Archive for the ‘Fatal DUI Cases’ Category

Fatal DUI Gets A Minimal Sentence

Thursday, February 16th, 2012

When we hear about a crime occurring we imagine what the trial the individual who committed the crime will have to go through, or what the outcome will be with the jury and the sentencing. We learn from an early age about right and wrong the repercussions that occur from either option, and are then urged to make not the best choice for ourselves, but the best choice for all of those around us. However, in the world we live in today not everything is black and white. Today, are we seeing things more grey dealing with crimes and their punishment?

A DUI charge is no joking matter. When an individual drinks and drives they are putting not only their self at risk of injury or death, but the lives of many innocent individuals at risk as well. So when one hears about an individual getting a DUI charge they would automatically assume that their punishment would be something as equally serious as their crime, right?

Yet, that is not always the case whatsoever. Recently, a man was driving while under the influence of not only alcohol, but as well as oxycodone and his blood alcohol level, or BAC, was well over the legal limit by three times. As a result of his BAC, he then drove out of control and eventually hit a bicyclist, which caused the man to fly 30 feet in the air forward, which killed him. Next, the man not only did not stop to check on the man, but also continued driving and eventually hit a mini-van that had a mother and child present within the vehicle.

Finally, the man was stopped thanks to the mother of the mini-van who relayed some of the man’s tag information to police officers who were able to track him down. However, the man then went to court and got away again in a sense. He received the minimum jail sentencing, which were 3 to 6 years and a 3-year probation period after his release. Usually, when an individual is killed in a crime such as this, the criminal usually faces at least 10 years or more in prison.

Today, we know the world is not a fair place at all, and unfortunately it is not in the court of law either. When you or a loved one is injured as a result of a DUI accident fight for your rights, your damages, and your peace of mind.

When you have been charged with a criminal offense, you want an experienced defense lawyer protecting your rights every step of the way. I am attorney Michael V. Worgul, and from my offices in Pittsburgh, I have dedicated my entire career to criminal defense. Having handled over 1,000 cases, I know what to expect in court and I am not afraid of a challenge. To start your case call 1-855-DUI-CRIM today!

Share

Tags:
Posted in Fatal DUI Cases | Comments Off

Wrongful Death Lawsuits a DUI Result

Monday, February 13th, 2012

The life cycle is a commonly known aspect of life today from young to old. We are born, age, and die in a matter of years. Although it seems as soon as we come that we go, there are many things that can happen not only in a matter of minutes, but moments that we experience within our lives. Some can be positive that impact our lives and our loved ones in manner that makes all happy, while they can be negative as well, which hang heavy on our hearts. However, when faced with some negative actions what can you do to make sure that you are getting the damages you deserve?

In the past year, a man named Anthony Bruno seemed to most just like a normal guy, which he was. He liked sports, travel, and of course to sit back and relax with a beer in hand. On one occasion, Bruno went to a Reading Royals hockey game where he not only drank at the event, but also before and after it. To and from the game, Bruno did the responsible thing and rode a bus that was served by All-Star Distributing, which meant in his mind that it was certainly alright to drink.

After the game, the bus stopped at not one, but half a dozen bars and taverns alike on the way home where Bruno reportedly drank anywhere from 15 to 20 beers in an entire sitting. When Bruno returned to his car, he did not acknowledge for one second that he could be drunk and began to drive home. As he drove, we hit another vehicle, which killed all three of its passengers.

Today, Bruno is now facing up to 18 years for the death of these three individuals, but there families do not see it as the bottom line. The three families are filing wrong death lawsuits to not only the bars and taverns due to Pennsylvania dram shop laws, but also to the company that was associated with the bus stating that they knew that the man was clearly drunk, but continued to either serve him alcohol, or knowingly let him get out of the bus and into his car, which resulted in the death of the three individuals.

When you have been charged with a criminal offense, you want an experienced defense lawyer protecting your rights every step of the way. I am attorney Michael V. Worgul, and from my offices in Pittsburgh, I have dedicated my entire career to criminal defense. Having handled over 1,000 cases, I know what to expect in court and I am not afraid of a challenge. To start your case call 1-855-DUI-CRIM today!

Share

Tags:
Posted in Fatal DUI Cases | Comments Off

Recent Celebrity Collision Focuses Attention on “Buzzed Driving”

Friday, July 15th, 2011

The fatal car accident in Chester County, PA involving Ryan Dunn of Jackass fame has focused national attention on “buzzed driving auto accidents”.  The accident, which resulted in the tragic death of both Dunn and his passenger, is currently under investigation regarding the role alcohol played in the crash.  Dunn posted pictures that showed him drinking at a bar hours before the crash.  While the manager of a local bar acknowledged that Dunn had been at the bar, he indicated that Dunn did not appear intoxicated.  It is too early to say for sure what happened in the fatal accident involving Dunn, but the reports raised the issue of the danger of buzzed driving as opposed to drunk driving.

The issue of buzzed driving is particularly problematic when it involves underage drivers.  Driving under the influence of alcohol is always a serious offense in Pennsylvania, but the term “DUI” is much more expansive when applied to a driver who is under the age of 21.  While DUI laws are commonly perceived to apply to “drunk drivers”, Pennsylvania and a number of other states also target “buzzed driving” by teenagers.  Teenagers or other underage drivers in Pennsylvania may be charged with DUI under Pennsylvania DUI law if they have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .02 percent or higher.

This law that applies to underage drivers is effectively a “no buzzed driving” or zero tolerance law.  While a teenage driver with a BAC of .02 percent is not intoxicated, the law is designed to target a reduction in inhibitions that may result in other high-risk behavior including speeding or reckless driving (i.e. racing).  Media reports of Dunn’s accident suggest the vehicle was traveling well over 100 mph and that he was engaged in racing.

The concerns about “buzzed driving” seem to have merit based on a recent study of such behavior.  The study revealed that a BAC of merely .01 percent might increase the severity of injuries in an accident by 37 percent.  The researchers in the study postulate that the reduced inhibitions with any level of alcohol consumption make for higher risk taking behavior including not wearing a seat belt, speeding and driving the car that initiates the accident.

The exceptionally low BAC level for teen drivers and those under age 21 is based on the fact that motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death for teenagers in the U.S. according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  A disproportionate number of accidents involve teenagers who mix alcohol and excessive speed.  The laws that prohibit teenagers from “buzzed driving” are designed to reduce auto accidents linked to their lack of driving experience and tendency to engage in higher risk behaviors like not wearing seat belts and speeding.

An underage driver who violates Pennsylvania’s underage DUI law faces enhanced penalties that correspond to “high BAC” penalties under Pennsylvania DUI law.  If your teenager or child under 21 has been charged with DUI, it can effect their future educational opportunities and career.

Experienced Pennsylvania DUI defense lawyer Michael V. Worgul is committed to helping young people in Pennsylvania protect their future.  We offer a free initial case evaluation so call us today at 412-475-9217 so that we can advise you and your child of your rights and options.

Share

Tags: , ,
Posted in Fatal DUI Cases | Comments Off