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, with the additional offense of child endangerment. This separate charge carries its own severe penalties.

Consequences of a DUI With Child

Endangerment Charges

A DUI conviction can have far-reaching consequences, particularly for professionals. It can lead to disciplinary action, jeopardize professional licenses, and even result in job loss. The impact on employment can be significant, such as being unable to drive to work due to a DUI-related license suspension or facing a strict policy on driving under the influence from your employer. The situation worsens when child endangerment charges are involved, especially if you work with children. This can permanently bar you from working in certain fields. Examples of occupations include:

• Sports coaches
• Daycare workers
• Bus drivers
• Teachers

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 could lead to a prolonged fight to retain custody of your child and their siblings.

DUI With Child Endangerment Penalties

Pennsylvania has strict laws when it comes to DUI with child endangerment. If you’re a first-time offender, you could face 100 hours of community service and a fine of $1,000 or more. For second-time offenses, the penalties include jail time of one to six months and a fine of at least $2,500. If you get convicted for the third or subsequent time, you could spend six months to two years behind bars.

On top of that, the typical DUI penalties still apply. This means you may need to install and use an ignition interlock device, breathing into it each time you start your vehicle. You’ll also be subjected to hefty fines, potential jail time, and the loss of work hours. It’s possible that your license may even be fully suspended, leaving you dependent on others for transportation.

Dealing with Pennsylvania’s intricate DUI laws and court system can be overwhelming. But here’s the good news – you don’t have to go through it alone. By hiring an experienced Butler PA criminal attorney, you can greatly improve your chances of a favorable outcome. Trying to represent yourself will likely result in harsher penalties and unfavorable results. Remember, your chosen attorney will need all the facts to build a strong defense, so don’t hesitate to share comprehensive details with them.

If you’re currently facing DUI charges combined with child endangerment, consider seeking help from the Logue Criminal Defense team. They proudly serve Butler, PA, as well as West Virginia and Ohio. Get in touch with them today for a free initial consultation with a knowledgeable Butler PA DUI lawyer at 844.PITT.DUI or (412) 389-0805. Alternatively, you can reach out to them through their website.

Keep in mind that time is of the essence. The sooner you secure legal representation, the better your chances of achieving the positive outcome you desire and deserve. Don’t wait – take action now!