It has very many names, but generally Driving Under the
Influence, Drunk Driving, Driving While Intoxicated is a very serious
matter. State law varies as does the name of the offense. However, the
common factor is that it is a serious offence and is obviously against
the law. DUI can seriously injure or kill. In Pennsylvania there are
some very common questions regarding this situation and any specialist
attorney in this field will be able to answer them.
"How serious
is it?" Hundreds of Pennsylvanians are killed each year due to DUI and
although most of these deaths are of the intoxicated driver,
unfortunately many involve the death of an innocent party- someone who
was in the wrong place at the wrong time when the driver decided to
drive whilst intoxicated. As well as the physical injuries that occur
from an accident while DUI, there are often serious mental and emotional
issues as a result and many victims never fully recover from these.
"What
can it effect?" In Pennsylvania, being convicted of a DUI can have much
more of an effect than just your driving license.For example it can
actually effect your rights and privilege to go hunting and buying any
kind of firearm, which is a right under the constitution. Also, you will
find that you will be unable legally to actually carry a firearm and
obviously it will effect your car insurance as well as your privilege to
drive or hire any motor vehicle.
"Which is the safest liquor to
drink to excess?" - well, let's just say, none of them.If you must drink
to excess, leave the car and your car keys at home. There is no risk of
you being convicted of a DUI this way. Different types of drink contain
differing levels of alcohol (also known as "proof" - the higher the
proof, the more alcohol in it). Hard liquor is a higher proof than wine
or beer, meaning it wont take as much to get you intoxicated.
"Is
imprisonment the only sentence?" Fortunately, no. However as it is a
serious offence there will be penalties. A judge hearing your case may
decide there were mitigating circumstances and give you an alternative
penalty.It depends on the seriousness of the offence. If you have
injured or killed someone or it is NOT your first time then you may not
be so fortunate. If you are given an alternative it is likely to be a
rehabilitation program, but this will result in a shorter licence
suspension period.
"Should I get an attorney if charged with DUI?"
In Pennsylvania you are required to hire an attorney for this charge
and you would be best to get one as soon as possible after being
charged. This is very important as the state laws for DUI are very
strictly enforced. A good Philadelphia DUI attorney may well be your
only chance of avoiding or reducing any penalties or jail time you may
be looking at.
About the Author
Joe Mitchell is Philadelphia's Harvard lawyer specializing
out of his offices across from City Hall on Personal Injury, Criminal
Defense and dui attorney philadelphia cases. Skillful representation for before the accused and the injured.