DUI cases are always serious, especially when they involve the death of another person. Anyone who drives a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs could face DUI manslaughter charges, which might result in severe consequences like time in prison and the loss of driving privileges.
To be more specific, if you are charged with DUI manslaughter in West Palm Beach, you could face a second-degree Felony charge. If you find yourself in this situation, you need legal representation. Defending yourself against these allegations can be challenging. Thankfully, a dedicated DUI Attorney can protect your rights and assess the strength of your case. If you want to pursue justice, protect your freedom and liberties, Leifert & Leifert is here to help.
What Is DUI Manslaughter?
DUI manslaughter refers to the criminal offense of taking another person’s life while operating a car under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Bicyclists, pedestrians, and the drivers or passengers of other vehicles are the parties who most commonly lose their lives in DUI manslaughter cases.
More information about this offense can be found under Florida Statute § 316.193. For instance, state laws establish that a fatal car accident case becomes DUI manslaughter when the Defendant has a BAC of at least 0.08. If you are facing these charges, you can still be forced to deal with the legal consequences even when you had no intention of harming the alleged victim.
If you need help understanding the basics of DUI manslaughter, one of our knowledgeable West Palm Beach Attorneys can explain the offense in more detail and answer any questions you might have.
Penalties Associated with a Conviction for DUI Manslaughter
Depending on the circumstances of the DUI manslaughter allegation, the resulting consequences could vary. For instance, local cases might instantly subject you to a second-degree Felony charge, which could result in:
- Up to 15 years in prison
- Up to 15 years of probation
- A fine of up to $10,000
- Permanent loss of your Driver’s License
Additionally, according to state laws, Judges have the authority to impose a mandatory minimum sentence of four years or 124 and half months to the above penalties. Meanwhile, a Court could also impose additional restrictions to prevent you from driving drunk in the future, including but not limited to:
- Lasting driver’s license revocation
- Mandatory community service hours
- Impounding your vehicle for an extended period
- Requiring the completion of an alcohol education course
- Mandatory participation in a psychosocial substance abuse program
- Installation of an Ignition Interlock device in your vehicle
Any of these long-lasting punishments could significantly impact your life, job, finances, relationships, and reputation. However, you likely have options for protecting your rights and liberty, especially when you take your DUI manslaughter case to a hardworking West Palm Beach DUI Lawyer, such as Leifert & Leifert.
Combatting a DUI Manslaughter Charge
If you are accused of manslaughter associated with a DUI, our seasoned criminal defense attorneys can likely help you fight against a conviction and penalties using a set of personalized defense strategies. Common tactics that our legal advocates implement include:
- Challenging the causation of the Crash (not your fault)
- Challenging poorly administered field sobriety tests
- Challenging the admissibility and accuracy of any blood test results
- Challenging any/all procedures that were used to gather the evidence against you to make an arrest
Any of these strategies, when combined with the right documentary evidence, could help you keep your future on track. A dedicated Attorney in West Palm Beach understands how to collect evidence about an unfair DUI manslaughter charge and can provide steadfast representation on your behalf.
Call an Attorney about DUI Manslaughter in West Palm Beach
If you or your loved one has been charged with DUI manslaughter in West Palm Beach, it is essential to have experienced legal representation from Leifert & Leifert on your side. Your hardworking lawyer can analyze your options and help you obtain the best possible result.
To learn more about the best next steps or request a free consultation, contact us today.
