A Boca Raton man was arrested and locked up in a Florida jail on a recent Friday morning. He faces a DUI manslaughter charge, following an accident that caused the death of a 36-year-old man from Sanford. According to court documents, the fatal car accident occurred shortly before 1:30 a.m. on the main campus of the University of Central Florida.
The accident report indicates that the defendant was eastbound in the center lane of University Boulevard when he smashed into the rear of an SUV. The impact of the crash was severe enough to cause the SUV to flip over. The 36-year-old driver of the SUV succumbed to his injuries and died at the accident scene.
The defendant was transported to the hospital for treatment of minor injuries. Troopers who arrived at the hospital later claim the defendant smelled of alcohol and had bloodshot and glassy eyes. It is further alleged that he refused to have his blood drawn for blood alcohol level tests. They also claim that the driver was obnoxious, laughing and interrupting the troopers as his Miranda rights were read.
Most Florida drivers who face DUI manslaughter charges retain the services of an experienced criminal defense attorney to protect their rights. In this case, a conviction could send the 22-year-old man to jail for 15 years. The fact that this defendant reportedly regarded the entire situation as a joke might count against him, and having a skillful attorney in his corner might be crucial. Legal counsel can examine the procedures followed by the troopers during the arrest; any irregularities can be addressed in court and possibly benefit his case.
