When a person dies in a DUI traffic crash, the consequences are severe for everyone involved. As the family of the deceased mourns, it can be difficult not to feel a sense of responsibility, and possibly guilt, for the current circumstances. However, as the driver, it is important to remember the harm was unintentional and one mistake should not define the rest of your life.
In order to avoid life-altering repercussions, you need to seek legal assistance early immediately to begin building a solid, competent defense.
In Florida, DUI Manslaughter is a 2nd Degree Felony, punishable up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. However, if you commit DUI Manslaughter while also leaving the scene of the accident without rendering aid or exchanging information despite knowing you were involved in an accident, then the offense is a 1st Degree Felony, punishable up to 30 years in prison and up to a $15,000 fine. A person also faces probation, community service hours, DUI school, a victim impact panel, and a significant driver’s license suspension.
Defining DUI Manslaughter
DUI Manslaughter is defined by Florida jury instructions as being when a person drove or was in actual physical control of a motor vehicle, while the person’s normal faculties were impaired and/or had a Breath or Blood Alcohol Level of 0.08 or higher, and caused or contributed to the death of another human being, including an unborn child. This death can even be one of your own passengers, as it does not have to be someone outside of your vehicle.
Actual physical control means the person was in the vehicle and had the ability to operate such, even if the person was not actively driving at the time. Of course, normal faculties refers to the ability to walk, talk, judge distances, drive an automobile, make sound decisions, act in an emergency, and basically perform the many mental and physical routines of our daily lives.
If you have been charged with DUI manslaughter, you need to take immediate action to defend your legal rights, freedoms, and future. Attorney Sauline exclusively handles Criminal Defense, and has been practicing law for more than 13 years. You only get one shot at defending your rights, and the consequences of DUI Manslaughter are most certainly extensive prison time if convicted. Call Attorney Sauline immediately if you or someone you know is charged with DUI Manslaughter.