A new bill has been proposed in the Pennsylvania State Senate that would drastically increase the penalties for some repeat DUI offenders. The bill was referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee on April 18, 2017.

The bill proposes to amend Section 3803 and 3804 of the vehicle code in regards to grading and penalties for repeat DUI offenses.

The exact language from the proposed bill amending section 3803 reads as follows:

“(3) An individual who violates section 3802(a) and has more than two prior offenses within a ten-year period commits a felony of the third degree.”

The language amending the penalties in section 3804 reads as follows:

“(a.1) More than two offenses within a ten-year period. — An individual who violates section 3802(a) and has more than two prior offenses within a ten-year period shall be sentenced to: (1) Undergo imprisonment of not less than two years nor more than seven years; and (2) pay a fine of not more than $15,000.”

The plain reading of Senate Bill 635:

• Increases the mandatory minimum jail time for a fourth or subsequent offense within 10 years from 10 days to 2 years
• Increases the maximum fine for a fourth or subsequent offense within 10 years from $5,000 to $15,000
• A repeat offender with more than two prior offenses within 10 years, who causes the death of another person while DUI, could be charged with third-degree murder

In reviewing Senate Bill 635, the wording of the bill can be misleading. Leading news sources have cited this bill as an increase in penalty for third or subsequent offenses within a 10 year period. But the language of the bill states “more than two prior offenses” which necessarily means at least 3 prior offenses and an increase in penalties only upon conviction of a fourth or subsequent offense. If the legislature had wanted to increase the penalties for third offenses, the language would say “two or more” prior offenses.

Further, the proposed bill has conflicting language in section 3804. It poses penalties for “third or subsequent offenses” and also language for those with “more than two prior convictions within 10 years.” Both sections seeming to impose different penalties for a fourth or subsequent offense. Hopefully any confusion will be cleared up in the Senate Judiciary Committee. Either way, stiffer penalties for repeat offenders are on the way.

If you or a loved one has been charged with a DUI in Pennsylvania, please call 1-866-MCSHANE for a free review of your case.  We understand there is a lot on your mind.  We will take the time to answer your questions.

Justin McShane

PA DUI attorney Justin J. McShane is the President/CEO of The McShane Firm, LLC - Pennsylvania's top criminal law and DUI law firm. He is the highest rated DUI attorney in PA as rated by Avvo.com. Justin McShane is a double Board certified attorney. He is the first and so far the only Pennsylvania attorney to achieve American Bar Association recognized board certification in DUI defense from the National College for DUI Defense, Inc. He is also a Board Certified Criminal Trial Advocate by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, a Pennsylvania Supreme Court Approved Agency.