Driving a vehicle while under the influence is dangerous. It is a danger not only to you but to everyone else around you too.
Driving intoxicated can change people’s lives. Someone can experience serious physical injuries and even result in death. If you or anyone you know makes this mistake, they may face serious charges that can change their life.
Law enforcement and even prosecutors will assume details in a situation. One common assumption is a DUI situation comes from a high blood alcohol content (BAC) level. Most of the time, this is the main reason why an accident results in serious injuries or even death.
If a person is arrested for Operating While Intoxicated (OWI), expect a felony charge, is there anything he can do about it?
The Clark Office lists down a few facts that can help you understand the charge and the choices you have – all of which can help save your life.
Understanding the DUI Manslaughter Laws in Michigan
According to the Michigan Vehicle Code Act 300 Section 257.625, driving under the influence of alcohol and injures somebody during this time is a felony. Specifically, you will be guilty of a felony charge if:
You have an impaired ability to drive due to alcohol or drug consumption and,
An individual suffers a serious injury, impairment of body function or death as a result
It’s crucial to hire a skilled lawyer for legal consultation. You need someone who has a good understanding of the intricacies around these cases. Your best bet is to have the representation of an experienced Michigan drunk driving attorney.
You want someone who can build you a strong defense for your potential trial. An effective defense can make a difference in the world for your entire case.
The criminal penalties that come from a DUI manslaughter or homicide can be serious. Even serious physical injuries will give you a massive setback. Loss of freedom or jail time is a big potential problem, together with fines and damage to your career.
Penalties of DUI Manslaughter or Serious Physical Injuries in Michigan
When drunk driving becomes the cause of injury or even death of others, penalties are severe. Serious physical harm or death’s penalties include excessive jail time, fines, and much more.
If your drunk driving causes death, this is under the classification of vehicular manslaughter. The punishment goes as much as 15 years in jail for you. If, however, it results in road emergencies or the death of a road worker, it goes up to 20 years.
Together with the jail time you will face, expect to pay fines. These can be anywhere from $2,500 to $10,000 in recompense to the victims. Confiscation or immobilization of vehicles can also happen, in addition to restitution.
If you cause serious physical injuries as a result of drunk driving, expect heavy penalties too. Your sentence can be anywhere from up to 5 years in prison and a fine between $1,000 and $5,000. It can also result in your vehicle’s forfeiture and suspension/cancellation of your driver’s license.
What You Should Expect Once You Are Under Arrest
Once you get an arrest for drunk driving resulting in manslaughter, the prosecution could charge more. Prosecution lawyers will try to pin you for murder, which is a higher offense than manslaughter. Make sure that you have experienced professional attorneys who can handle your case.
Your lawyers should work towards a reduction of your potential sentence, if not outright dismissal. You want a thorough investigation of the case to uncover any mistakes from the intake. You want them to exploit any type of weakness in the case.
You need attorneys that will develop a strong, foolproof strategy for your defense. It can help you achieve the outcomes that you desire for your case.
You Need an Experienced DUI Manslaughter Attorney Now
Whatever stage your case is in right now, your best bet is to talk to an experienced Michigan lawyer. We can provide you all your legal needs from start to finish. From your pre-file stage, during the trial, and after potential conviction, we’re there.
The lawyers of The Clark Law Office will make sure that your continued freedom is our priority. Our Michigan DUI defense attorneys are veterans in this field. They are highly-capable, experienced, and skilled in defending clients accused of drunk driving, felony DUI, underage drinking, child endangerment and other cases on the road.
If you or a loved one is under the accusation of drunk driving, which is alleged to cause death or serious injury, you need a highly experienced lawyer who can give you results. The Clark Law Office can give you the most crucial win of your life.
Get your free evaluation today. Keep your freedom with us.