DUI-Defense News: Sentences for Fatal Crashes

Unless you spend time in the courtroom or keep up on all the local news, it’s easy to imagine that most DUI trials are similar to one another. For instance, if three people face DUI manslaughter charges in Florida, you might expect them to receive similar sentences.

This just isn’t the case. Of course, differences in each person’s specific situation contribute to the severity of the punishment, but DUI defense can also help. A strong defense can open the door to a plea deal or reduced charges, depending on the situation.

If police have arrested you for drinking and driving, it’s imperative that you speak with an experienced defense attorney as soon as possible. The faster you contact an attorney, the more time they will have to build your defense.

At the Law Offices of Michael M. Raheb, P.A., we are committed to protecting your rights and helping you work toward the best possible solution to your drinking-and-driving charges. Whether it’s your first DUI offense or your third, we will represent you to the best of our ability.

To learn more about our services, or to schedule a consultation with a Fort Myers DUI defense attorney, call us today at 866-949-0888.

3 Recent Drinking-and-Driving Cases Show the Variety of Possible Sentences

WCTV News reports that Tracy Garon pleaded guilty to DUI manslaughter after police arrested him in 2012. Police say that he failed to stop at a red light, striking two cars in the intersection.

Two people suffered serious injuries in the accident, and one of the other drivers, Charles A. Berry, died at the scene. When police arrived, they found Garon drinking a can of beer. A blood alcohol test revealed that his BAL was 0.24 percent.

His judge sentenced him to 17 years in jail and one year on probation.

Rebecca Ann Padowitz also received a sentence for DUI manslaughter last month. The Times reports that Padowitz, 24, rolled her vehicle, killing her passenger. She faced 15 years in prison for her crimes, and the court heard testimony from the victim’s mother and Padowitz’s family.

Padowitz pleaded for leniency with the judge so that she could be a part of her daughter’s life. In the end, the judge sentenced her to approximately 10 years in prison, followed by three years of probation.

Man Accepts Plea Deal in DUI Manslaughter Case

News-Press reports that William Reynaud Siddons appeared in court last month following a 2013 drunk-driving accident. Authorities say that Siddons was over the legal limit when he rear-ended a motorcyclist while travelling approximately 100 mph.

The motorcyclist died from his injuries. Police tested Siddons’ blood three hours after the crash, finding that his BAL was 0.116 percent. Siddons agreed to a plea deal, and his judge sentenced him to 6 years in jail, followed by a period of 108 months on probation.

If you’re facing a DUI charge, no matter how minor or major it is, we are available to discuss it with you. To ensure that everyone in the Fort Myers area has access to legal advice, we offer free initial consultations.

To speak with an experienced Fort Myers defense lawyer, call us today at 866-949-0888.