New York Drunk Driver Strikes Pedestrians and Plunges into Canal

An upstate man is facing multiple charges including DUI after striking two pedestrians then plunging his car into Erie Canal.

It was about 11:30 p.m. when two pedestrians were walking their dogs along the canal walkway, when a 47 year-old drunken driver left the roadway at Sweeny and Canal. His vehicle slammed into the two pedestrians and their dogs before plunging into the canal.

The drunk driver, Anthony Regalla and his passenger were able to get out of the vehicle with the help of a passer-by.

Regalla and both of the pedestrians were taken to an area hospital in serious condition, but are expected to recover.

One of the dogs was killed, but the other one is fine.

Regalla failed sobriety tests and was charged with felony DWI, vehicular assault and reckless driving.

The days when a person could have DUI charges easily reduced to reckless driving are gone. While this is possible for very few drunk drivers, who have expert DUI attorneys working on their defense, most drivers will find that the courts are going to view their charges seriously, handing out a tough sentence.

A DUI lawyer will utilize their experience to challenge the charges against their client. After evaluating the circumstances of an arrest, a lawyer will determine if their client has a chance of negotiating a plea and wining the challenge through an effective DUI defense.  

With the representation of a DUI attorney, the offender will be able to seek leniency and have their resulting sentences minimized.