DUI Lawyer in Pittsburgh, PA

Leaving the Scene of an Accident

According to Pennsylvania State laws, drivers must legally stop and check on the other drivers if they are involved in an automobile accident. They must not leave and come back; they must stop immediately after the incident and call appropriate medical help and police to come to the scene of the accident. Additionally the driver is required to stay at the scene until appropriate parties arrive and until all the necessary information has been recorded.

Anyone who fails to stop at an accident will be charged with a misdemeanor if no one was harmed. If individuals were injured due to the accident, it is considered a third degree felony and the penalties include 90 days in jail and a minimum fine of $1,000. Should the victim have died, the driver must spend at least one year with a maximum of 7 years in prison and pay a minimum of $2,500 in fines. Hit and run accidents are already a serious offense, but those that are under the influence of alcohol and leave the scene of an accident are subject to much worse consequences. It is essential that if you have been accused of a DUI hit and run accident that you seek comprehensive legal help immediately.

Consequences Involved

Those that are found to be guilty of driving drunk, getting in an accident and then leaving without checking on the other drivers faces significant penalties. If any individuals involved were killed as a result of the hit and run, the minimum prison sentence is three years and could be as long as 10 years. This is due to the new Pennsylvania House Bill 208 which was approved in 2012 due to an increase in hit and run accidents throughout Pittsburgh. This comes with an effort to enforce greater penalties and convict those suspected of DUI related crimes.

With that being said, there are many individuals who do not deserve these types of harsh consequences or are completely innocent. It is our firm's desire to see that justice prevails by protecting each of our client's rights.

Aggressive and Experienced Legal Help

We aim to guide each individual through the legal process, allowing for evidence to be accumulated and for witnesses to testify on their behalf. Our knowledgeable firm will not relent until the case is closed and we will do all that we can to produce the results you deserve. With the assistance of a former prosecutor and a highly qualified Pittsburgh criminal defense attorney, clients can rest easier knowing that we will not place their case to the wayside. Instead Attorney Blaine Jones and the rest of our legal team will work tirelessly to create a solid defense that works in your best interests. 

Contact our office today to learn more about how you can receive a free consultation.