Jacksonville Criminal Defense Lawyer Blog
In September 5, 2009, in Atlantic Beach Florida, a Bicyclist was seriously injured after being involved in an accident with an SUV. Yesterday, the driver of the SUV, William Adams, was charged with Driving on a Suspended License and Driving Under the Influence in Jacksonville, Florida.
Due to the injury involved in this case, Adams was likely charged with Driving Under the Influence Resulting Serious in Bodily Injury. In Jacksonville Florida, DUI with serious bodily injury is a third-degree felony. As such, it is punishable by up to five years in prison. Additionally, this type of DUI will score Florida prison guidelines, so Adams is looking at a minimum prison sentence, unless his Jacksonville DUI lawyer can mitigate this.
Another issue that should concern Adams, or anyone else charged with Jacksonville DUI with serious bodily injury, is the fact that serious bodily injury may turn into death. If the bicyclist were to die due to the injuries inflicted from the accident, Adams will be charged with DUI manslaughter. Jacksonville DUI manslaughter is normally a second degree felony, unless the defendant knowingly failed to render aid or give necessary information. In that case, it is a first-degree felony. As such, the penalties increase. Either way, a Jacksonville DUI charge of this nature requires immediate attention.