DUI With Accident / Injury

Sentencing enhancements can dramatically impact the outcome of your DUI case. The district attorney may seek to implement harsher punishments, such as extended jail time, steeper fines, and longer periods of license suspension. That’s why it’s essential to have an experienced and skilled criminal lawyer by your side.

DUI Accident Sentencing Enhancements

Understanding Sentencing Enhancements

When charged with a DUI accident leading to injury, the penalties can be severe. One of the more significant charges the district attorney might bring against you is Aggravated Assault While Under the Influence. This charge is classified as a second-degree felony in Pennsylvania. If convicted, the consequences can include fines of up to $25,000 and a prison sentence of up to 10 years.

Proving Aggravated Assault While Under the Influence

Under Pennsylvania law, the district attorney must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the injuries occurred directly because of drunk driving. Specifically, the injuries must result in “serious, permanent disfigurement or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ” affecting someone other than the driver.

Failure to meet this strict legal requirement can lead to a lesser charge. Even so, sentencing enhancements may still apply. It is important to note that merely being over the legal limit does not automatically mean intoxication caused the injuries. Other potential contributing factors, such as distractions or texting while driving, must be considered as well.

Why You Need Expertise

Considering the severity of these charges and their potential life-altering consequences, having a knowledgeable Mercer DUI attorney is critical. A strong defense crafted by a professional attorney can make a significant difference in your case. If you’re in Mercer, Logue Law Group is here to offer trusted legal representation.

Pennsylvania DUI Accident Penalties and Charges

Severe Penalties for DUI-Related Accidents

Pennsylvania takes DUI offenses very seriously, including the town of Mercer. State laws aim to ensure safer streets and reduce the risks of impaired driving. Operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs presents a grave danger to everyone on the road.

If a DUI accident causes injuries or fatalities, the driver may face additional criminal charges, such as:

• Manslaughter
• Vehicular homicide
• Assault
• Reckless endangerment

Criminal penalties often include the following:

• Revocation of your driver’s license
• Lengthy prison sentences
• Permanent criminal record
• Significant fines

Civil Liabilities

Apart from criminal charges, drivers involved in DUI accidents may also be held accountable in civil court. Civil liabilities typically include:

• Compensation for lost wages
• Emotional distress claims
• Medical costs
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering endured by the victims

It’s important to note that Pennsylvania law allows drunk drivers to be prosecuted on two counts simultaneously. This means you can face criminal charges for DUI and additional civil liabilities.

Why the Right Defense Matters

Such compounded consequences necessitate meticulous preparation for your defense. Working with a criminal lawyer who understands Pennsylvania DUI laws is paramount to navigating these legal complexities.

How a Mercer Criminal Lawyer Can Help You

At Logue Law Group, our attorneys are highly trained in DUI laws and defense strategies. Here is how we can help with your case:

• Analyzing Your Arrest: We meticulously examine your arrest records and identify procedural errors.
• Challenging Evidence: We scrutinize BAC tests to ensure their accuracy and challenge any discrepancies.
• Building a Strong Defense: By exposing weaknesses in the case against you, we aim to have your charges reduced or dismissed entirely.

Our team serves Mercer and neighboring regions in Pennsylvania, as well as parts of West Virginia. When you or someone you know is facing DUI accident charges, having a skilled Mercer DUI attorney can make a life-changing difference.

Schedule Your Free Consultation Today

If you’re navigating the complexities of DUI accident charges in Mercer, do not delay in seeking legal representation. The earlier you consult with an attorney, the better your chances of achieving a favorable outcome. The seasoned attorneys at Logue Law Group are here to help.

Call us today at (844) PITT-DUI to schedule your free initial consultation. Prefer to connect online? Reach out to us via our website, and we’ll get back to you promptly.

Take the first step toward safeguarding your future. Speak with an experienced Mercer criminal lawyer today!