Manslaughter
Drunk driving episodes that result in death can have lifelong consequences for the driver. Drinking and driving incidents that result in death are almost always charged as felonies, and the driver may be sent to prison. DUI / DWI-related deaths can result in one of three charges – second-degree murder, vehicular homicide, or manslaughter.
Prosecutors file manslaughter charges when they believe they can prove that the driver killed another person without intent, but with the knowledge that his or her actions were likely to end in death. This is also defined as criminal negligence. Obviously, intoxicated drivers don’t set out with the intention to cause death; but the prosecutor will argue that the driver knew that his or actions were dangerous – especially if the driver has been convicted of DUI / DWI in the past.
A strong manslaughter defense begins with thoroughly investigating the accident from a defense perspective. Police and prosecutors aggressively search for evidence that points to the defendant’s guilt, so it’s critical to have a defense investigator analyze the facts on the driver’s behalf. An experienced defense attorney from www.NotDrunk.com will use independent experts to reconstruct the accident and uncover information that aids the defense.
A skilled defense expert will also investigate the facts of the underlying DUI / DWI charge, including chemical tests of the driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC). Chemical tests are typically given hours after an accident, and the driver’s BAC may have been inflated if his or her body continued to absorb alcohol after the crash. An independent forensic expert will attempt to prove that the driver’s BAC was below the legal limit while behind the wheel.
A manslaughter charge in connection with a DUI / DWI-related death can have life-changing consequences, so it’s critical to have a top defense attorney protecting the driver’s rights. A knowledgeable DUI / DWI lawyer from www.NotDrunk.com will use a proven defense strategy to keep repercussions to a minimum.