If you are facing charges of killing someone in a drunk driving accident in Pennsylvania, you could be looking at significant legal penalties. You could face three to 10 years in jail plus a $25,000 fine for each person who lost their life if convicted of the charges.
Homicide by Vehicle While Driving Under the Influence
In Pennsylvania, you can be convicted of “homicide by vehicle” if you were driving under the influence and your impaired driving led to another person’s death. See Pennsylvania Code Title 75 § 3735.
The Commonwealth must present clear evidence that your DUI directly contributed to the victim’s death. The Commonwealth must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
A lawyer may be able to help you. McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., focuses on defending clients in DUI cases. DUI attorney David McKenzie represents people accused of DUI, including those involved in fatal accidents. Our team will review your case and let you know how we can help. To schedule your case evaluation today, call our office at 610-680-7842.
The Penalties for Homicide by Vehicle
A conviction for killing another person while driving under the influence in Pennsylvania could lead to a long jail term and an oppressive fine.
The minimum sentence is three years in prison for each loss of life. That is, if the accident resulted in, say, three deaths, you are looking at a minimum of nine years in prison. The maximum jail term per loss of life is 10 years. You also face a fine of up to $25,000 for each loss of life.
In addition, you could end up with a felony conviction on your record. This can haunt you for the rest of your life, even after you complete your sentence.
With a felony conviction in Pennsylvania, you may have trouble:
- Registering to vote
- Buying a firearm
- Passing a background check for a job
- Renting an apartment
- Joining the military
- Obtaining a student loan to go to college
With so much to lose, we recommend calling a lawyer right away. To speak with a criminal defense lawyer at McKenzie Law Firm, P.C. about your case, call 610-680-7842.
How a DUI Defense Lawyer From McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., Can Help
In a homicide by vehicle case, as in all criminal cases, the burden of proof rests with the prosecution. They must prove several things beyond a reasonable doubt to get a conviction:
- You were driving under the influence at the time of the accident.
- Your impaired state caused or was a significant contributing factor in the victim’s death.
McKenzie Law Firm, P.C. can help you build a defense that fights the Commonwealth’s charges. To do this, our firm carries out a thorough investigation of your accident. We collect evidence and identify weaknesses in the Commonwealth’s case against you.
For example:
- The arresting officer did not follow proper protocol when testing your blood alcohol level.
- The device used to measure your blood alcohol level was not properly calibrated.
- The crash that led to the victim’s death was unavoidable, regardless of your level of intoxication.
- Your intoxication did not cause the victim’s death.
To discuss your case with a criminal defense lawyer at McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., call 610-680-7842.
Call McKenzie Law Firm, P.C. If You Are Facing Charges for Killing Someone While Driving Drunk in Pennsylvania
Our law firm provides comprehensive criminal defense representation. David McKenzie is a former prosecutor who puts his insider knowledge of the criminal justice system to work for you if you are facing charges of homicide by vehicle.
We have a 10/10 AVVO rating and a 5-Star Google rating. We serve clients in Montgomery County and nearby communities, including Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, and Berks County.
If you are accused of killing another person in a DUI accident, McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., can help. We can represent you and build a defense on your behalf.
To get a free case evaluation, call us today at 610-680-7842.
