DUI Involving an Accident
Driving under the influence (DUI) is one of the most dangerous and reckless acts a motorist can attempt,
which is why law enforcement is quick to make arrests for DUI. The reason
why drunk drivers are so actively sought and arrested by law enforcement
is because intoxicated drivers are much more likely to cause an accident
and therefore serious injury or death than other drivers. The ratio of
fatalities to drunk driving accidents is much higher compared with the
ratio of fatalities to any other car accident. If you have been arrested
for DUI after causing an accident while intoxicated, the penalties can
be much more serious than a simple DUI charge.
DUI with Injury
Very few DUI accidents occur without causing injury. Anyone who is arrested
for DUI and caused injury or damages to an innocent victim could be required
to pay for those damages and face a fine of up to $1,000 and a jail sentence
of up to a year. If serious bodily injury occurs that threatens the victim's
life or causes lasting impairment, the offense is a felony and the penalty
increases to a fine of up to $5,000 and up to 5 years in state prison.
DUI Manslaughter
The worst of all DUI accidents are those that result in a fatality. Unfortunately,
these cases are much more common than they should be. Individuals who
are found guilty of DUI manslaughter will be charged with a felony and
could face up to $10,000 in fines and a prison sentence of up to 30 years.
The individual's driver's license could also be suspended for
life. These cases require the best defense representation available.