DUI with an Accident in Florida
DUI with an Accident
Driving while intoxicated is widely recognized as one of the most reckless behaviors behind the wheel. When a driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, their awareness and reflexes are severely impaired, making it difficult to control a vehicle or respond to roadside circumstances correctly. Therefore, a driver may be arrested for DUI not necessarily for damages caused but for damages that could have been caused.
The circumstances further shift if the driver causes an accident while under the influence of intoxicants. Recognizing the devastation caused by intoxicated drivers, state legislators, officials, and justices have made it a priority to hold DUI offenders accountable through progressively severe punishments and fines. If you have been arrested for DUI with an accident in Florida, you should contact an experienced Florida DUI lawyer at once.
Get a FREE consultation today.
Attorneys Available by Phone 24/7
Call 321-631-0506
DUI with Accident Penalties
In general, the penalties for a DUI conviction will be harsher if the incident includes an accident. The more serious the accident, the more catastrophic the consequences. When a person causes an accident while under the influence of intoxicants, they could face a misdemeanor charge if they cause a crash that causes property damage and/or bodily injury. If convicted, the penalty includes restitution for the victim’s damages, a fine of up to $1,000, and a one-year prison sentence.
If there is substantial physical harm, the charge is elevated to a felony DUI. The penalty then includes a $5,000 fine, a five-year prison sentence, and a three-year driver’s license suspension. The most serious DUI accidents are those that result in death. If a drunk driver causes an accident in which someone dies, he or she may be charged with DUI manslaughter. This offense carries a fine of up to $10,000, a jail sentence of up to 30 years, and a lifetime license suspension.
A DUI Accident Can Affect Your Ability to Negotiate
Plea bargaining is used to resolve the vast majority of DUI cases. The purpose of plea bargaining for the defendant is to get a deal that is at the lower range of the permitted penalties. However, prosecutors are usually only ready to provide this type of plea deal in cases where there are no significant aggravating factors. When a DUI case involves an accident, the defendant’s ability to reach a favorable plea deal is severely hampered.
Consult an Experienced DUI Lawyer
At Legal Eagles, our attorneys have the knowledge to protect you from the terrible repercussions of a DUI involving an accident conviction. We have obtained favorable results in the past and can do so for your defense case as well. If you have been charged with a DUI accident in Florida, contact Mario Gunde Peters & Kelley to set up a free introductory consultation and learn how we can fight for you. We will provide tailored legal advice and solutions based on your individual circumstances.
