Berks County Man Faces Prison Time for DUI Causing Death

A man from Berks County faces up to 23 months in prison for his role in a crash that killed a passenger in his vehicle.

Adam McIlvee, 23, was sentenced to up to 23 months in jail, followed by an additional five years of probation. He pleaded guilty in June to charges of driving under the influence (DUI) and vehicular homicide.

The accident in question occurred in August 2016. McIlvee was drunk behind the wheel when he lost control of his vehicle and hit a guardrail on West Philadelphia Avenue in Colebrookdale Township. Both he and his passenger were thrown from the vehicle, which made it unclear initially to police who was driving. The passenger, McIlvee’s 22-year-old girlfriend from Pennsburg, died from her injuries.

Injuries and fatalities aggravating factors in DUI cases

In most cases, first-offense DUIs are classified as misdemeanors in Pennsylvania. Although they are still considered crimes and have serious consequences, the driver typically will not face prison time or enormous fines because of the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition Program for first offenders.

However, when the driver’s negligence causes another person to be injured or killed, the crime rises to a felony level. This makes a prison sentence upon conviction much more likely. Those convicted may also have their driving privileges suspended and face large fines, and they may also need to pay restitution to victims or their family members.

If you’ve been charged with DUI in Pennsylvania, it’s important to know that you have options and legal rights. To learn more, meet with knowledgeable Reading criminal defense lawyer David R. Eshelman.