Pensacola DUI Manslaughter Lawyer

Driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol can lead to serious legal consequences, especially if someone dies because of the driver's negligence. In Florida, DUI manslaughter is considered a second-degree felony that can result in severe penalties, including incarceration, fines, and more. If you are convicted, you will be facing a prison sentence that will likely end your job or career, putting you and your family at financial risk. Furthermore, the court can impose other penalties that you will be forced to comply with, and your life will be negatively impacted by a future going forward as a convicted felon.

Because of the serious repercussions of such a charge, it is essential to bring in a criminal defense lawyer with DUI experience. These cases are complex, involving legal, technical, scientific, and even medical issues. Your attorney needs to understand the intricacies of all the moving parts in a DUI arrest. 

At Crawford Law, our attorney is backed by over a decade of dedicated defense representation. Chris Crawford has handled thousands of cases throughout his career, is well-known in the area, and has become the go-to legal professional for countless Floridians of every age, background, and socioeconomic level. 

Overview of DUI Manslaughter in Florida

DUI manslaughter is defined under Florida Statutes § 316.193 as the death of a human being caused by the operation of a motor vehicle by someone under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both. The prosecution must prove that the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol and that this impairment caused the accident leading to the victim's death.

You can face DUI manslaughter even though your intent was never to harm anyone. In these cases, intent is not considered when a conviction is on the line. This charge is considered a violent crime, which means prosecutors and judges take it very seriously. All that needs to be proven in court is that you were intoxicated at the time of the incident and that led to an accident that ended in another’s death. 

DUI Manslaughter Penalties

A conviction for DUI manslaughter in Florida can result in severe penalties, including:

• Imprisonment for up to 15 years
• Up to $10,000 in fines
• Probation for up to 15 years
• Vehicle impoundment
• Revocation of your driver's license
• Community service hours
• Mandatory DUI school attendance 
• Substance abuse assessment and potential treatment program

Additionally, you may also be required to pay restitution to the victim's family, which can include medical expenses, funeral costs, and other financial losses.

Possible Defenses for DUI Manslaughter

Several defenses may be used in fighting Florida DUI manslaughter charges, such as:

• Challenging the accuracy of the chemical tests used to determine the driver's blood alcohol content (BAC)
• Arguing that the driver's impairment was not the sole cause of the accident
• Contesting the reliability of eyewitness testimony
• Challenging the legality of the police stop or arrest
• Improper police procedure, such as failing to properly read you your rights, failure to inform you of the penalties for refusing a chemical test, or improperly administering the chemical test

These defenses require a thorough investigation by an attorney who knows what to look for, how to analyze evidence, and how to find weaknesses or flaws in the case against you. 

How Crawford Law Can Help

Our firm can help you by conducting an independent and comprehensive investigation into the facts of the case, negotiating with the prosecutor to reduce charges or penalties, and representing you in court with an effective defense. We will provide sound legal advice and guidance throughout the entire process. 

Overall, DUI manslaughter in Florida is a severe offense with potentially grave penalties. If you have been arrested for this crime, we strongly urge that you seek the assistance of our criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. 

Request a confidential consultation with our Pensacola DUI manslaughter attorney today. You can reach Crawford Law at (850) 220-2098 or through our online contact form.