A DUI incident with no injuries involved can incur heavy penalties, but when serious bodily injury or death occurs, the consequences become even more serious. A Homicide and DUI Manslaughter Attorney in St. Petersburg will be your best asset should you be facing this situation. Do not wait to hire a lawyer, because time is of the essence.
If you have Driven Under the Influence and caused serious injury or the death of another person, you could face a sentence of up to fifteen years in prison along with hefty fines. By teaming with a Homicide and DUI Manslaughter Attorney, they may be able to reduce the charges being brought against you or have them dismissed.
If You Are Pulled Over
If you are pulled over while driving in St. Petersburg and the police officer suspects that you are not sober, they may have you arrested. As a driver with a Florida license, you operate under the law of implied consent. This means that when you got your license, you consented to give a breath, blood, or urine test should you be pulled over and arrested for driving under the influence in the State of Florida. Refusal to take the substance test could result in one year to 18 months of a suspended license.
Do be careful with the words you choose if you have been pulled over. You have the right to remain silent, as per your Miranda Rights, and the shock of the situation could lead you to say something that could negatively affect you in court later on. As soon as it is possible, call McDermott Law Firm, P.A. in St. Petersburg to speak with a Homicide and DUI Manslaughter Attorney to prepare for your next move.
Consequences of DUIs and DUI Manslaughter
The typical penalties for being charged with Driving Under the Influence include jail time, fines, and the installation of an Ignition Interlock Device in your vehicle. However, when it comes to death and injury while Driving Under the Influence, the penalties are much more severe. A Homicide and DUI Manslaughter Attorney in St. Petersburg can sit down with you to discuss what to expect in your particular case. After all, each client’s circumstances are unique.
Florida Statutes 316.193 states that a “person who is convicted of DUI Manslaughter shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 4 years.” Fines range from no less than $1,000 to no less than $4,000 depending on the number of previous convictions and the circumstances of the case in St. Petersburg.
Homicide / Murder
If there was no alcohol involved in the incident but a death was caused by the negligence of a motor vehicle operator, then it is considered Vehicular Homicide, which can also amount to serious consequences. The severity of your case depends on the particulars of the accident, but a number of factors will influence the outcome, including:
- Whether you knew or should have known that the accident occurred
- Whether you provided information or gave aid when necessary
- If you left the scene without properly informing authorities
The facts of the case will affect the outcome, and a Homicide and DUI Manslaughter Attorney in St. Petersburg can work with you to potentially reduce the charges or even have them dismissed, should the right circumstances come about.
Call A Homicide and DUI Manslaughter Attorney at McDermott Law Firm, P.A.
If you or someone you know has been in a car accident that involved death or injury in St. Petersburg, call McDermott Law Firm, P.A. Our firm is led by Homicide and DUI Manslaughter Attorney Frank W. McDermott, Esq. who is a Board Certified Florida Criminal Trial Attorney. He has been recognized by the Florida Bar as a specialist in Criminal Trial Law, which is a distinction that few lawyers receive. The “Law Dogs®” at McDermott Law Firm, P.A. fight hard for our clients under the professional leadership and personal experience of Frank McDermott. To learn more about our firm or to discuss your case, give us a call at 727-367-1080. Or, you can connect with us via email at law@injuryarrest.com. We are here to fight for you!