On February 16th, 2019, Deana Derosa Eckman of Delaware county and her husband were traveling home from a family party when a drunk driver crossed double lines, colliding head-on with their vehicle. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
The impaired driver who caused the accident was a repeat drunk driving offender who had been paroled from state prison for his fifth DUI months before the accident. Recent Pennsylvania legislation aimed at repeat DUI offenders is named in her honor – Deana’s Law.
What has changed with the new legislation?
Generally, the law creates enhanced penalties for DUI repeat offenders. For instance, under the new law, you cannot serve a concurrent sentence for separate counts if it is your third DUI. Previously, it was possible to do that, which significantly shortened the sentence.
In addition, the grading of certain DUI offenses has been increased. If it is your third DUI and you refused a breath or chemical test or your blood alcohol content is 0.16 or higher, you will face third-degree felony charges. Should you have three or more offenses, you will be charged with a felony in the second degree, which was previously a third-degree felony.
Your defense is key in a DUI case
A DUI can have far-reaching consequences, and the collateral damages associated with a conviction can negatively affect your quality of life. Fortunately, not all cases result in a guilty verdict.
You can successfully go fight your DUI charges and avoid the burden of a conviction – and that is essential to protecting your future. If you’ve been charged, find out more about your defense options by calling Quinn Law Firm at 814-806-2518 here in Erie, PA.
