A 46-year-old Volusia County man has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for a fatal Deltona, Florida drunk driving accident.
The Miami Herald reports the sentence comes after a jury convicted him of DUI manslaughter for a September 2007 crash. The man also had his driver's license suspended for life.
The accident happened when the defendant turned left in front of an oncoming motorcycle. The rider was killed in the crash and the defendant's sport utility vehicle struck another vehicle before flipping over. His blood-alcohol level tested .128 and .127, above Florida's legal limit of .08.
Our Fort Lauderdale vehicular manslaughter lawyers are frequently called to represent clients who have been charged in connection with a drunk driving accident. In order for the state to prove DUI manslaughter, prosecutors must prove both that you were driving while under the influence and that you were responsible for the fatal accident. We build a defense aimed at defending a client against both allegations. If we can defend you against either the allegation that you were driving drunk or that you caused the accident, you will not be convicted of DUI manslaughter.
These are tragic cases. Of course, a defendant is filled with remorse. But prosecutors seldom deal and judges are more than willing to please the media and the voters by handing out lengthy prison sentences.
The only defense in such cases is a skilled and aggressive offense.
Fort Lauderdale DUI Attorney Carlos Canet is an aggressive and experienced drunk driving defense attorney, representing clients facing DUI charges in Fort Lauderdale, Miami and West Palm Beach. Call 866-7ASKDUI to discuss your rights.
