On behalf of The Law Office of Gustavo E. Frances, P.A.
Every time a person gets behind the wheel of a car, the person risks getting into a car accident. In many cases, these accidents are caused by simple mistakes by others. However, if the accident is caused by someone who has been drinking, criminal consequences can follow.
A man in Miami is being held on a $100,000 bond after police say that he caused a car accident at the intersection of 7th Street and 57th Avenue while drunk one morning. According to police, the man was driving an SUV with a blood alcohol content level of .120 percent when he ran a red light and crashed into another car. The driver of that car was killed in the accident. Following the accident, police claim that the man tried to flee the scene but was tracked down by police with help from local witnesses. Police allege that at the time of his arrest he smelled of alcohol and had bloodshot eyes.
As a result, the man has been charged with leaving the scene of an accident, DUI manslaughter, and DUI. According to reports, the man says he was not responsible for the accident since he had a green light. He says that he was trying to find his phone to call his wife when the accident occurred.
DUI charges are very serious when they are the result of a car accident — especially one causing serious harm to another. However, even in these situations where people are arrested for DUI, they will be given the opportunity to defend themselves in court. Those accused of DUI can present evidence to show they are innocent. This can include fighting the result of BAC level tests including breath tests and blood tests. Or, it can mean challenging witness statements about how the accident occurred.
No matter the facts in each case, it will be important for those accused of DUI following a car accident to explore their legal rights in order to avoid very serious criminal sanctions.
When you need a DUI defense attorney in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, you can contact us by calling 954-533-2756 for a free consultation.
Local 10, “Man faces DUI charges in deadly hit-and-run crash in Miami,” Roger Lohse, May 19, 2014
