You don't have to be an attorney to understand that drunk-driving offenses can result in serious penalties. But seeking out a lawyer is crucial if you're accused of such an offense because there are so many variables in any given case. Not only are there various levels of drunk-driving charges, but you could be hit with additional charges that make your case more complicated and result in higher fines, more jail time and long-term restrictions against you.
That was the case for a woman from Central Point, Oregon, who was involved in a fatal accident in the early-morning hours of July 23. In addition to a count of driving under the influence of intoxicants, she's been charged with a felony Measure 11 crime, which comes with a mandatory minimum prison sentence that a judge may not be able to alter if she's convicted.
According to police in Medford, Oregon, the 34-year-old woman ran a red light at the intersection of Highway 99 and Crater Lake Highway. Her truck broadsided a van carrying a group of seven reforestation crew members. The van overturned on its side and four of its passengers were ejected, resulting in the death of one man and serious injuries for three others. Police say the woman ran away from the accident scene but was tracked down and arrested 14 hours later.
The woman was charged with second-degree manslaughter and failing to perform the duties of a driver (resulting in the injury of death of another). She was also charged with driving under the influence of intoxicants, although authorities weren't able to test her blood alcohol level until they arrested her several hours after the crash. It's not clear what evidence police have that she was intoxicated.
A DUII charge is usually a misdemeanor, but the accident's fatality resulted in a Measure 11 felony charge. Measure 11, a law passed in 1994 by Oregon voters, governs mandatory prison sentences for certain crimes. If convicted of that felony, the woman will face a minimum of six years and three months in prison. Because not every attorney is equipped to handle these types of felonies, the woman will need highly experienced counsel familiar with Measure 11 crimes to successfully handle her case.
Source: Mail Tribune, "Woman accused of manslaughter has DUII added," Ryan Pfeil, Aug. 1, 2012
- Our firm handles cases similar to those discussed in this post. To learn more about our practice, please visit our Measure 11 crimes page.
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