Man Heads to Court After Being Charged with DUI Resulting in Death

A man who was charged with driving under the influence (DUI) causing death in late March had probable cause established in his case, which means his next step is to head to county court.

The 22-year-old man from Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, was arraigned on felony charges of DUI causing death after he allegedly caused a single-vehicle accident in the northbound section of Interstate 81.

According to police reports, the man said he was driving the vehicle when a tractor trailer also involved in the crash caused him to overcorrect and flip his vehicle. However, upon investigation, police officers were unable to find evidence or witnesses who could support that claim. The man failed three field sobriety tests administered by officers about three hours after the accident.

One officer who arrived at the scene reported seeing the vehicle on its side on the shoulder of the road, while the driver was on the ground and a passenger was trapped inside the vehicle. The passenger was pronounced dead at the scene.

Defending DUIs causing death

In these types of cases, the best strategy may be to fight to minimize the sentence the defendant will receive. When the evidence is stacked in the favor of the prosecution, defendants and their attorneys often do have some leeway to plea bargain for a lesser charge — and likely less severe penalties.

For more information on how to proceed if you’re facing drunk driving charges in Pennsylvania, contact skilled Reading DUI defense attorney David R. Eshelman.