Out-of-State DUI Charge, License Suspension
We know that many out of state folks like to come to the Keystone State to enjoy our nature trails, state parks, and attractions all to get away from big city life. However, when these out of towners come to Pennsylvania and end up with a DUI charge, those accusations follow them to their home state. But does the same apply for Pennsylvanians who travel to different states? Mazzoni Valvano Szewczyk & Karam has the answers to your out-of-state DUI license suspension questions.
How The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Handles Your Out-of-State DUI Charge
If you travel to any of Pennsylvania’s bordering states or any other state, your DUI conviction is likely to follow you back home. This is because many drivers think that a weekend getaway out of state where the DUI was given won’t have a real impact on their necessary driving when they return home.
However, in 1995, Pennsylvania combatted this notion by joining 45 other states in the U.S. to maximize the impact of these DUI laws. How? The Drivers License Compact.
What is the Drivers License Compact (DLC)?
The Drivers License Compact (DLC) is a compact among 46 member states to maximize law enforcement efforts nationwide for DUI, aggressive driving, and criminal actions.
Under the DLC, members of the agreement must:
- Follow the “one driver license” concept: You must surrender your out-of-state driver’s license when the application for a new license is made in another state.
- Follow the “one driver record” concept: A complete driver record must be maintained in the driver’s state of residence to determine driving eligibility in the home state, as well as for his nonresidence operator’s privilege in other regions.
- Report all traffic convictions and license suspension/revocations of out-of-state drivers to the home state licensing agency, as well as other relevant information.
- Utilize uniform and predictable treatment of drivers by treating offenses committed in other states as though they have been committed in the home state.
While for many drivers, the big concern is the DUI conviction, but the Drivers License Compact applies to a few criminal charges that involve the use of a motor vehicle including:
- Manslaughter or negligent homicide
- Driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcoholic beverages or a narcotic
- Failure to stop after a car accident which resulted in the death or personal injury of another
- Any felony in the commission
But what if it’s my first DUI charge?
If you are convicted of a DUI in another state and are now applying for a Pennsylvania driver’s license, it is important that you are truthful about the conviction. Often times, your license will not be suspended in the Keystone state for the first DUI charge, however, failure to disclose this information may result in losing your license altogether.
DUI charges can be complicated, regardless of the state in which they took place. But if you have received a DUI charge while in Pennsylvania or in another state as a Pennsylvania resident, you need the legal expertise of Mazzoni Valvano Szewczyk & Karam.
Mazzoni Valvano Szewczyk & Karam: Out-of-State DUI Attorneys
You likely have many questions and concerns about your out-of-state DUI charge. It is imperative that you act quickly and gain a legal counsel with a track record of success.
Contact Mazzoni Valvano Szewczyk & Karam right now for more information. We want to help you with your out-of-state DUI charge.
