No matter how many public service announcements play on TV or on the radio, some people just won’t take drinking and driving seriously.
This weekend, a teenager lost his life while trying to stop his friend from driving while impaired. The friends were planning on driving back from a concert in West Palm Beach, FL, when the victim suspected that his friend was intoxicated and tried to stop him from driving away. He clung to the Mustang’s rear spoiler, but the driver didn’t stop. It’s unclear as to why the Mustang’s driver ignored his pal’s plea to stop the vehicle, or if he even knew his friend was holding onto the spoiler. The driver was speeding down the street when he suddenly hit a tree in a front yard, causing his friend to be thrown. The teen suffered severe head trauma and died at the hospital.
An investigation is underway into the teen’s death, while the Mustang remains in the custody of police and the drunk driver is under investigation. More facts about this tragic event will need to come out, but it can be said that the state of FL doesn’t go easy on a potential DUI Manslaughter case. DUI Manslaughter in FL is a second degree felony, which is punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. It would be smart for this driver to hire an attorney even before being charged. When you mix alcohol, cars, and a loss of life, an early investigation done by your defense attorney can mean the difference between reduced charges and spending most of your life in prison.
