Gwinnett County DUI Accident Attorney Shane Smith Highlights How Innocent Children are Endangered with Georgia Drunk Drivers
In 2008, 250 innocent children were fatally injured because of auto accidents in Georgia and elsewhere in the country due to drivers under the influence of alcohol. Nearly 100 of these deaths were attributed to intoxicated drivers that had blood alcohol content (BAC) level of 0.08 or higher.
Between 1997 and 2002 more than 9,600 children were killed in auto accidents and nearly 1/4 or more than 2,300 children were killed due to drunk drivers.
Penalties for Transporting a Child Under 14 Years of Age While Driving Under the Influence
According to Georgia State Laws, O.C.G.A. § 16-12-1(d) and O.C.G.A. § 40-6-391(l), determine what penalties drunk drivers may face if convicted of driving under the influence. If a drunk driver is found guilty of this misdemeanor offense the first or second time, they face up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. For the third and subsequent offenses, jail time is increased to a minimum of one year and up to 3 years along with a fine between $1,000 and $5,000.
Criminal prosecution for this offense is completely separate from being charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and any jail time or fines cannot be combined with any related or un-related criminal charges.
Entrusted your child with a driver who has transported your child 14 years of younger and they have been charged with a DUI and child endangerment related to the DUI and your child has suffered any type of injuries, you may have a civil claim against the suspected negligent and/or reckless individual. Shane Smith Law has a Georgia DUI accident attorney waiting to speak with you and evaluate all of the Gwinnett County DUI accident circumstances. Don’t wait any longer – call Shane Smith Law at (980) 246-2656
Child endangerment, especially when it is your child and another drunk driver may be responsible for it is a serious issue. Georgia is one of the 43 states that does take this crime seriously and will not tolerate any incidents of child endangerment. If you child has been injured in the course of a Georgia DUI accident, you may be able to recover for your child and commence a civil claim against the responsible parties. Call your Gwinnett County DUI accident attorney Shane Smith to schedule your free legal consultation today!