REDBANK TOWNSHIP: A 47-year-old New Bethlehem resident is confronting serious criminal charges following a Christmas Day traffic stop in Redbank Township that revealed a blood alcohol concentration twice the legal limit, according to Pennsylvania State Police court filings.
High BAC DUI Charge Filed Against Douglas Paul Myers
Douglas Paul Myers was taken into custody on December 25, 2025, during a traffic enforcement operation conducted by the Pennsylvania State Police in Redbank Township, Clarion County. Court documents filed on February 6, 2026, through Magisterial District Court 18-3-04 reveal that Myers has been charged with driving under the influence with a blood alcohol concentration of .16% or higher—a misdemeanor offense that carries enhanced penalties under Pennsylvania law.
The .16% BAC level represents double Pennsylvania’s legal limit of .08%, placing Myers in a higher tier of DUI offenses. Under Pennsylvania’s tiered DUI penalty structure, defendants charged with a BAC of .16% or greater face substantially more severe consequences than those charged at lower levels, including longer license suspensions, mandatory jail time for repeat offenses, and higher fines.
Multiple Traffic Violations Add To Charges
Beyond the DUI charge, Pennsylvania State Police have filed additional allegations against Myers relating to his operation of the vehicle. He faces an unsafe driving charge, a violation that indicates his driving behavior posed a danger to other motorists, pedestrians, or property.
Compounding these criminal charges, law enforcement has also filed multiple summary traffic offenses against the New Bethlehem man. These include:
- Careless driving: Operating a vehicle in a manner that endangers persons or property without willful or wanton disregard
- Reckless driving: Driving with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of others
The combination of these charges suggests that Myers’ driving behavior on Christmas Day was sufficiently dangerous to warrant both criminal prosecution and summary violations, painting a picture of seriously impaired and hazardous operation of a motor vehicle.
Upcoming Court Proceedings
Myers’ case remains active within the Clarion County court system. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for March 3, 2026, at 10:15 a.m., where Magisterial District Judge Jeffrey C. Miller will preside over the proceedings.
During the preliminary hearing, the prosecution will present evidence to demonstrate that sufficient probable cause exists to believe Myers committed the alleged offenses. The defense will have the opportunity to cross-examine witnesses and challenge the evidence presented. Judge Miller will then determine whether the case should proceed to the Court of Common Pleas for further prosecution.
Legal Context And Potential Penalties
Pennsylvania takes impaired driving offenses seriously, particularly those involving high blood alcohol concentrations. For a first-time offender charged with a high-tier DUI (.16% BAC or greater), potential penalties may include:
- 72 hours to six months in jail
- Fines ranging from $1,000 to $5,000
- 12-month license suspension
- Mandatory alcohol highway safety school
- Treatment requirements when ordered
- Installation of an ignition interlock device
If Myers has prior DUI convictions, the penalties increase significantly, with mandatory minimum jail sentences and longer license suspensions.
The additional careless and reckless driving charges could result in further fines, points on his driving record, and additional license suspension periods, depending on the final disposition of the case.
Presumption Of Innocence
While the charges filed against Myers are serious, he is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The defendant has the right to legal representation and to present a defense against all charges. The preliminary hearing in March will be the first step in determining how this case proceeds through the judicial system.
The Pennsylvania State Police continue their efforts to enforce traffic safety laws throughout Clarion County and the surrounding region, with a particular focus on identifying and removing impaired drivers from roadways.
