DUI Offenses
Procedure and Punishment
Driving Under the Influence (DUI) is a crime that is punishable by law. Often a first-time offender will be offered an alternative form of punishment, such as rehabilitation (ARD). If the defendant violates the ARD program or is a multiple offender, the PDQ program may be available. In some instances, an interlock device may be placed upon the vehicle of a defendant who has been found guilty of a DUI offense.
Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD)
First time offenders are given a 30, 60, 90, 120, or 180-day driver’s license suspension. ARD-related driver’s license suspensions are handled by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). PennDOT notifies the defendant when the suspension starts and where to turn in his/her license. The only suspension that the court handles is the 180-day ARD.
Once the defendant has completed all court-ordered treatment programs and paid all court costs and fines in full, a driver's license can be restored. It is the defendant’s responsibility to notify the Department of Court Records, Criminal Division to have his/her license restored. The process generally takes 6 to 8 weeks.
For further information, call 412-350-6066.
Plea Disposition Quickly (PDQ)
The defendant’s driver’s license is suspended from the day of the hearing. Credit toward the suspension will not be given until jail time is completed. Act 151 (jail time completion) stipulates the defendant’s license will be suspended approximately one (1) year per case.
It is the defendant’s responsibility to notify the Department of Court Records, Criminal Division when all court-ordered treatment programs are completed and all court costs are paid. The Department of Court Records, Criminal Division will then notify PennDOT to restore the defendant’s license. The process generally takes 6 to 8 weeks.
Interlock
The Ignition Interlock Act requires, in many instances, an interlock device to be placed upon the vehicle of a defendant who has been found guilty of a DUI offense. This system requires the defendant to blow into a device attached to the vehicle before he/she can drive the automobile.
Individuals convicted in Allegheny County must call the Allegheny County Ignition Interlock Services to have the ignition interlock device installed.
Allegheny County Ignition Interlock Services
5300 Perry Highway
Pittsburgh, PA 15229
412-931-6107
Court-ordered Treatment Facilities
Mon-Yough DUI
500 Walnut Street
McKeesport PA 15132
412-675-8511
Mercy Behavioral Health
1200 Reedsdale Street
Pittsburgh PA 15233
412-442-1974
Alternatives DUI
70 South 22nd Street
Pittsburgh PA 15203
412-488-6446
Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic
Alcohol Highway Safety Program
3501 Forbes Avenue, Suite 960
Pittsburgh PA 15213
412-605-1598