DUI Manslaughter

DUI Manslaughter is a charge that is used when an individual has a car accident that causes the death of one or more people and the driver was over the legal blood alcohol content level of .08%. Depending on the circumstances, the drunk driver may be convicted of either a second or first degree felony. DUI manslaughter is an extremely serious criminal charge that carries severe penalties. Finding an experienced criminal defense lawyer to assist you with your case is the first step toward preparing your defense for court.

Penalties for DUI Manslaughter

In some cases, DUI manslaughter results in a second degree felony conviction, which carries the following penalties:

• Up to 15 years in prison
• Up to $10,000 in fines
• Permanent license suspension, with possible appeal for a hardship license after 5 years
• Vehicle impound
• DUI educational course
• Probation
• Community Service

If the drunk driver fled the scene of the accident or failed to provide aid or assistance to crash victims, he or she may be additionally charged with leaving the scene of the accident, which results in a first degree felony if convicted. In addition to the above penalties, a first degree felony DUI manslaughter conviction is punishable by up to 30 years in prison.

Defending Your Case

To be charged with DUI manslaughter, there must be evidence that a) the defendant caused the accident, b) the defendant’s BAC level was over the legal limit at the time of the accident, and c) the accident occurred because the driver was drunk.

If you were involved in an accident but did not cause it, DUI manslaughter would be an inappropriate charge and you may instead by charged with DUI. If you caused the accident but there is evidence that it could have happened even if you were not drunk, your DUI manslaughter charge may be reduced to a less severe charge.

A DUI defense lawyer will take all of the details of your case into consideration to construct your defense. He or she will look for weaknesses in the case, possible witnesses to defend your case, and will aggressively cross-examine witnesses that testify against you. Your lawyer can protect your rights in court and fight to defend your case against an overzealous prosecution.

Contact Us

Don’t enter the courtroom feeling unprepared to defend against the charges you face. Contact the aggressive, experienced West Palm Beach criminal lawyers of Eric N. Klein & Associates, P.A. today at 561-353-2800 for assistance with your case.