A person can be charged with a felony DUI if a person (other than the driver) was injured or killed due to an automobile accident while DUI. Even the slightest injury can result in a DUI felony charge. The injured victim could be a passenger in your vehicle, a person in another vehicle, a person on a bicycle or a pedestrian on the sidewalk or street.
A DUI Felony conviction can mean a fine of up to $5,000, a DUI suspended driver’s license for up to one year and up to six months in jail. If you have been charged for a DUI with Injuries contact the experienced DUI attorneys at SMT Legal right away.
Aggravated Assault by Vehicle
If a driver is suspected of DUI and is found to have recklessly endangered someone’s life – a passenger or other persons in another vehicle – he or she can also be charged with aggravated assault by vehicle, a second-degree felony. An Aggravated Assault by Vehicle conviction can include up to ten years in prison and up to a $25,000 fine, among many other tough penalties.
Vehicular Homicide
If a person is killed at the scene of the accident, a suspected DUI driver can be charged with DUI Homicide, a second-degree felony. If the DUI resulted in the death of someone, a convicted person faces a minimum of three years in prison and up to $25,000 in fines. A DUI felony is a very serious conviction that can have lasting and detrimental consequences to your future.
In order to be convicted of a DUI homicide, you MUST be found guilty of the DUI. The DUI portion of the crime is crucial to your case. There are many ways a strong defense team can disprove evidence and police reports. An experienced attorney will review the facts specific to your case and work tirelessly to disprove evidence to get the DUI charges dropped.
Understanding Your Rights and Fighting DUI Felony Charges
If you have been charged with a DUI Felony, DUI Aggravated Assault or DUI Homicide, contact our experienced Pittsburgh DUI attorneys as soon as possible.
If you were charged with committing homicide while driving under the influence of alcohol or another controlled substance, no doubt you feel remorseful, overwhelmed and fearful for your future and the future of your family. One bad mistake can mean being sent to prison, losing your job, and dealing with many obstacles for a long time to come.
Facing a homicide charge is a very scary thing. But it is important to remember that until proven guilty, you still have rights. Even if you are found to be guilty, an experienced dui attorney who fully understands the Pennsylvania legal system can work to try to have the sentencing drastically reduced.
We know that people make mistakes and that sometimes people are not even guilty of the crimes they are charged with – that is why we fight hard for our clients to ensure every protection available under the law.
At SMT Legal we understand the challenges you face, but we also will fight aggressively for your freedom. We will closely investigate all evidence, police reports and talk to any witnesses that may be helpful in fighting for your liberties.
If the police did not follow proper procedures or you it may be possible to have your entire case dismissed and off your record. In addition to having a case dismissed, there are many different ways to plea a case and have your sentencing reduced. Our Pittsburgh DUI attorneys will take into account every possible factor in order to have your sentencing reduced and your license reinstated as soon as possible. Contact SMT Legal for a free evaluation of your case.
At SMT Legal, we are experienced and aggressive, yet compassionate DUI attorneys and homicide attorneys. We will work to defend your rights and protect your freedom.