When someone gets behind the wheel while intoxicated, they can be charged with driving under the influence (DUI). While this crime has serious penalties of its own — such as license suspension, jail time, and high fines — matters become all the more complex and high-stakes if someone causes a fatal car accident while allegedly drunk driving. In Florida, it is known as DUI manslaughter if someone or an unborn child passes away due to the actions of a drunk driver.
Florida categorizes DUI manslaughter as a second-degree felony at the least. The charge can escalate further depending on the number of lives lost, the suspect’s recorded blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level after the crash, the suspect’s arrest and driving records, and several other factors. If convicted of DUI manslaughter, you will likely be sentenced to a minimum of four years in state prison, often without a chance for parole until at least one or two years pass.
The maximum penalties for a second-degree felony DUI manslaughter charge is 15 years in prison, 15 more years of probation, and a $10,000 fine. As it can be seen by the potential penalties, a DUI manslaughter charge is one that you must challenge aggressively.
Your defense may want to consider:
- Driving behavior of the other motorist, who may have contributed to the fatal accident
- Challenging the accuracy of your recorded BAC
- Roadway or traffic conditions that caused unavoidable loss of control of your vehicle
Trial-Tested & Proven DUI Defense Attorney – (800) 798-0243
When you are looking for a DUI defense lawyer to help challenge your DUI manslaughter charge, you really cannot afford to risk the case on someone who is inexperienced or impersonal. You can find confidence in Michael Mirer, P.A., led by Attorney Michael Mirer. In a recent high-stakes DUI manslaughter case, Attorney Mirer was able to challenge the prosecution at every step on behalf of his client. After hard-fought litigation, the jury came back with a not guilty verdict for his client, acquitting him of the charges.
Find out more about our Miami DUI defense attorney and your rights as a defendant by requesting a free consultation today.