It is always a bad idea to drive under the influence of alcohol but this choice becomes even more troubling when there are children in the car.  Sadly, the practice of driving while under the influence of alcohol with children in the car is far more common than many would assume.  A study conducted by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that over 2,300 children died in DUI/DWI related car accidents during the 5 year term of the study.  The study further revealed that almost 70 percent of children who suffered fatalities were in the vehicle driven by the driver who was impaired by alcohol or drugs.  Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that motor vehicle accidents are the number one cause of death for children between the ages of 2-14 with almost half of the children being injured in alcohol related accidents.

Pennsylvania law provides enhanced penalties and prohibits participation in Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) Pennsylvania’s diversion program for first time DUI offenders.  Prosecutors and judges take DUI/DWI cases with a child in the car very seriously.  The lack of an option of participating in ARD increases the odds that a person who is arrested for a first time DUI offense in Pennsylvania will face a DUI conviction, jail time and increased fines.  Prosecutors are less inclined to negotiate as favorable a disposition in these cases so it is essential that you have an experienced Pennsylvania DUI lawyer if you have been charged with a DUI and had a child under 14 in your vehicle.

We know that many people arrested for DUI with a child in the car are ordinary people who simply make an error in judgement.  It is essential to have an experienced Pennsylvania DUI defense attorney who can communicate this effectively with the prosecutor.  Because having a child under 14 in the car when you are arrested for a first time DUI offense may disqualify you from participation in ARD, it is essential to have a Pennsylvania DUI defense attorney who has handled hundreds of DUI cases because there are many viable defenses that may be used to get your charges reduced to reckless driving or which may form the basis for seeking a dismissal of your DUI charges or an acquittal of DUI at trial.  It is also important to avoid child endangerment charges that carry very serious penalties.

Pittsburgh DUI attorney Michael V. Worgul represents those who live in Pittsburgh and throughout Allegheny County in all types of DUI and DWI case including those involving bodily injury to a child or child endangerment charges.  If you have been arrested for DUI in Pittsburgh or anywhere throughout Allegheny County or the surrounding areas, Michael V. Worgul offers a free initial case valuation so contact us today at 412-475-9217.