Anyone who has ever been charged for driving under intoxication knows all too well how life-changing it can be. This sort of criminal accusation carries significant potential punishment, including hefty fines, jail time, license suspension and more. That’s why it’s important for those accused to have a thorough DUI defense strategy in place. One Florida man will likely have that need due to his recent court appearance in conjunction with his arrest for the death of a bicyclist earlier this year.
Officials say that the accused man was driving his SUV on an afternoon in the spring when the collision occurred. The man allegedly swerved his vehicle into the bike lane on the right side of the road. Police say a cyclist riding lawfully in that lane was hit and killed. They also say that the man did not remain at the scene or take any action to help the victim. A police officer reported that he later saw the man driving abnormally and pulled him over.
The man allegedly confessed to drinking alcohol earlier that day, and his blood alcohol was reported at .13 — higher than the law allows. Police claimed that the man smelled like alcohol when he was taken into custody. He has since been charged with DUI manslaughter, failure to stop at an accident involving death and driving with a suspended license.
Though the charges in this particular case are serious, the man has a legal right to having his day in court. Those accused of a DUI have legal options of which they may be unaware. Anyone in need of DUI defense here in Florida may wish to consult an attorney with extensive criminal defense experience.