Miami DUI Manslaughter Attorneys

What If The Other Party Didn’t Die, But They Were Seriously Injured?

Conviction for DUI with injury could lead to the following penalties:

If you are charged with the felony offense of DUI with injury, there is absolutely no doubt that you will need an experienced lawyer fighting for you at every stage of your case.

What is the Difference Between DUI Manslaughter and Vehicular Homicide?

DUI manslaughter and vehicular homicide are both severe criminal charges related to fatalities caused by motor vehicle accidents, but the key distinction lies in the cause and legal elements of each offense.

DUI manslaughter occurs when a person causes the death of another individual while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This charge directly ties the fatal accident to the driver’s impairment. Under Florida law, anyone with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, or who is under the influence of controlled substances, can be charged with DUI. If that impaired driving results in a fatality, the individual will likely face DUI manslaughter charges, a second-degree felony. In some cases, if certain aggravating factors exist, such as leaving the scene of the accident, the charge can be elevated to a first-degree felony.

Vehicular homicide, on the other hand, does not necessarily involve impairment by alcohol or drugs. Instead, vehicular homicide refers to deaths caused by reckless or negligent driving, which demonstrates a “willful or wanton disregard for human life.” This charge focuses on the manner of driving, where the individual’s actions—such as excessive speeding, running red lights, or ignoring road conditions—led to the fatal accident. Reckless driving is the crux of vehicular homicide charges, whereas DUI manslaughter centers on impaired driving.

While both charges are felonies in Florida, DUI manslaughter often comes with harsher penalties because of the intoxication factor. In addition to the potential for longer prison sentences, individuals convicted of DUI manslaughter also face mandatory minimum sentences and more extensive fines.

What Are the Long-Term Consequences of a DUI Manslaughter Conviction?

A conviction for DUI manslaughter has devastating long-term consequences that can impact nearly every aspect of a person’s life. In Florida, the penalties for DUI manslaughter are severe, often resulting in mandatory imprisonment, significant fines, and permanent license revocation.

The most immediate consequence is the prison sentence. A DUI manslaughter conviction carries a mandatory minimum prison term of four years, but sentences can go up to 15 years, depending on the circumstances. If aggravating factors, such as leaving the scene of the accident, are present, the prison sentence can be increased to up to 30 years. Florida imposes these strict penalties as a deterrent to drunk driving and to address the serious harm caused by impaired drivers on the road.

Additionally, a DUI manslaughter conviction results in substantial fines, often reaching $10,000 or more. Beyond these financial penalties, individuals also face mandatory probation, community service requirements, and participation in drug or alcohol rehabilitation programs.

One of the most long-lasting impacts of a DUI manslaughter conviction is the permanent loss of driving privileges. Florida law imposes a lifetime revocation of the driver’s license, making it extremely difficult for individuals to regain the ability to drive. This loss of mobility can affect employment opportunities, personal relationships, and daily living.

A DUI manslaughter conviction also leaves a permanent mark on an individual’s criminal record. This felony conviction can limit future employment prospects, as many employers are hesitant to hire someone with such a serious offense on their record. Additionally, securing housing or loans can become more difficult with a felony conviction.

Socially, those convicted of DUI manslaughter often face lasting stigma and damaged personal relationships. The nature of the crime, particularly when it involves the death of another person, can strain family and community relationships, leading to isolation or loss of support networks.

Given the seriousness of these long-term consequences, it is essential to seek skilled legal representation if you are facing DUI manslaughter charges. A strong defense can help mitigate the penalties and work toward the best possible outcome in your case.

Contact our Miami DUI manslaughter attorney by calling (786) 244-8010 today!