Man From Michigan Extradited to Florida to Face DUI Manslaughter Charge
A man from Michigan is facing upgraded charges of vehicular homicide and DUI manslaughter after he allegedly struck a pedestrian in Florida. The 34-year-old suspect, of Dearborn Heights, was extradited from Michigan on Feb. 24 to face charges in Florida, according to the St. Petersburg Police Department. A warrant was issued for his arrest after the GPS monitoring device issued for pretrial release was not kept charged and hence, stopped operating, according to court records from Pinellas County, Florida.
Reports indicate that the case involves a Jan. 22 crash in Pinellas County. The victim was a 37-year-old pedestrian who was working the median lane putting down flags for a Grand Prix monument. At the same time, a Chrysler minivan was being operated at a high rate of speed. The driver lost control of the minivan, crossed into two bicycle lanes, struck a statue, then a light pole, and ultimately, a pedestrian.
Initially, the suspect had been charged with driving under the influence and reckless driving causing serious bodily injury, records show. However, the victim, who was seriously injured, succumbed to his injuries on Jan. 28 at a local hospital. The suspect was arraigned on the new charges and is scheduled for court on March 31 in the Sixth Judicial Court of Florida in Pinellas County.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Understanding DUI manslaughter charges
Florida makes DUI manslaughter a second-degree felony which carries a maximum sentence of four years in prison, a fine of up to $10,000, and a permanent revocation of your driver’s license. The crime of DUI manslaughter occurs when an individual operates a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs and causes the death of another person. As a second-degree felony, DUI manslaughter carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in state prison with a mandatory minimum sentence of at least four years.
In addition, any individual who leaves the scene of an accident in which they kill another person could face a first-degree felony charge. This charge would carry a maximum sentence of 30 years in state prison.
To successfully prosecute a DUI manslaughter charge, a state prosecutor must prove that the defendant:
- Was driving or in actual physical control of the vehicle when the accident occurred
- Was under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance to the extent that their normal faculties were impaired
- Caused or contributed to the death of another person due to their impairment
DUI manslaughter is the most serious DUI-related offense you can be charged with.
Talk to an Orlando, FL DUI Attorney Today
FL DUI Group represents the interests of Orlando, FL residents who are facing DUI and DUI-related charges. Call our Florida DUI defense lawyers today to schedule an appointment, and we can begin preparing your defense right away.
Source:
cbsnews.com/detroit/news/michigan-man-extradited-to-florida-to-face-dui-manslaughter-charge/
