May. 18, 2016
HARRISBURG – Legislation authored by state Rep. Marcia Hahn (R-Bushkill Township) that would change the penalties for driving with a suspended license resulting from a DUI (driving under the influence) conviction has passed the House overwhelmingly.
House Bill 1861 may now be considered by the state Senate.
“Current law is essentially ‘one size fits all’ and doesn’t take into account repeat offenders,” Hahn said. “The price paid for this type of criminal activity can be lives impacted and in some cases lives lost, and my bill will change that.
Under current law, driving with a suspended license following a DUI carries the same penalty (a $500 fine and a prison sentence of not less than 60 days and not more than 90 days) no matter how many times an individual is prosecuted. House Bill 1861 would amend the Vehicle Code to create a tiered penalty system for subsequent convictions.
While sentencing for a first offense would remain the same, anyone convicted of subsequent offenses would face the following:
• Second offense - $1,000 fine and minimum 90 day in jail.
• Third offense - Elevated to a misdemeanor charge, with a $2,500 fine and minimum six months in jail.
• Subsequent offenses - $5,000 fine and minimum two years in jail.
“It is sad to think we need such a law carried to the extreme of placing in statute penalties for anyone caught driving on a suspended license more than once,” added Hahn. “This type of repeat offender unfortunately exists and doesn’t understand the seriousness of the crime he or she has committed and the penalties that go along with it.”
Questions about this or any legislative issue may be directed to Hahn’s district office at (610) 746-2100.
Representative Marcia Hahn
138th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Scott Little
717.260.6137
slittle@pahousegop.com
RepHahn.com /
Facebook.com/RepHahn