On behalf of The Law Office of Gustavo E. Frances, P.A.
Drinking and driving is never a good idea, and it can lead to a drunk driver being held responsible for injuries or even the deaths of others. One night’s fun may turn out to be nothing compared to the lifelong consequences of a DUI allegation turns into a conviction. When a person is convicted on DUI manslaughter charges in Florida, there is a mandatory minimum four-year sentence.
On an afternoon in March, a 36-year-old woman from another state was eastbound on a Suwannee County road. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, she allegedly oversteered and drove across the two lanes of the road before smashing into a car traveling west. The 50-year-old man who was driving this car was killed on impact.
The woman driver suffered critical injuries and was rushed to a hospital. This driver was recently arrested and now faces a charge of vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. This charge relates to the part she played in the fatal March accident. She is being held at the Suwannee County jail.
The accused driver may be concerned about the ramifications of a potential conviction; however, being accused of a DUI offense does not automatically lead to a conviction. The burden of proof is on the prosecution, and until guilt is established beyond a reasonable doubt, the accused person will remain innocent. The assistance of an experienced Florida DUI defense attorney may be invaluable to protect the legal rights of the defendant. A lawyer can assess the circumstances of the accident and the charges, and he or she will scrutinize the evidence that will be presented by the prosecution. Whichever defense strategy is chosen, a qualified attorney will endeavor to obtain the best possible result for the client.
When you need a criminal defense lawyer, you can contact us by calling 954-533-2756 for a free consultation.