Driving under the influence is a serious offense in Pennsylvania, but it becomes even more severe when a minor is present in the car. Being charged with a DUI is a stressful experience, but having a child in the car can make it doubly worrisome. If you are in West Chester PA and you were caught driving under the influence with a child in the car, what exactly are the consequences you will face?
First and foremost, driving under the influence with a minor in the vehicle is a serious crime in Pennsylvania. It is considered as an additional offense on top of the DUI itself. A DUI with a minor in the vehicle is considered a child endangerment crime, which means you can face much harsher penalties. The penalties depend on the degree of the offense, such as the age of the child, whether they were hurt in the incident, and your blood alcohol level.
Second, the severity of the charges you’ll face will depend on a variety of factors. For example, you could be charged with a First-degree misdemeanor if your blood alcohol concentration is between 0.02% and 0.159%, and you had a child passenger in the car. However, if you have a higher blood alcohol concentration or have previously had a DUI or have already been convicted of a child endangerment crime, you could face a Second or Third-degree felony charge.
Third, the penalties for violating Child Endangerment statutes in Pennsylvania are severe. If you were driving under the influence and had a child passenger in the car, you could face a fine of up to $10,000, serve up to seven years in prison, or both. Additionally, if you are a repeat offender, it is remarkably likely that you will lose your driving privileges altogether. Losing your driving privilege will make it increasingly difficult to get to and from work, which can lead to further legal sanctions.
Fourth, you will need a competent DUI attorney immediately if you find yourself guilty of these types of charges. The severity of your violation and the potential legal outcomes of a criminal conviction can be life-changing. A good attorney will do everything in their power to mitigate the potential consequences of your case and, if possible, attempt to have your charges dropped.
Fifth, one possible outcome of a DUI with a minor in the vehicle is participation in a rehabilitative program, specifically designed to aid offenders in adapting to the consequences of their abuse of alcohol or drugs. Depending on the circumstances, an attorney might be able to persuade the court to allow you to receive treatment instead of facing incarceration or other penalties.
It is essential to take DUI charges with a minor in the vehicle seriously, as the consequences can be severe. The most effective way to reduce the potential penalties is to find a competent DUI attorney who will thoroughly examine your case. An experienced lawyer will work diligently to protect your rights and future, and can reduce or remove the additional Child Endangerment fines and penalties. Consequently, it is crucial to understand the possible ramifications of driving under the influence with a minor in the vehicle.
You need more than just one good DUI lawyer. You need the best. You need a team of experienced DUI lawyers fighting for you. Contact Lee Ciccarelli, and his team of West Chester, Pennsylvania DUI lawyers.
Watch out. There’s a lot of former prosecutors boasting about their experience: experience putting people just like you behind bars. Instead, look to Lee Ciccarelli and his team with nearly 100 years of experience fighting for clients facing the penalties of a DUI.
Contact Chester County DUI Defense Attorney
It may be possible to fight your Pennsylvania DUI charge and win, but you’ll never know if you plead guilty without first exploring your options. Ciccarelli Law Offices can review your case to determine whether the local Pennsylvania district attorney’s case has weaknesses that are open to challenge. We will prepare each case as though it is going to trial to insure preparation and thorough understanding and will take the case to trial if you are not satisfied with the resolution that is offered. We strive to be zealous advocates and always try to obtain the best results for our clients.
We are based in West Chester PA (Chester County) in Suburban Philadelphia and represent individuals charged with Drunk Driving, DUI, Driving After Imbibing cases Throughout Pennsylvania including but not limited to Philadelphia, Lancaster, Allentown, Oxford Exton Phoenixville Parkesburg Malvern Coatesville Lionville Chesterbrook Devon Newtown Square Glen Mills Pottstown Downingtown Kennett Square King of Prussia Paoli and beyond.
You deserve a West Chester Pennsylvania DUI lawyer that is available when you need him, treats you with respect, and protects your rights vigorously. For more information or to schedule an appointment with an experienced Pennsylvania DUI Attorney at Ciccarelli Law Offices, by contacting us at (610) 692-8700 or toll free at (877) 529-2422.