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DUI Cases with Injury in Waynesburg, PA
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs puts you at significant risk. It also endangers the lives of every other person on the road, whether they are walking or driving. In Pennsylvania, a DUI offense is taken very seriously, and when an injury is involved, the consequences can be even more severe. In this situation, it is crucial to seek legal assistance from a knowledgeable defense attorney.
In Pennsylvania, the law distinguishes between different levels of injury resulting from a DUI incident. The severity of the injury directly impacts the charges and potential penalties. Understanding these distinctions is the first step in building a strong defense.
How Pennsylvania Law Defines DUI-Related Injuries
The legal code in Pennsylvania categorizes injuries sustained in a DUI-related accident into several types, which determines the gravity of the charges. A Waynesburg criminal lawyer can help you understand the specifics of your case. The two primary categories are:
- Minor Bodily Injury: This includes physical pain, illness, or any impairment of a person’s physical condition. Even injuries that seem minor at first can lead to serious charges.
- Serious Bodily Injury: This is defined as an injury that creates a substantial risk of death, causes serious and permanent disfigurement, or results in the prolonged loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ.
If you find yourself facing charges for a DUI that involves any level of physical injury in Greene County, it is essential to contact a Waynesburg DUI attorney immediately. At Mountaineer Criminal Law Group, we can take charge of your case, aiming to reduce the charges or even have them dismissed entirely.
The Process of Detecting and Charging Bodily Injuries
When an accident involves a driver suspected of a DUI, the prosecution’s first priority is to collect medical reports for everyone injured. These reports are used to prove that the impaired driver created a risk to others on the road. If the driver who is suspected of a DUI also sustains injuries, the authorities may have to wait before making an arrest and filing charges.
Once the driver is medically stable and has been released from the hospital, they will likely face charges for DUI with injury. If you or a loved one is involved in a similar accident, you should not wait to take action. The most important first step is to hire a Waynesburg DUI attorney. We can manage the legal aspects of your case while you focus on your recovery, giving you peace of mind during a stressful time.
Penalties for a DUI with Injury in Pennsylvania
The penalties for a DUI case involving injury are determined by the severity of that injury. The consequences can range from misdemeanors to felonies, each carrying significant penalties. The potential penalties for a DUI with injury are:
- DUI with Minor Injury: A conviction can lead to mandatory jail time, substantial fines ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars, and a lengthy driver’s license suspension.
- DUI with Serious Bodily Injury: This is often charged as a felony, which carries much more severe punishments. You could face a minimum of two years in prison, with a potential maximum of up to 10 years. Fines can range from $1,000 to $3,000 or more, depending on the specifics of the case.
- Death Resulting from DUI: If a person who sustains serious injuries in the accident dies as a result, you could be convicted of homicide by vehicle while DUI, a felony offense with severe mandatory sentencing.
Contact a Waynesburg DUI Attorney Today
As you can see, the consequences of a DUI with injury are incredibly serious. If you are facing these types of charges, you could be looking at a long prison sentence and crippling fines. It is vital to seek experienced legal representation. Turn to a knowledgeable Waynesburg DUI attorney from Mountaineer Criminal Law Group. Our legal team has a wide range of experience handling complex DUI cases and will represent you effectively in court, helping you navigate this difficult situation. Call us for a (304) 381-3656 consultation today to protect your future.