DUI Manslaughter Sentencing in Florida

September 4, 2018 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Drunk Driving/DUI dui manslaughter florida, dui manslaughter sentencing florida Social Share

If you or someone you know has been charged with Florida DUI Manslaughter, the most important thing to do is to contact a law firm that is prepared to handle your case and protect your rights. The information contained in this article outlines the way sentencing guidelines in Florida dictate possible sentences if found guilty. The best option of sentences is, of course, to receive a not guilty verdict or have the case dismissed. Our attorneys are prepared to fight has hard as possible to achieve one of these results. Individual facts and circumstances can greatly affect the possible sentence if found guilty, but at that stage it is more important than ever to have an experienced DUI Manslaughter attorney on your side to make sure all potential avenues are exhausted to achieve the lightest possible sentence. If you would like to discuss your case with a qualified criminal defense attorney in Florida, feel free to contact our office any time at 850/681-7777 to set a free consultation with one of our experienced attorneys.

A conviction for DUI manslaughter carries with it a minimum sentence of four years, in accordance with Florida Statutes 316.193(3). Actual sentences vary quite a bit however. A study done by the Miami Herald showed that the average around the state is approximately 10 years. This varies widely however, as factors such as alcohol percentage, number of victims, criminal past, and specific facts can change the decision of the judge. That’s the most important fact to consider though, the judge has the ultimate say on how much time to sentence a defendant once the guilty verdict has been rendered. This highlights the importance for those accused of making sure a qualified attorney is able to represent their best interests.

Sentences can vary widely from the minimum sentence of four years. In June, James Sherley Marcelin was sentenced to forty years in prison as his family watched. Generally a conviction carries only 15 years as a maximum, but in Marcelin’s case the judge was able to enhance that based on past transgressions, and add years for those injured but not killed. Similarly, the Orlando Sentinel reported in May of last year that a sixty six year old man, Terry Dinkins was sentenced to 30 years in prison for the death of two women in Casselberry. These are not unusual sentences, for a crime that is emotionally charged and often has family of the victims involved in the cases and asking for steeper sentences.

There is a lot a qualified attorney can do to help in a case such as this, but if you have not been arrested or charge with any crimes, the absolute best way to avoid punishment is to avoid drinking and driving. With the advent of Uber and Lyft it has never been easier to drink and avoid driving. No matter what though, if you or someone you know has been charged with any crime, including DUI Manslaughter it is imperative to find an attorney to protect your rights. It is especially important to find an attorney that is experienced defending DUI Manslaughter cases such as yours, who will fight for your rights, and do as much as possible to win. Our attorneys are prepared to fight this fight, for your rights. If you would like to discuss your case with a qualified criminal defense attorney in Florida, feel free to contact our office any time at 850/681-7777 to set a free consultation with one of our experienced attorneys. If you have previously been charged in a DUI and wish to expunge or seal your record, call our office today to discuss DUI Expungement in Florida.

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