Sometimes the simplest of mistakes can lead to deadly consequences. For many people who have been accused of drunk driving, the consequences are serious but they can be managed. For many first-time offenders, people may have to pay a fine, do a small amount of jail time, complete community service or a driver's education class. Furthermore, depending on the circumstances, a first-time DUI arrest may result in a loss of some driving privileges.
However, these penalties assume that no one was injured or killed by the person accused of drunk driving. But, this is not always the case. When someone is arrested for DUI following the death of another person, the penalties can increase significantly. People can be sent to prison, for example, for a long time.
One Oregon man may be facing these penalties following his recent arrest. According to reports, the 28-year-old man was driving drunk when he lost control over the vehicle. As a result, the car he was driving struck a utility pole. A 24-year-old backseat passenger was apparently killed as a result of the collision.
Following this accident, the driver was charged with various crimes including failure to perform the duties of a driver, drunk driving, first degree manslaughter and second degree assault. Police also claim that the man was wanted for other criminal behavior including a previous drunk driving arrest.
Even in circumstances when another person is killed as a result of someone's alleged drunk driving, criminal defense strategies exist. Police behavior can be questioned and results of blood alcohol tests can be challenged. When these measures are taken to protect the accused, the prosecutors may be forced to lower or eliminate certain charges that can lead to reduced penalties.
Source: The Oregonian, "Driver in fatal NE Portland crash arrested on manslaughter, drunk driving charges," Stuart Tomlinson, Feb. 18, 2014
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