DUI Accidents and Fatalities

 DUI Accidents Can Affect Others & Increase DUI Penalties

Driving under the influence is often defined as driving under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or both types of substances. Regardless of the substance used in an offense, driving under the influence has the potential to cause serious injuries and extensive property damage. In most states, DUI (or DWI as it is called in some states) is charged as a misdemeanor. However, this can change if aggravating factors are present or if an offender has had multiple convictions within a specific time period. Aggravating factors can include injuries or property damage caused by DUI accidents, having a child in the vehicle while an offense is being committed, and having a blood alcohol concentration level that is considered extremely high. Knowing the consequences of DUI accidents can help you to better understand DUI law and help you avoid serious criminal charges.

 DUI Accidents & Bodily Injuries

In many states, special provisions exist in the DUI laws that allow judges to impose harsher penalties for offenders who have caused bodily injuries as a result of their DUI accidents. These bodily injuries are often serious and can include broken bones, collapsed lungs, and even paralysis in the most serious accidents. These increased penalties make it possible for offenders to receive longer jail terms, increased fines, longer probationary periods, longer license suspension or revocation periods, and increased requirements for insurance and alcohol treatment and evaluation. These increased penalties are in place to deter drivers from driving under the influence and keep the roads safer from DUI accidents.

 DUI Accidents & Fatalities

Some states have provisions that allow prosecutors to charge drivers with vehicular manslaughter and driving under the influence if any fatalities occur as a result of an accident caused by a driver who was too impaired to remain in control of his or her vehicle. Many factors can influence how a DUI offense is charged including blood alcohol concentration levels, other crimes committed during the same offense, prior DUI convictions, and other circumstances.

 DUI Accidents & Criminal Charges

If you are arrested for DUI, you will be charged with driving under the influence. This is a criminal offense and you will need to go through a criminal trial where a prosecutor will attempt to show that you are guilty of the crime. If you are convicted, you can face a number of penalties that will depend on the state you live in and any special circumstances.

 DUI Accidents & Administrative Penalties

When you are arrested for driving under the influence, you will experience administrative penalties through your state driver licensing services agency. In some states, this is known as the Department of Motor Vehicles. Some states offer a hearing process that allows you to try to get your license back until your trial, but this can be a difficult task to accomplish. Hiring a qualified attorney who specializes in DUI cases may be your only chance for getting your license back if it is an option in your state. A skilled attorney can represent you during administrative proceedings and speak on your behalf.

 DUI Accidents & Criminal Penalties

The criminal penalties for driving under the influence can vary widely from state to state. Most states can impose penalties that include jail time, fines, court costs, probation, suspension of driving privileges, revocation of driving privileges, ignition interlock device installation, alcohol and drug education programs, and additional insurance requirements for DUI offenders. These penalties are imposed based on many factors including prior convictions, aggravating circumstances, and other information from each individual case. Some states are stricter than other when it comes to imposing penalties for driving under the influence convictions. A first offense in one state may get an offender some community service time, a license suspension, and mandatory participation in an alcohol education program while a first offender in another state may spend several days in jail, have a longer license suspension period, and have to attend more alcohol education classes. The penalties for driving under the influence begin at the first offense and escalate as an offender accumulates additional convictions.

 DUI Accidents & DUI Attorneys

Hiring an attorney who specializes in DUI cases is one of the best things you can do if you have been charged with driving under the influence. You’ll have better access to the resources you need to defend yourself and you’ll also have a legal professional on your side that can help you prepare for your criminal trial. No case is ever a sure thing, but having a DUI lawyer on your side is one of the best ways to achieve a successful outcome.

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