.

Collateral Consequences

• Employment Impacts: Many employers in the Harrisburg area, especially those requiring professional licensing or security clearances, have strict policies against hiring individuals with multiple criminal convictions.
• Felony Record: If your charge is graded as a felony, you lose your right to own a firearm and your right to vote while incarcerated.

What To Do After A Repeat DUI Arrest in Harrisburg

After a repeat DUI arrest, the situation can feel overwhelming, especially when you are dealing with court paperwork, testing records, and possible license consequences. What you do in the hours and days that follow can directly affect how your case develops. 

Taking a calm, organized, and informed approach can help protect your rights and put you in a stronger position moving forward.

• Do not assume guilt – A prior DUI does not mean a conviction is automatic, and entering a quick guilty plea can lock in serious consequences.
• Keep all paperwork – Save every document, including complaints, test results, and magisterial district court hearing notices.
• Document your recollection – Write down details of the traffic stop, arrest, and any testing while they are still fresh.
• Avoid public discussion – Do not share case details on social media or with non-legal contacts.
• Track deadlines carefully – Mark court dates and PennDOT-related deadlines to avoid added penalties.
• Contact a repeat DUI attorney – Early legal guidance allows for review of the stop, testing, and prior record before critical decisions are made.

Taking these steps does not make the charges go away, but it does help protect your rights and gives your lawyer more to work with as your case moves through the system.

Why Choose Our Firm For Repeat DUI Defense in Harrisburg

When facing a repeat DUI, a generic defense strategy is rarely enough. Pennsylvania’s sentencing rules become stricter with prior offenses, and the long-term consequences can be severe. Our firm works daily in the criminal courts around Harrisburg, giving us practical insight into how repeat DUI cases are evaluated and handled in Central Pennsylvania.

We focus exclusively on criminal defense, including DUI cases, rather than dividing attention across multiple practice areas. Over many years, we have regularly appeared in the Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas and surrounding courts. This local experience allows us to anticipate procedures, prosecutorial approaches, and issues that can influence the direction of a repeat DUI case.

Attorney Shawn Dorward’s advanced DUI-related training strengthens our approach, particularly in cases involving breath or blood testing. His scientific coursework and professional recognitions reflect a serious commitment to understanding DUI evidence. Combined with trusted expert relationships and a respectful, client-centered approach, we aim to provide clear guidance and strong advocacy when the stakes are high.

How We Defend Multiple DUI Cases in Harrisburg

Defending a multiple DUI case requires more than disputing a blood alcohol level. It involves analyzing the current charges alongside prior DUI history, evaluating scientific evidence, and developing a strategy tailored to courts in Harrisburg and throughout Central Pennsylvania. Each case is approached with careful attention to legal details, procedural rules, and how the overall situation should be presented to the court.

The defense begins with a close review of the traffic stop and arrest. This includes assessing whether police had a valid reason to stop the vehicle, how field sobriety tests were conducted, and whether breath or blood testing followed proper procedures. Testing records are examined for timing, calibration, and handling issues, and expert review may be considered when reliability is in question.

We don't just look at the police report; we look at the person. Our approach to defending repeat DUI charges is two-fold: attacking the legal evidence and mitigating the personal impact.

• Challenging the Scientific Evidence: We are trained in DUI defense, which means we understand the science of pharmacokinetics (how the body processes alcohol) and the mechanics of breath and blood testing.
• Mitigation and Treatment: We often advise our clients to begin voluntary alcohol assessment or treatment immediately. Showing the court that you are taking the situation seriously can be a powerful tool during negotiations for a reduced sentence or alternative housing (like house arrest) instead of jail.
• Attacking the Stop: Many repeat arrests happen because police recognize a vehicle or a driver. If the stop was based on a "hunch" rather than a clear traffic violation, we fight to have the entire case dismissed.

Talk To Our Team Today—Call Our Multiple DUI Defense Lawyer

If you are facing a 2nd or multiple DUI in or around Harrisburg, you do not have to navigate this alone. The choices you make now can affect your license, your freedom, and your future, and talking with a multiple DUI lawyer in Harrisburg can help you make informed decisions instead of rushed ones.

At The Dorward Law Firm, we draw on years of criminal defense experience, advanced DUI-related training, and deep familiarity with Central Pennsylvania courts to guide people through some of the hardest moments of their lives. We focus on protecting your rights, explaining your options, and working toward the best outcome that your circumstances allow.

To schedule your free consultation, call (717) 429-0411 or reach out online now.