DUI With Accident / Injury

Sentencing enhancements can significantly impact the outcome of your DUI case. The district attorney may increase the severity of the penalties you face, which could include longer jail sentences, higher fines, and a longer period of license suspension. This is why securing a skilled and dedicated Erie criminal lawyer from Logue Law Group is essential to mounting a successful defense.

DUI Accident Sentencing Enhancements

Understanding DUI Accident Penalties

When it comes to DUI accident sentencing enhancements, the consequences can be severe. One of the most significant charges the district attorney may pursue is Aggravated Assault While Under the Influence, classified as a second-degree felony. A conviction under this charge could lead to penalties such as fines of up to $25,000 and prison sentences of up to ten years.

What Does Pennsylvania Law Require?

Pennsylvania DUI laws state that the district attorney must prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the injuries caused were directly linked to the act of drunk driving. Specifically, the injury must result in “serious, permanent disfigurement or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ” to someone other than the accused driver. If this requirement isn’t met, a lesser charge might be issued. Even then, sentencing enhancements can still apply.

Additionally, being over the legal blood alcohol limit isn’t enough on its own to establish that the injury was a consequence of intoxication. Other factors, such as distractions, texting, or negligence at the time of the crash, are considered as part of the process.

Given the serious consequences tied to sentencing enhancements, it’s crucial to work with a knowledgeable, aggressive Erie DUI attorney. Logue Law Group can provide the expert representation you need.

Pennsylvania DUI Accident Penalties and Charges

Strict Enforcement of DUI Laws

Being charged with Driving Under the Influence in Erie county comes with serious legal repercussions. The state’s DUI laws are designed to ensure public safety on streets, highways, and rural roads. Impairment due to alcohol or drugs creates substantial risks, which is why DUI cases are prosecuted to their fullest extent.

For individuals charged with drunk driving, accountability often extends to both criminal and civil realms. If the outcome of an accident involves severe injuries or fatalities, additional charges may follow. These charges can include:

• Manslaughter
• Vehicular homicide
• Assault
• Reckless endangerment

Criminal and Civil Consequences

Criminal penalties associated with DUI cases in Pennsylvania can be particularly harsh. They include license revocation, extended prison sentences, permanent criminal records, and steep fines. On the civil side, offenders may face financial responsibilities for damages, which can cover lost wages, medical bills, emotional distress, property damage, and pain and suffering for accident victims.

Additionally, Pennsylvania law permits the prosecution of drunk drivers on two fronts:

1. One for the DUI offense itself.
2. The second for civil liabilities incurred as a result of the incident.

What Can an Erie Criminal Lawyer Do for You?

If you or someone you love is facing charges related to a DUI accident in Erie county, it’s essential to have an experienced Erie DUI attorney by your side. The lawyers at Logue Law Group specialize in defending such cases, using their extensive training in DUI laws and procedures to identify errors in your arrest or BAC testing. Armed with that knowledge, they build strong defenses that can often lead to reduced charges or even dismissals.

With expertise in serving Erie and its surrounding areas, the Logue Law Group team ensures that clients receive top-tier legal representation. For a free initial consultation with an experienced Erie criminal lawyer, call Logue Law Group today at (844) PITT-DUI, or reach out to us online.

Don’t Delay!

The longer you wait to secure legal representation, the harder it becomes to achieve a favorable outcome in your case. Don’t take chances with your future. Contact the trusted attorneys at Logue Law Group today and take the first step toward protecting your rights and securing the best possible resolution for your case.