DUI-Related Offenses

Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense that can lead to additional charges depending on the circumstances. Incidents like causing an accident, injuring others, damaging property, or attempting to flee elevate the severity of the consequences. The nature of penalties depends on the specifics of the case and increases significantly with multiple offenses. Common charges associated with a DUI in Waynesburg include hit and run, fleeing the police, public intoxication, and violating Pennsylvania’s Implied Consent Law. Exploring these offenses can help you understand the legal repercussions and consult a qualified criminal lawyer or DUI attorney for assistance.

Public Intoxication

What Constitutes Public Intoxication?

Under Pennsylvania law, public intoxication involves being visibly impaired due to alcohol or drug use while in public spaces, in a way that poses a risk to yourself or others. Actions that could lead to public intoxication charges include:

• Annoying others in your vicinity
• Endangering your own safety
• Putting others at risk

A “public place” is any area accessible to the public, even if privately owned, such as community parks, shared spaces in apartment complexes, or gated communities. If your behavior disrupts peace in such areas, you may face charges of public intoxication.

Penalties for Public Intoxication

Public intoxication in Pennsylvania is categorized as a summary offense:

• First offense: A fine of up to $500
• Subsequent offenses: Higher fines up to the legal limit

Hit and Run

Understanding Hit and Run

A hit-and-run occurs when a driver involved in an accident chooses to leave the scene without identifying themselves or assisting affected parties. Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs may flee the scene to avoid immediate arrest, but this decision often worsens the legal situation, for which your Waynesburg DUI attorney may have to go through a lot of elbow grease!

Consequences of a Hit and Run

Judges and prosecutors treat hit-and-run offenses very seriously. Penalties are determined by the specific circumstances of the incident:

• Property Damage

Leaving the scene of an accident resulting in property damage is classified as a third-degree misdemeanor, punishable by:

• Up to one year in prison
• Fines of up to $2,500
• Accidents Causing Injuries

If someone, other than the driver, is injured in the accident, the charge escalates to a third-degree felony, with penalties including:

• Up to seven years in prison
• Fines up to $1,000

A majority of hit-and-run cases start getting serious from this point. So, if you’re facing a hit-and-run charge, remember to appoint a Waynesburg DUI attorney to reduce any further escalation.

• Accidents Resulting in Fatalities

When a hit-and-run leads to a fatality, it is charged as a third-degree felony, carrying:

• Up to seven years of imprisonment
• Fines reaching as high as $2,500

For individuals facing hit-and-run charges, seeking counsel from a skilled Waynesburg DUI attorney is essential to mitigating the impact of these serious allegations.

Fleeing the Police

What is Considered Fleeing?

Fleeing the police occurs when a driver refuses to comply with requests to pull over and attempts to evade law enforcement. Flashing lights, sirens, hand signals, or verbal commands from an officer are considered lawful orders, and ignoring these signals can result in charges of fleeing or eluding. And, if you’ve successfully fled after ignoring the instructions to pull over, convey it to your Waynesburg criminal lawyer immediately, else things might go south very soon!

Penalties for Fleeing

Depending on the circumstances, fleeing the police can lead to severe consequences:

• Base Offense

Disregarding police orders to stop is considered a second-degree misdemeanor with the following penalties:

• A minimum of two years in jail
• Fines of up to $2,000
• Escalated Charges

If the incident includes a high-speed chase, endangers others, crosses state lines, or is linked to drug or alcohol influence, the offense becomes a third-degree felony. Penalties include:

• Up to seven years of imprisonment
• A minimum fine of $15,000
• Driver’s license suspension

If you’ve been charged with fleeing, consult an experienced Waynesburg criminal lawyer to evaluate your case and build a defense.

Implied Consent Law

What Does Pennsylvania’s Implied Consent Law Mean?

Under Pennsylvania’s Implied Consent Law, any licensed driver must agree to undergo chemical testing (blood, breath, urine, or otherwise) if requested by an officer. Field sobriety tests can be declined, but refusing chemical tests triggers significant legal consequences.

Legal Requirements and Penalties

For a refusal charge to hold up in court, the officer must clearly warn the driver of the consequences of declining a test. Without this warning, charges cannot proceed. However, refusal results in:

• First Violation

12-month license suspension

• Subsequent Violations

18-month license suspension

Refusal or noncompliance with the Implied Consent Law complicates your legal standing. Employing an adept Waynesburg DUI attorney is vital to navigating these complexities.

Protect Your Rights with Professional Legal Support

Facing DUI-related offenses can be overwhelming, but with the right legal representation, you can secure the best possible outcome. Sean Logue and his team at Logue Law bring extensive expertise in defending DUI cases. With their fearless approach and dedication to their clients, they advocate effectively for you throughout the legal process.

Contact Logue Law for a free consultation with a Waynesburg criminal lawyer today. Call (844) PITT-DUI or reach out online. Logue Law is proud to serve residents across Waynesburg, Pennsylvania. Take control of your case with trusted guidance and unwavering support.