Driver Arrested for DUI Manslaughter After Accident at Intersection
The driver of a Ford F-250 has been charged with three counts of DUI manslaughter and one count of DUI causing serious bodily injury after going the wrong way down a street and causing an accident with a much smaller vehicle, a Honda Fit. Three family members inside of the Honda Fit were killed in the accident and another was left severely injured. He is also facing two counts of DUI causing property damage.
Police say that the driver was still behind the wheel of his F-250 when officers arrived at the scene. The report stated that when he got out of the vehicle, he was having trouble maintaining his balance, his eyes were bloodshot, and his speech was slurred. His breath also smelled of alcohol.
The driver has since been ordered held without bond. Prosecutors asked the court to hold the driver without bond because he has a prior DUI arrest.
Proving DUI manslaughter
In some cases, it can be difficult to prove that a driver under the influence of alcohol caused a crash leading to death or injury. Police must not only establish that the driver was drunk, but that they were at fault for the accident. In this case, however, it will not be difficult for police to establish that the driver was at fault. The driver was going the wrong way down the street when the crash occurred. That made an accident likely if not inevitable. Police have thrown the proverbial book at this defendant charging him with every possible infraction under the law. He faces three counts of DUI manslaughter, one for each individual who was killed in the accident. He is also facing another count of DUI causing serious bodily injury for the one family member who managed to survive the accident. Lastly, he is facing two counts of DUI causing property damage.
Tallying up the charges
DUI manslaughter has a maximum sentence of 15 years behind bars. He faces three counts for a maximum potential sentence of 45 years. He also faces one count of DUI causing serious bodily injury which is a third-degree felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison. So, this defendant will face a maximum sentence of 50 years behind bars.
DUI manslaughter has a recommended sentence of 10 years in prison. In some cases, you can appeal to the court for a downward departure sentence of 4 years. But that is the minimum. In this case, however, since the defendant has a prior record, the court will not go easy on him. He likely will not qualify for a downward departure sentence and faces more than 30 years behind bars on the charges.
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FL DUI Group represents the interests of those charged with various DUI-related crimes. Call our Florida DUI defense lawyers today to schedule an appointment, and we can begin discussing your options immediately.
