DUI and Child Endangerment

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal in many states. When a child is involved, the charges escalate from a misdemeanor to a felony, along with the additional offense of child endangerment. It is vital to note that this separate charge carries severe penalties. If you find yourself in this situation, it is crucial to seek the guidance of a skilled and aggressive Washington PA criminal attorney.

Consequences of a DUI With Child

Endangerment Charges

Facing a criminal conviction can have serious repercussions, especially for professionals. The consequences can be far-reaching, ranging from disciplinary action and the risk of losing professional licenses to potential job loss. Take, for instance, the detrimental impact of a DUI-related license suspension, preventing you from driving to work, or dealing with strict company policies on driving under the influence. The situation becomes even more precarious if child endangerment charges are involved, particularly if you work with children. In some cases, certain fields may permanently bar you from employment.

Consider the following examples of occupations affected:

• Sports coaches
• Daycare workers
• Bus drivers
• Teachers

Furthermore, if the child involved in the incident is your own, the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Office of Children, Youth, and Families may initiate an investigation. This can lead to a protracted battle for custody of your child and their siblings.

DUI With Child Endangerment Penalties

Pennsylvania imposes stringent laws to combat DUI with child endangerment. As a first-time offender, you may face mandatory 100 hours of community service and a fine of $1,000 or more. For second-time offenses, you could be sentenced to one to six months in jail, accompanied by a fine of at least $2,500. Third or subsequent convictions may result in a jail term of six months to two years.

It’s important to note that standard DUI penalties still apply, meaning you could be burdened with the installation and use of an ignition interlock device. This requires you to breathe into the device every time you start your vehicle, in addition to facing significant fines, potential jail time, and lost work hours. In some cases, your license could be completely suspended, leaving you dependent on others for transportation.

Being faced with Pennsylvania’s intricate DUI laws and court system can be intimidating. But fear not, you don’t have to go through it alone. By enlisting the help of a knowledgeable Washington PA DUI attorney, you significantly increase your chances of achieving a favorable outcome. Trying to represent yourself will likely result in harsher penalties and unfavorable results. So, remember, your chosen attorney will need all the facts to mount a strong defense, therefore, don’t hesitate to confide in them and provide comprehensive details.

If you find yourself charged with DUI and child endangerment, seek assistance from the Logue Criminal Defense team. They proudly serve Washington, PA, as well as West Virginia and Ohio. Waste no time and get in touch with them today to benefit from a free initial consultation with a skilled Washington PA DUI lawyer. You can reach them at 844.PITT.DUI or (412) 389-0805, or simply visit their website.

Remember, time is of the essence. The sooner you obtain legal representation, the better your chances of securing the positive outcome you deserve. Act now and don’t delay!