Judge Considers Stiffer Penalties in DUI Manslaughter Case

download (3)Today we have the story of another man who has pled guilty to killing someone as a result of DUI. The judge has asked for a pre-sentence report to consider what the appropriate sentence should be given the history of the defendant, rather than passing sentence immediately.

In April and May of 2013, the defendant was charged with drunken driver. In March of 2014, he was driving DUI again and crashed into another vehicle. The second vehicle rammed an apartment building, killing the driver. When the defendant’s BAC was tested, he had a BAC of 0.221.

He could face a maximum of 33.5 years in prison and $90,280 in fines. The lawyers initially recommended a 5-10 year incarceration and 5 years of probation, but the judge may go higher. “I consider the drunk driver — the repeat drunk driver — a terrorist” for putting everyone else at risk, the judge said.

Judges have wide discretion on what they can sentence a person with. While they may have to comply with mandatory minimum sentences, they can go higher if they feel the circumstances warrant it. It can take skilled negotiation to change their mind. That’s where a skilled DUI attorney can come in handy. Even if you feel like there is no hope for your case, don’t pass judgment on yourself before calling our office for a free consultation. We can help.