DUI Related Offenses

Driving under the influence (DUI) is already a severe accusation, but it rarely comes alone. If a driver is involved in a crash, hurts someone, breaks property, or tries to run away, the situation gets much worse. The specific charges depend on exactly what happened, and penalties get tougher if there are multiple offenses. Common charges linked to DUIs include hit and run, escaping from law enforcement, public intoxication, and issues with implied consent.

Public Intoxication

In Pennsylvania, it is illegal to appear in public while noticeably drunk or under the influence of substances to the point where you might hurt yourself or others. Public intoxication is defined by specific behaviors, such as:

• Being annoying to people nearby
• Putting your own safety at risk
• Putting other people’s safety at risk

Under the law, a “public place” includes any spot the general public can enter, even if it is privately owned—like apartment complex common areas or gated communities. If you cause a scene in these places, you could face a charge for public intoxication.

In Pennsylvania, this is usually a summary offense carrying a fine of up to $500. However, if you have faced this charge before, the fines can increase. If you are dealing with these complex legal matters, speaking with a Harrisburg federal criminal lawyer can help clarify your options.

Hit and Run

When someone realizes they caused an accident while using drugs or alcohol, panic often sets in. The fear of being arrested might push a driver to flee the scene to escape consequences. This is called a “hit and run,” and it actually leads to much harsher penalties. Prosecutors and judges treat this offense with extreme seriousness.

Whether a hit and run is a felony or a misdemeanor depends on the details. If the crash only resulted in property damage, it is generally a third-degree misdemeanor. This can lead to one year of imprisonment and fines reaching $2,500.

However, if someone other than the driver is injured, the charge upgrades to a third-degree felony. This carries a potential sentence of up to seven years in prison and fines of at least $1,000. It is vital to consult a Harrisburg DUI attorney to understand these severe implications.

In the worst-case scenarios involving a fatality where the driver flees, it remains a third-degree felony. A conviction here can mean a mandatory jail term of up to seven years and fines climbing to $2,500.

Fleeing the Police

Seeing flashing lights and hearing sirens after causing an accident is terrifying. Many drivers panic and try to run, especially if they believe alcohol or drugs caused the crash. However, running away or starting a high-speed chase leads to charges of fleeing the police. Law enforcement, judges, and prosecutors in Dauphin County take this offense very seriously.

Even without an accident, failing to stop when an officer signals you is a crime called eluding the police. In Pennsylvania, a signal can be a hand motion, voice command, or emergency lights and sirens. Ignoring any of these can lead to charges.

Usually, fleeing is a second-degree misdemeanor with a minimum two-year jail sentence and fines up to $2,000. But if the escape turns into a dangerous high-speed chase, crosses state lines, or involves substance influence, it becomes a third-degree felony. This can mean seven years in prison and a minimum fine of $15,000. An experienced Harrisburg federal criminal lawyer is essential for defense in these high-stakes situations.

Beyond prison and fines, fleeing the police can also lead to your driver’s license being suspended.

Implied Consent Law

Pennsylvania’s Implied Consent Law states that any licensed driver effectively agrees to chemical testing—breath, blood, or urine—if an officer requests it. While you can refuse the roadside sobriety physical tests, you generally cannot refuse chemical testing without consequence.

However, before charging you, prosecutors must prove the officer warned you about what happens if you refuse. If they didn’t warn you, the charge might not stick. Repeated refusals, however, lead to an 18-month license suspension. A skilled Harrisburg DUI attorney can examine if proper procedures were followed.

If you are facing any of these serious allegations, it is critical to hire a legal expert who knows DUI laws inside and out. Sean Logue and his team at Logue Law Group are well-known criminal defense experts ready to handle your case. They will challenge the prosecution and fight for the best result possible. Contact our Harrisburg federal criminal lawyer for a free initial consultation at 412-387-6901 or reach out online. Logue Law Group serves Harrisburg, Ohio, and West Virginia with strong advocacy.