DUI Manslaughter
When an allegation of drunk driving caused or contributed to the death of another person, the criminal offense can be charged as DUI Manslaughter. Even harsher penalties can apply if it is alleged the driver left the scene of the accident after the alleged crime occurred.
The State Attorney's Office in the Second Judicial Circuit for Tallahassee and Leon County, Florida, relies heavily on the wishes of the victim's family in these cases. Obtaining qualified representation early in the case is critical because favorable evidence may not be adequately preserved by law enforcement during the traffic homicide investigation.
Tallahassee DUI Manslaughter Defense Attorney
For any DUI Manslaughter case in North Florida, contact an experienced defense attorney at the Law Offices of Don Pumphrey, Jr. Our offices are located in Tallahassee, Leon County, FL and we represent individuals throughout Monticello, Midway, Crawfordville, Bristol, and nearby areas. Our attorneys are available to talk with you about the facts of the case and what you may need to do immediately to protect your rights after a serious criminal allegation is made against you.
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Defenses in DUI Manslaughter Cases
Most of these cases involve blood test either taken at the direction of law enforcement or hospital blood taken during the course of emergency treatment and later handed over to law enforcement. Cases involving serious bodily injury or the death of another person rarely involve urine tests or breath tests. The accident report privilege also plays an important part in these cases because the suspect's statements may not be admissible if the officer does not make it clear the statements are part of a criminal investigation and not the accident investigation.
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Penalties under Florida Law for DUI Manslaughter
DUI Manslaughter is a second degree felony punishable by 15 years in Florida State prison and a fine of up to $10,000. If it is alleged the crime also involves the driver leaving the scene of the accident, then the crime can be charged as a first degree felony, punishable by up to thirty (30) years in Florida State Prison and a $10,000 fine.
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Collateral Issues in a DUI Manslaughter Case
DUI manslaughter and leaving the scene cases also involve civil lawsuits for negligence and wrongful death against the suspected driver. Restitution can be ordered as part of the sentence, although the victim's family will also seek restitution from the driver or the driver's insurance company in a personal injury lawsuit or a wrongful death lawsuit.
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The Law Offices of Don Pumphrey, Jr. | DUI Manslaughter Lawyer in Tallahassee
If you are under investigation in any Driving Under the Influence case involving the serious bodily injury or death of another person, never talk to law enforcement about the facts of the case until after you have consulted with a DUI attorney in Tallahassee. The attorneys at The Law Offices of Don Pumphrey, Jr., represent men and women charged with serious driving under the influence offenses in Leon County, and the surrounding areas throughout Florida's Second Judicial Circuit, including Wakulla County, Gadsden County, Liberty County, or Jefferson County.