DUI Manslaughter – Miami DUI Lawyer
Being charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI) can be complicated and have serious consequences, but an arrest and conviction for DUI manslaughter constitutes a felony conviction and carries a four-year minimum mandatory prison sentence as well.
If you have been charged with a DUI manslaughter in Miami, the very first thing you should do is consult with a Miami DUI Lawyer who has handled DUI related cases. An experienced criminal defense attorney will be able to guide you through the lengthy and complicated process of defending against allegations of DUI Manslaughter.
What Constitutes DUI Manslaughter in Florida?
Florida Statue 316.193 defines DUI manslaughter as any person found to be DUI at the time of an accident that results in the death of a human being or unborn child. Manslaughter is defined as the act of involuntarily taking someone else’s life, and DUI manslaughter is the most serious of all DUI-related offenses. Not only do allegations of DUI manslaughter include legal ramifications, but it can also cause severe emotional distress on the accused individual.
The Penalties for a DUI Manslaughter Charge
If you or someone you know has been charged with DUI manslaughter, the State Attorney’s Office has to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you were driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and that, as a result of this act, a human life was lost. If the government can prove this, the crime of DUI manslaughter is considered a second-degree felony. However, if you failed to stop and supply information or you didn’t stop and help the injured party, the charge will be brought up to a first-degree felony, a charge that is punishable by up to 30 years imprisonment.
In addition to the four-year minimum mandatory prison sentence, other penalties one could face if charged with a DUI manslaughter include:
- Jail term of up to 15 years in prison, if charged as a second-degree felony
- Probation and the completion of an alcohol or drug abuse treatment program
- A fine of $10,000
- Permanent loss of your license
Because the penalties for a DUI manslaughter charge are so severe, having the representation of a criminal defense attorney is highly recommended. An experienced Miami DUI Lawyer will be able to negotiate a plea, may be able to reduce your charges, have the charges dropped, or go to trial, if necessary.
We handle a variety of criminal law cases, so call us now if you have any questions, (305) 615-1285.
View more contact information here: Miami DUI Lawyer.