A Pennsylvania DUI all by itself is a serious legal matter which involves severe penalties upon a conviction. Where impaired driving results in a traffic accident which injures or kills another, the matter becomes even more urgent. You will be subject to enhanced criminal charges with heavier penalties which is why it is crucial that you seek experienced legal help. The Law Offices of Steven Kellis is a DUI defense firm serving men and women throughout the state with competent and dedicated legal representation. The firm is devoted solely to DUI defense; that singular concentration in this complex legal field means that your case will have the benefit of handling by an attorney who has gained exclusive knowledge, training, and experience in this practice area.
Attorney Steven Kellis has practiced DUI defense for more than 20 years. His former experience as a DUI prosecutor adds to his command of how to defend those accused of all types of DUI. Mr. Kellis has conducted hundreds of jury trials in courts throughout the state and has a thorough understanding of how to investigate, what to look for, how to deconstruct state’s evidence, and build a strong defense. When it comes to a DUI involving an accident, that is the kind of competence and attention to detail that you will want to help minimize the consequences.
Enhanced Criminal Charges Connected with DUI
If you have been found to injure or kill another in connection with a DUI, you may be charged with additional criminal charges such as:
- Simple or aggravated assault
- Reckless endangerment
- Manslaughter
- Vehicular homicide
These may be felony charges with penalties that can include lengthy prison sentences and hefty fines. According to Pennsylvania Vehicle Code Section 3735.1, a serious bodily injury which can result in a second-degree aggravated assault felony charge is defined as one which creates a “substantial risk of death or which causes serious, permanent disfigurement or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ.” A conviction of this charge carries a maximum sentence of up to 10 years in prison and a $25,000 fine.
A DUI vehicular homicide is also a second-degree felony in Pennsylvania. If you are convicted of this charge, you face a minimum mandatory sentence of three years in prison for each person who died in the accident as well as a fine of up to $25,000. In both of these cases, a felony conviction is a serious blight on your record which can limit future opportunities ranging from employment to credit and housing.
Civil Charges in Cases of DUI-Related Accidents
In addition to enhanced criminal charges, a DUI-related accident may also result in civil charges being brought against you by accident victims or their survivors. These civil court cases by victims will seek settlements for personal injury or wrongful death.
Get Legal Help
Because of the severe consequences connected with any DUI accident, you should enlist the services of a proven DUI defense attorney as soon as possible. The Law Offices of Steven Kellis offers a free case evaluation so that you can discuss your case directly, learn what you are up against, and what can be done in your defense. Contact the firm at to get started today.