4 Ways a Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help Reduce DUI Manslaughter Charges

DUI manslaughter occurs when an intoxicated driver causes the death of another person. This offense is a second-degree felony, but it can be elevated to a first-degree felony when certain aggravating factors are present. People facing such charges need strong legal representation in order to defend themselves. With the assistance of a skilled criminal defense lawyer, you can build the strongest possible case to have your charges reduced or possibly dropped altogether.

Fighter Law has a team of experienced criminal defense lawyers who are prepared to help you. We understand how intimidating it can be to face the prosecution and its charges against you, and we want to be your advocate. Our board-certified lawyers, Thomas Feiter and Jessica Travis, are here to protect your rights every step of the way. 

What Is DUI Manslaughter?

When a DUI results in the death of a person other than the driver, the offense is known as DUI manslaughter. Generally, DUI manslaughter is a second-degree felony in Florida, but the offense becomes a first-degree felony when the intoxicated driver leaves the scene of the accident. People convicted of DUI manslaughter also must have their driver’s licenses revoked. Both the fines and the prison sentences increase when the offense is elevated to a first-degree felony. In 2021, Florida reported 746 alcohol-confirmed traffic fatalities, reflecting the devastating impact of impaired driving.

There are three main elements that the prosecution must prove in order to convict you of DUI manslaughter. First, the prosecution must prove that you were driving or in control of the vehicle that caused the accident. Second, the prosecution must prove that you were under the influence of/impaired by drugs or alcohol at the time of the accident. Third, the prosecution must prove that your impaired driving caused the death of another person, either directly or indirectly. You and your criminal defense lawyer must create a case that successfully challenges one or more of these elements that the prosecution will be working tirelessly to prove.

4 Ways a Lawyer Can Help Reduce DUI Manslaughter Charges

Some of the ways in which a criminal defense lawyer may be able to have your DUI manslaughter charges reduced include:

• Challenge the Traffic Stop’s Legality: Police officers must have probable cause to stop your vehicle, even in suspected DUI cases. If you can prove that your arresting officer lacked probable cause to stop you, you may be able to have the evidence obtained during your stop withheld from court.

• Challenge the Evidence of Your Impairment: Much of the equipment used to test a driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC) relies on proper upkeep and calibration. You may be able to prove that the equipment used on you was faulty. Additionally, user error may have caused inaccurate results regarding your BAC.

• Question the Cause of the Accident: If you can prove that something or someone other than your intoxicated driving caused the accident, you may be able to have your charges reduced.

• Negotiate a Plea Bargain With the Prosecution: When you are facing such serious charges, your lawyer may decide that accepting a plea bargain is your best option. This involves pleading guilty to less severe charges in order to receive a less severe penalty than the one prescribed for DUI manslaughter.

Criminal defense lawyers are specifically trained in the rules of criminal procedure, and they can help you understand the legal process as it unfolds around you. 

Contact the Skilled Criminal Defense Lawyers With Fighter Law Today

DUI manslaughter convictions bring mandatory prison sentences and fines of large sums, and nobody should attempt to defend against such criminal charges without the assistance of legal counsel. A skilled lawyer may be able to have your charges reduced or even dropped. Our team would be happy to discuss your DUI manslaughter charges today.

Let Fighter Law represent you in your fight against DUI manslaughter charges. To schedule a consultation today, you can call (407) 344-4837 or fill out our contact form here.

Share: