Man Arrested for DUI Manslaughter After Killing Woman
When a person is killed in a car crash and alcohol is involved, a person can be charged with DUI manslaughter. This is what recently happened in Florida. A man was arrested on DUI manslaughter charges after a crash killed a woman. The fatal accident occurred on the morning of December 31 in Orange County.
The crash happened at Lake Weston Drive and Forest City Road in Fairview Shores. Florida Highway Patrol troopers say that a 39-year-old man was driving a Toyota Tundra pickup truck. He was heading west on Lake Weston Drive when he failed to stop at a stop sign. He attempted to make a left turn onto Forest City Road. During the left turn, he entered the direct path of a Hyundai Sonata traveling north on Forest City Road. The front of the Toyota collided with the Hyundai’s right side.
The impact of the crash caused the man’s pickup truck to overturn into the median, The Hyundai went off the roadway. The 24-year-old woman driving the Hyundai was killed in the crash.
The man was arrested by Florida Highway Patrol for DUI manslaughter. He has been booked into the Orange County Jail. The accident is still under investigation.
What to Know About DUI Manslaughter
DUI manslaughter is a second-degree felony in Florida. It is punishable by up to 15 years in prison and along with a $10,000 fine. The Florida Criminal Punishment Code defines DUI manslaughter as a Level 8 offense. On a scale of 1 to 10, 1 is the least serious, while 10 is the most serious crime. When applying this to a DUI manslaughter case, the lowest sentence allowed by the court is 124 ½ months in prison, or more than 10 years.
A person released from prison for DUI manslaughter will be subject to probation. The sentencing judge will impose probationary terms to help ensure sobriety. Violating probation is grounds for resentencing, with the probationer possibly returning to prison.
The terms of probation could be challenging to satisfy. The sentencing judge could impose a community service requirement as well as successful completion of a substance abuse treatment program.
A person convicted of DUI manslaughter in Florida could also face other collateral consequences. One of the primary concerns for many people residing in Florida is their immigration status. They could be deported to their home country. Another consequence is the loss of a driver’s license. However, Florida law allows a person convicted of DUI manslaughter to apply for a hardship license. The DMV will issue a hardship license upon successful completion of requirements such as:
- Impound of the suspect’s vehicle.
- DUI educational obligations.
- Inpatient alcohol treatment.
- Installing an ignition interlock device.
Contact Us Today
DUI manslaughter is a serious crime that can be proven without intention, unlike murder.
You could face a hefty fine and many years in prison. Get the help you need from a Florida criminal defense lawyer from Linkhorst & Hockin, P.A. Learn more about which defenses could be used in your own case. Schedule a consultation by calling 561-626-8880 or filling out the online form.
Source:
wesh.com/article/fhp-man-dui-manslaughter-crash-killed-woman/46258007
