In case of driving under the influence (DUI) where another person is injured, the severity of charges escalates significantly. This article provides insights into such situations and the potential consequences. If you need help from an Anaheim DUI lawyer, contact Chambers Law Firm at 714-760-4088 for a free legal consultation.
The Gravity of Drunk Driving in the U.S.: An Anaheim DUI Lawyer Explains
According to the Centers for Disease Control, DUI-related incidents claimed nearly 10,000 lives in 2019, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states that every two minutes, someone is hurt in a drunk driving mishap. Clearly, driving under the influence is a serious concern, causing countless injuries and fatalities on American roads.
While ideally, no one should ever drive while impaired, there are unfortunate instances where people make poor decisions, leading to significant impacts on themselves and others.
Potential Consequences When DUI Leads to Injuries
If you are the only one injured in a drunk-driving incident, the charges will typically fall under a standard DUI. Several factors, including the level of intoxication, presence of other ‘enhancement’ conditions, and your DUI history, determine the charges. Typically, first-time DUI offenses without enhancements are charged as misdemeanors. However, an experienced Anaheim DUI lawyer can often negotiate for reduced charges or even a dismissal.
If your drunk-driving results in injuries to others, such as passengers, pedestrians, or individuals in other vehicles, the charges escalate to ‘DUI causing injury.’ This charge can be either a misdemeanor or a felony, based on the prosecutor’s decision. The state needs to prove violation of DUI laws, commission of another unlawful act or negligence, and the resultant injury to another person. A conviction under this charge generally leads to more severe penalties than a regular DUI conviction. The specific penalty depends on the case details, including the seriousness of the injury and the presence of other contributing factors.
Consequences When DUI Leads to Fatality
If a fatality results from your drunk driving, the prosecutor may opt to charge you with vehicular manslaughter, gross vehicular manslaughter, or DUI murder (also known as Watson murder). The choice of charge depends on factors such as any previous DUI offense, the degree of negligence involved, and your level of intoxication or impairment at the time of driving. While vehicular manslaughter can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony, DUI murder is invariably a felony charge.
Legal Assistance for DUI Charges Involving Injuries or Death
If you face DUI charges involving injury or death to another person, you’ll need skilled, experienced legal representation. An Anaheim DUI lawyer can protect your legal rights, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and build a robust defense strategy. To learn how Chambers Law Firm can assist you if you have been charged with a DUI causing injury, vehicular manslaughter, or DUI murder, contact us at 714-760-4088 or via email. Your initial consultation is always free.
