DUI With Accident / Injury

In a DUI case, sentencing enhancements play a major role, giving the district attorney the power to increase the penalties you might face. This could mean longer jail sentences, higher fines, and a more extended period without your driver’s license. Because these stakes are so high, it is essential to hire a skilled and determined attorney to defend your rights and navigate these complexities.

DUI Accident Sentencing Enhancements

Let’s take a closer look at what sentencing enhancements involve. One of the most serious accusations a district attorney can bring is Aggravated Assault While Under the Influence, which is classified as a second-degree felony. If you are convicted of this charge, the penalties are severe: fines can reach up to $25,000, and prison time can last up to ten years.

Under Pennsylvania law, the prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that your drunk driving directly caused the injuries in question. The law specifies that the injury must result in “serious, permanent disfigurement or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ” in someone other than the driver. If the prosecution cannot prove this level of injury, the charges may be reduced, but sentencing enhancements can still apply. Additionally, simply being over the legal limit isn’t enough to prove your intoxication caused the injury. Other factors, such as texting, distractions, or inattention, must be ruled out. Given these risks, securing a Harrisburg DUI attorney is vital for your defense.

Pennsylvania DUI Accident Penalties and Charges

DUI charges in Pennsylvania are taken very seriously, and Harrisburg is no exception. The main goal of these laws is to keep streets, highways, and country roads safe for everyone. Operating a vehicle while impaired by drugs or alcohol is considered a major danger, which is why prosecutors pursue these cases with the full force of the law.

Often, those accused of drunk driving face responsibility in both criminal and civil courts for any accidents they cause. If an accident leads to injury or death, the driver will likely face additional, more severe charges. These can include manslaughter, vehicular homicide, assault, reckless endangerment, and other serious offenses. The criminal penalties can be life-altering, including license revocation, long prison terms, a permanent criminal record, and heavy fines. On the civil side, drivers may be liable for damages such as lost wages, emotional distress, medical bills, property damage, and pain and suffering. Pennsylvania law allows for a drunk driver to be prosecuted twice: once for the DUI criminal offense and again for civil liabilities. Navigating this double threat often requires the insight of a Harrisburg federal criminal lawyer if federal jurisdictions or complex legal overlaps come into play.

What Can a Defense Attorney Do for You?

At Logue Law Group, our team has extensive and up-to-date training in DUI laws and legal procedures. We focus on finding mistakes in your arrest process and BAC testing, building a robust defense that frequently results in charges being reduced or even dismissed entirely.

If you or a family member is facing DUI accident charges in or near Harrisburg, you need the help of an experienced Harrisburg DUI attorney. The Logue Criminal Defense team serves Dauphin County and surrounding areas, including West Virginia and Ohio. Don’t wait to get the help you need. To schedule a free initial consultation with a seasoned professional from Logue Law Group, please call us today at 412-387-6901 or contact us online.

Acting quickly is crucial. The longer you wait to seek legal representation, the harder it becomes to secure a positive result for your case. Contact a qualified Harrisburg federal criminal lawyer or DUI specialist at our group today to start building your defense!