Man Pleads Guilty in Montgomery County DUI Crash

Man Pleads Guilty in Montgomery County DUI Crash

A Collegeville, Pennsylvania man was sentenced in Montgomery County Court to 100 days to five years in county prison after pleading guilty to DUI charge with a blood-alcohol level of more than twice the legal limit in January. The driver was arrested and charged with DUI after he crashed his automobile into a tree.

According to the arrest warrant, the 28-year-old left his car on someone’s lawn after crashing into the tree and began walking northbound on Wartman Road. He was soon discovered by police, who had been dispatched to the area after the accident was reported.

Police said the man admitted to crashing the vehicle and said that he had “slid on some ice,” according to the arrest warrant. However, the officers said they detected alcohol on the man and he was taken into custody.

After an investigation, it was determined that the man had been speeding northbound on Wartman Road when he lost control of the car, swerved to the other lane and swerved back the opposite way off of the road, the criminal complaint stated.

The 28-year-old had a blood-alcohol content of 0.22 when he was involved in the one-vehicle crash on Wartman Road close to Township Line Road in Perkiomen on January 22. This was reportedly the driver’s second DUI offense, but his attorney was able to work out a plea agreement with prosecutors that was accepted by the judge. 

Understanding Plea Agreements For DUIs

Under the plea agreement, the man will be eligible for the work release program as he serves his time. As a condition, the judge also ordered the man to serve 48 hours of community service. In addition, several other charges against the man were dropped, including driving an unregistered vehicle, disregarding traffic lanes, speeding, abandoning a vehicle on private property and careless and reckless driving.

A plea agreement is an agreement between a defendant and a prosecutor. Under a plea agreement, the defendant agrees to plead guilty for lesser penalties or reduced charges. Plea agreements for DUIs still go on the defendant’s permanent record. However, by agreeing to plead guilty the defendant is able to avoid some of the harshest penalties associated with a DUI conviction.

DUI Penalties in Montgomery County PA

In Montgomery County, it’s in your best interest to seek the advice of a knowledgeable attorney if you’re facing DUI charges. Penalties for DUIs in Pennsylvania are severe and can include:

• Fines
• Incarceration
• Probation
• Driver’s license suspension

The minimum sentence for a DUI in Pennsylvania is 72 hours in jail, driver’s license suspension, and a $1,000-$5,000 fine. Individuals facing DUI charges who accept a plea bargain typically receive court supervision and must enroll in a rehabilitation program. Alcohol abuse treatment programs are viewed as a viable alternative to incarceration in Pennsylvania and are respected throughout the court systems. A knowledgeable attorney knows how to create a strong argument for drug treatment if you agree to a plea agreement. 

Repeat DUI offenders are less likely to achieve a plea agreement in the Pennsylvania court system. If you’re fighting multiple charges, are underage, or facing DUI charges for the second or third time, you will need to hire a trusted attorney as soon as possible.

Hire an Experienced Montgomery County DUI and DAI Lawyer 

Basil D. Beck III has more than 20 years of experience defending DUI and DAI charges for individuals across the state of Pennsylvania. He understands the importance of creating a personalized defense and will work tirelessly to get to know you and the circumstances surrounding your charges. 

By working with attorney Basil Beck, you receive the personalized service of a small firm while having access to crucial resources that can be advantageous to your case. Get started on your defense as soon as possible. Basil D. Beck III is available to help you through your situation when you need him most. There is no cost for your first consultation. Call 610-239-8870 or complete our contact form today.