Marion County Man Faces DUI Charges After Farm Crash

A Marion County man wrecked his SUV on a farm, and his passenger was thrown out of the vehicle. The suspect faces a DUI charge along with other counts according to the authorities. The passenger, who did not have on a seat belt, sustained serious injuries when the vehicle flipped and ejected him.

The passenger was transported to a nearby medical facility for treatment. The driver fled the scene before authorities arrived. However, they later found him at the same medical facility where he also received treatment for minor injuries. Police questioned him regarding the incident and took him into custody.

His blood alcohol content level at the local jail was .155 percent and .153 percent, almost twice the legal limit of .08 percent in the state of Florida. In addition to the driving while intoxicated charge, he faces three additional charges that include DUI property damage and causing a DUI accident that resulted in a serious bodily injury as well as driving with a suspended or revoked license.

The state of Florida takes the crime of drinking and driving seriously. Someone who is convicted of drunk driving could face significant penalties, such as time in jail or prison, large fines, probation, alcohol counseling and suspension of their driver’s license. In some cases, mandatory sentencing laws mean a judge must sentence someone to at least the minimum penalties associated with the crime in accordance with the law.

A criminal defense attorney can help develop a case strategy with clients who are charged with DUI. A lawyer can attempt to negotiate with law enforcement personnel and prosecutors in order to reduce the charges.

Source: Ocala.com, “Man charged with DUI in New Year’s accident,” Austin L. Miller, Jan. 2, 2013

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