Escondido DUI Accident Attorney

Defense for Driving Under the Influence Accident Charges in Carlsbad, Oceanside, Poway, Rancho Bernardo, San Marcos, and Vista

Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense. Even a first-time conviction can lead to incarceration, fines, and driver’s license suspension. Still, if you are accused of a DUI accident, you could even face harsher penalties. Offenses such as DUI causing injury or vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated are misdemeanors or felonies. If charged at the felony level, you could be subject to years of imprisonment and tens of thousands of dollars in fines. These matters can be complicated, and challenging the allegations could be overwhelming. Fortunately, you don’t have to handle your case alone. A criminal defense attorney can stand by you at each step, helping pursue a just outcome. 

At Sterger Law Group, we are zealous advocates for our clients. Our Escondido DUI accident lawyer recognizes that every story has two sides. We want to hear yours. By listening to the events leading up to your arrest from you, we can develop an innovative defense strategy to ensure that your voice is heard. Backed by years of experience handling complex legal matters, we know the work and dedication that goes into fighting serious charges. We will take the time to fully analyze and research your defense and will be prepared to negotiate with the prosecutor or present arguments before a judge or jury.

Discuss your case with our DUI accident attorney in Escondido by calling (760) 280-7900 or submitting an online contact form today.

What Happens If You Get into an Accident While Drunk?

In California, it’s illegal for a person to drive while their blood alcohol concentration is 0.08% or higher. It’s also unlawful for a person whose normal mental or physical abilities are impaired by alcohol or drugs to get behind the wheel. Driving under the influence itself is severe, but the offense can be even more serious if it leads to an accident that causes harm to another person. 

An individual who gets into an accident while drunk or drugged can be charged with various crimes. The statute the case is pursued under depends on the result to the alleged victim.

The following are examples of possible charges that can arise from a DUI accident:

• DUI causing injury (California Vehicle Code § 23153): This charge is levied when someone drives under the influence and commits a crime or neglects to perform a lawful requirement and hurts someone else as a result.
• Vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated (California Vehicle Code § 191.5(b)): The offense occurs when someone drives under the influence or with a BAC of 0.08% or more (or 0.05% or more if under 21 years of age) and fails to act in a reasonable way to prevent foreseeable harm. They cause an accident resulting in the death of another because of their negligence.
• Gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated (California Vehicle Code § 191.5(a)): Similar to vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, the offense involves driving under the influence or with an unlawful BAC and committing a crime or lawful act that results in someone else’s death. However, with gross vehicular manslaughter, the alleged offender acted with gross negligence.

Our Escondido DUI accident lawyer is ready to stand up for those facing any charges arising from drunk driving collisions.