Punta Gorda DUI Manslaughter Lawyer

Punta Gorda DUI Manslaughter Attorney

Being convicted of driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol (DUI) can result in serious consequences that can impact nearly every aspect of your life. When a potential manslaughter charge is included, things get considerably worse. The resulting felony charge can land you in prison for quite some time, affect your personal relationships, and make it next to impossible to find employment. A Punta Gorda DUI manslaughter lawyer can help your case. A compassionate Punta Gorda criminal defense lawyer can provide the legal expertise you need to navigate these serious charges effectively.

At Ruhl Law, P.A., our attorneys understand that DUI manslaughter charges can be incredibly frightening. We’re here to protect you from a justice system that often fails to protect defendants’ rights. With years of experience in criminal defense, we know what it takes to build a successful case.

A DWI Violation in Florida

The DUI laws in Florida are in place to protect public safety and discourage drunk people from making the decision to drive. The state takes these laws very seriously. It’s not uncommon for a judge to make an example out of a DUI offender, even if it is their first offense. When it comes to a DUI manslaughter case, there is a strong chance the prosecution will be pushing for the maximum possible penalty, which is 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

According to Florida state law, if you are pulled over on suspicion of drunk driving and are found to have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of at least 0.08% or higher, you are considered over the legal limit to drive, and you are going to be arrested for a DUI. However, when you are arrested for a DUI, even DUI manslaughter, you are still afforded certain constitutional rights that cannot be infringed upon, including your right to remain silent and your right to retain legal counsel.

Upon your arrest, you don’t have to speak to the police. You will likely be feeling scared, confused, angry, and possibly guilty. It is vital to your case that you speak only to your lawyer, whom you should call as soon as you are able to do so. The police may try to guilt or intimidate you into revealing something or admitting blame. Don’t forget that you are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Your lawyer can help you with a strong defense strategy.

Potential Defenses Against a DUI Manslaughter Case

When you are arrested for DUI manslaughter, mounting a successful defense may feel impossible. That may not be the case. An experienced DUI manslaughter lawyer can put together a strong defense strategy, such as:

• Dispute Causation: Any number of factors could have contributed to the death in question. It may not have been entirely your fault. External environmental factors like poor road conditions, bad weather, poor visibility, and more could have contributed to the situation.
• Challenge Evidence: There may be an overwhelming amount of evidence against you, or the evidence the prosecution has against you may be circumstantial at most. Your lawyer can heavily scrutinize that evidence and poke holes in the prosecution’s case. Witness statements may not be entirely reliable. The same could be said about accident reconstruction reports. A good lawyer can identify and probe for inconsistencies.
• Procedural Errors: If the police failed to follow proper procedure, which may very well be the case, those errors can be a great help to you. In order to move forward with your case, police have to follow the right protocol at the time of the arrest. This includes having probable cause to pull you over and reading you your rights. Your lawyer can question the entire arresting procedure, which may help your case.

FAQs

Q: What Is the Sentence for DUI Manslaughter in Florida?

A: The sentence you may receive for DUI manslaughter in Florida will depend entirely on the circumstances of your case and your lawyer’s defense strategy. Every DUI manslaughter case is different, and some may result in the court pushing for the maximum sentence, which is 15 years in prison and a fine of $10,000. Ultimately, it will depend on the exact nature of what happened in your case.

Q: How Much Is a DUI Lawyer in Florida?

A: There is no telling how much a DUI lawyer might cost you in Florida. Every DUI case has its own details and specifics that influence the outcome. Since every case is different, every lawyer’s fee is different as well. Your lawyer’s fee will depend largely on your lawyer’s availability, resources, and experience.

Q: Can a First-Offense DUI Be Dismissed in Florida?

A: Yes, it is possible for a first-offense DUI to be dismissed in Florida. It is never guaranteed, so you should still prepare a strong defense. It all depends on the details of your case. If the police failed to follow the proper procedure, if your constitutional rights were violated, or if there is no strong evidence against you, there is a chance your case could be dismissed outright.

Q: Should I Get a Lawyer for a DUI in Florida?

A: Yes, you absolutely should get a lawyer for a DUI in Florida. While you technically are not legally required to hire a lawyer for your case, choosing not to hire one at all could result in the total failure of your case. Having someone who understands the law and will provide you with consistent advice can only benefit you in the long run.

Reach Out to a DUI Manslaughter Lawyer Today

Dealing with the fallout of a DUI manslaughter case on your own can be incredibly overwhelming. You may not know how to handle the legalities involved, and you could make critical mistakes. It is vital that you contact an experienced DUI lawyer who can create a strategic plan to fight the charges against you.

The legal team at Ruhl Law, P.A., understands the kind of help you will need. We can build your case, gather evidence, and make sure your interests are protected throughout the process. Contact us to speak with a team member about your case today.