The Sentencing Guidelines For Vehicular Homicide Under Florida DUI Law
The Sentencing Guidelines For Vehicular Homicide Under Florida DUI Law
Driving while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance is by no means a smart choice. Driving while intoxicated may force a driver to react slower than usual and lose power of their car. Driving while drunk could cause property damage and even cause the murder of innocent citizens. This is why Florida DUI Law attempts to thwart drivers from driving while intoxicated. Florida DUI Law inflicts severe penalties on defendants found guilty of driving with a blood alcohol level higher than the legal limit. If convicted of a First Degree DUI Felony it may result in imprisonment of up to 30 years.
The most severe penalties under Florida DUI Law are reserved for intoxicated drivers who are associated with accidents which lead to the casualty of blameless citizens. Under Florida DUI Law a drunk driver who causes the death of an innocent person could be arrested for vehicular homicide. Vehicular homicide is a Second Degree Felony under Florida DUI Law. If convicted of vehicular homicide the defendant could be sentenced to up to 15 years imprisonment and a charge of $10,000. Florida DUI Law imposes even stricter penalties for drivers convicted of vehicular homicide who leave the place of the collision. A defendant found guilty of vehicular homicide who abandons the scene of the incident will be guilty of a First Degree Felony. This First Degree Felony can result in imprisonment of up to 30 years and a fine of $10,000.
The state will have to meet the burden of proof and persuade the judge or jury that the defendant is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. In order to be convicted of either a Second or First Degree DUI Felony the state is required to prove the defendant was driving with a blood alcohol level above the legal limit. If you have been arrested for a DUI you should contact an experienced Tampa DUI Attorney for legal advice right away. A Tampa DUI Lawyer can explain the law in detail and frame a legal strategy to defend against the DUI charge. If you could use legal protection concerning a DUI arrest contact Florida Law Group for a free consultation with one of our competent Tampa DUI Lawyers