DUI Related Offenses

Driving under the influence is a serious charge with potentially severe consequences, especially if it involves additional offenses. When accidents, injuries, property damage, or attempts to escape the scene are involved, the implications of a DUI become much more severe. The charges and penalties a driver may face depend on the specifics of the incident, and penalties become harsher with multiple offenses. Here are some common charges associated with DUI:

Public Intoxication

In Pennsylvania, it’s illegal to be visibly drunk or under the influence in public areas in a way that poses a danger to oneself or others. Public intoxication can include:

• Annoying others
• Endangering yourself
• Endangering others

A “public place” includes any area accessible to the general public, even if it’s privately owned but open, like gated communities or public areas in apartment complexes. Causing a disturbance in these locations can lead to a charge of public intoxication.

Public intoxication in Pennsylvania is classified as a summary offense and may result in fines up to $500. Repeated offenses can lead to higher fines.

Hit and Run

When a driver causes an accident while under the influence, panic might lead them to flee the scene to avoid arrest—a crime known as hit and run. This is a serious offense with significant penalties.

The severity of a hit and run charge, whether it’s a felony or misdemeanor, depends on the details of the case. If only property damage is involved, it’s considered a third-degree misdemeanor, which could lead to up to one year in jail and fines up to $2,500.

If the accident causes injury to someone other than the driver, the charge escalates to a third-degree felony, carrying penalties of up to seven years in prison and fines as high as $1,000.

If a fatality results and the driver flees, the charge remains a third-degree felony, but with potential penalties including up to seven years in prison and fines as high as $2,500.

Fleeing the Police

Hearing sirens and seeing flashing lights after causing an accident can be terrifying, especially if drugs or alcohol were involved. However, fleeing and initiating a high-speed chase results in serious charges.

Even without an accident, failing to stop when signaled by a police officer can lead to charges of eluding the police. Signals may include hand gestures, vocal commands, sirens, and emergency lights. Ignoring these can result in charges of fleeing and eluding the police.

Typically, fleeing the police is classified as a second-degree misdemeanor with a minimum two-year jail sentence and potential fines up to $2,000. If a high-speed chase ensues that endangers others, crosses state lines, or involves an impaired driver, it becomes a third-degree felony, punishable by up to seven years in prison and fines starting at $15,000. Additionally, this offense may lead to a driver’s license suspension.

Implied Consent Law

Pennsylvania’s Implied Consent Law requires anyone with a driver’s license to submit to blood, breath, urine, or chemical testing if requested by an officer. While roadside sobriety tests can be declined, refusal of other tests is not optional unless the officer fails to provide a warning about the consequences of refusal. Without a warning, prosecution may not proceed, but repeated refusals can lead to an 18-month license suspension.

If you’re facing any of these charges, it’s crucial to contact a Greensburg DUI attorney familiar with DUI law and procedures. Sean Logue and his team at Logue Law Group are Greensburg criminal attorneys in Greensburg, ready to defend your case. They will challenge the prosecution to achieve the best possible outcome. For a free consultation, contact them at (844) PITT-DUI or (844) 748-8384, or reach out online. Logue Law serves Greensburg, Ohio, and West Virginia, providing strong advocacy and dedicated support.